The interdisciplinary Ph.D. emphasis in Medieval Studies is designed primarily for PhD candidates specializing in European and Mediterranean cultures (roughly 500-1500), although students focusing on other medieval cultures may also participate if they fulfill the requirements; it has been developed primarily for Ph.D. candidates whose dissertations focus to a substantial degree on some aspect of medieval European or Mediterranean culture. The faculty in the Medieval Studies Program firmly believe that while our graduate students should continue to pursue degrees within traditional disciplines, the emphasis will enhance their prospects for academic positions by affirming that they have analyzed medieval society from a multidisciplinary perspective, that they have approached its society and culture through original sources in more than one language, and that they have received formal training in technical skills that are necessary for research with archival or manuscript materials.
Course Requirements, Present and Proposed Courses
Students pursuing the Graduate Emphasis in Medieval Studies must receive at least a B in the following courses (or in equivalent courses taken at other institutions). Required courses add up to a total of 22 units:
- Medieval Latin (Latin 103, 4 units)
- One course (4 units) in vernacular, western European or Middle Eastern medieval language:
- English 205A
- English 205B
- English 205C
- English 230
- French 227AA-ZZ
- Spanish 222A
- Spanish 222B
- Portuguese 205A,
- Religious Studies148A
- Religious Studies 148B
- Religious Studies 148C
- Religious Studies 210
- One of the following 4-unit courses, or an appropriate equivalent from another institutions, in medieval Paleography and/or Diplomatics:
- Medieval Studies 201
- History 215S, 215T [these two courses have been taught in the past but are not currently offered by the history department]
- Medieval Studies 200A-B-C (this is a year long, 2-unit course; students must enroll for all three quarters). Students must enroll in 3 consecutive quarters. They may enroll in the course more than once
8 additional units in graduate courses on medieval topics.
Dissertation Requirements
Students petitioning to participate in the emphasis must be writing dissertations which focus on topics considered appropriate to the European Medieval Studies Emphasis. Students may choose to write on contiguous or comparative topics as well (for instance, on themes relating to late antiquity and the European middle ages; or to medieval and early modern Europe), but at least one half of the dissertation should treat some aspect of medieval European and Mediterranean society.