The College of St. Scholastica

Minor in Medieval and Renaissance Studies

The Medieval and Renaissance periods of western history ushered in vibrant cultural, social, and historical changes. Indeed, we owe much to our Medieval and Renaissance past, including the ideas of the university and constitutional government, as well as a rich storehouse of literature, art, architecture, and music. These periods, for example, saw the rise and flourishing of European languages and literature, the recovery and further development of the art and science of architecture, the development of polyphony in music, the beginnings of modern science, and the production of rich sculptures, frescoes, paintings, and manuscript illuminations. A modern-day visit to many European cities and towns reveals the continuing richness of Medieval and Renaissance contributions to western culture, as do similar visits to neo-Romanesque, neo-Gothic, and Tudor structures in many American cities.

Because the idea of the Middle Ages was, in part, a construct of Renaissance humanists, who in turn helped prepare Europe for the modern period, study of these two periods in western culture is fruitfully combined in St. Scholastica's Medieval and Renaissance Studies Minor. Whatever your reason for considering this minor, you will be encouraged to develop an informed interest in the Medieval and Renaissance periods - an interest that will enrich you throughout your life.

Drawing on the College's Benedictine heritage, the resources of the Center for Early Music, and the expertise of faculty from numerous other disciplines, the minor also is by nature interdisciplinary. The program encompasses 20 credits from a range of disciplines, including History, Philosophy, Physical Science, Languages and Literature, Economics, Music, Art, and Religious Studies.

Core courses establish a foundation for study of Medieval and Renaissance thought and cultures; elective courses provide opportunities to pursue particular areas of interest.

With careful planning, you can combine and integrate course work in the general education program to develop an interdisciplinary focus in Medieval and Renaissance studies.

Core Courses -- 8 credits

HIS 2212 Medieval Europe (4 cr.)
- OR -
HIS/RES 3304 Renaissance and Reformation (4 cr.)
HUM 4444 Seminar: Medieval and Renaissance Studies (4 cr.)

Elective courses -- 12 credits

CTA/ENG 3330 Theatre: Greek-Elizabethan(4 cr.)
ECN 3322 Medieval European Economic History (4 cr.)
*HIS 2212 Medieval Europe (4 cr.)
HIS 3303 History of Great Britain (4 cr.)
*HIS/RES 3304 Renaissance and Reformation (4 cr.)
ENG 1140 World Literature: Renaissance and Pre-modern (4 cr.)
ENG 3320 British Literature I (4 cr.)
ENG 4400 Shakespeare I (4 cr.)
ENG 4401 Shakespeare II (4 cr.)
ENG 4410 Individual Author: Chaucer (4 cr.)
**LTN 1103 Latin III (2 cr.)
**LTN 1104 Latin IV (2 cr.)
MUS 3310 History of Medieval and Renaissance Music (4 cr.)
PHL 3302 History of Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (4 cr.)
PSC 4150 Science and Culture (4 cr.)
TRS 1110 Introduction to Catholicism (4 cr.)
TRS 1180 The Benedictine Tradition (4 cr.)
TRS3240 Sacraments and Liturgy (4 cr.)
HUM 4440 Women Mystics (4 cr.)
SPN 3601 Civilization: Spain (2 cr.)

*HIS 2212/HIS 3304: once the student has elected either HIS 2212 or HIS 3304 or the core requirements, he or she may elect the other as partial fulfillment of the elective requirements.

** LTN 1103/1104 - A student may elect to include up to four credits of Latin, two of which must be LTN 1104


For Further Information

If you would like more information about our program or financial aid contact:

Admissions Office
The College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Avenue
Duluth, Minnesota 55811
(218) 723-6046 or 1-800-447-5444
TTY/TDD (218) 723-6790
e-mail: admissions@css.edu