Application and Eligibility
Students can apply for a minor in medieval studies as early as spring of their sophomore year. First years who are interested in the program, should reach out to Program Manager Anna D’Elia to be added to our mailing lists. Seniors may apply, with permission of the director.
ApplyRequirements
We offer students two pathways to the minor degree.
Model 1: 5 courses including the introductory course (MED 227 or equivalent) and a 400-level course in which students write a substantive final paper.
Model 2: 4 courses including the introductory course (MED 227 or equivalent) and substantial independent work (see below).
Coursework:
- 200-level Introductory Class. MED HUM HIS HLS 227 (Worlds of the Middle Ages) is the introductory course for the minor. Students may consult the director for comparably broad introductory course offerings that may be taken instead (e.g., HUM216–217, HIS210, ART228). Students are encouraged to complete their introductory class as early as possible in their course of study.
- At least three additional courses on a medieval topic, taught by faculty in varied departments. Students’ coursework should cultivate geographic and cultural range. For courses on medieval topics from East Asia to Iceland, please see the current list of courses.
- Elective courses (3 or 4 courses) must be housed in at least three different departments. Cross-listed courses are counted according to the first department code (e.g., ART 316/CLA 213 counts as Art & Archaeology, not as Classics).
- In lieu of independent work presented in the senior year, students may complete a fifth course at 400-level or above, and present a substantial final project from their coursework during the senior thesis colloquium. Students taking this option should consult with the Director to plan for their Colloquium contribution.
*Note: For the Class of 2026 and the Class of 2027, the introductory course counts towards the departmental distribution requirement. Starting with the Class of 2028, the introductory course is separate from the distribution requirement.
Normally, students may count at most two courses taken for the minor toward their major. Students with unusual circumstances should speak with the program director about how best to fulfill their minor requirements.
Independent Work:
One larger final project on a relevant topic completed in the senior year, amounting to the equivalent of one thesis chapter or more. Project forms include: a departmental senior thesis, a substantive data-based project on primary sources and materials, internships that require intensive work with primary sources, or expanding on final projects from lower-level courses. Please discuss the range of possibilities (and Princeton’s own opportunities) with the director. These projects, activities, experiences and expertise will be regularly presented and discussed during the senior thesis colloquium.
Senior Thesis Colloquium:
During the senior year, minor students will meet regularly with the Director to discuss their work in progress. On average, these meetings are scheduled for several times in the fall and more regularly in the spring.
Language Courses:
Students are encouraged to study an appropriate source language in the department of their choice. Two semesters of a relevant medieval source language at the 100-level, or one medieval source language course at the 200-level or above, will count as one course towards the minor. Relevant languages include Latin, Classical Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, Classical Chinese, Classical Japanese, and Persian; for other relevant languages, including possible graduate courses, students should consult with the Director.
Study Abroad:
One course requirement may be fulfilled through an approved class taken as part of a Study Abroad program. Potential Study Abroad courses must be submitted to the Program Director for prior approval to count toward the Minor. Course slates that include Study Abroad classes are subject to the same requirements for disciplinary breadth as those taken entirely at Princeton.
Entering the Program
If you are thinking about obtaining the minor degree upon graduation, see the Director, even in your first year and even if your general plan of study tends more toward the sciences than the humanities. When you select your departmental major in the spring of your sophomore year, you can complete the minor application form.
Students are welcome to join events, workshops, opportunities and offerings before their junior year, particularly those offered by the Junior Academy of the Program in Medieval Studies (such as coffee-hours, excursions, introductory seminars by the faculty, colloquia, film screenings, and group or individual visits to Special collections, Index of Medieval Art, or the Princeton Museum). To be added to the mailing list, contact Anna D’Elia.
