Fall 2015 Medieval Studies Courses
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (incl. 400-level)
Graduate Seminar Descriptions
Medieval Studies Major & Minor Requirements
Medieval Studies Graduate Concentration Requirements
Note: For Cross-listed courses the CRN is that for MDVL; the CRN for
other Departments will differ
I. Undergraduate Courses
MDVL 201 Medieval Literature and Culture
credit: 3 hours. Same as CWL 253 and ENGL 202. See ENGL 202.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for a: UIUC: Literature and the Arts
UIUC: Western Compartv Cult
33892 Lecture- Discussion E 01:00 PM – 01:50 PM MWF 119 – English Building
Instructor: R. Barrett
This course introduces students to the cultural diversity of the global Middle
Ages by focusing on narratives of travel and mobility. Some of these journeys
cross historical landscapes: a Castilian mercenary sells his sword to the courts
of Muslim Spain, a Chinese poet drinks his way up and down the Yangtze
River, a Japanese concubine takes up the itinerant life of a Buddhist nun upon
leaving the imperial court, and an English housewife goes on pilgrimage just
about everywhere. Others traverse imaginary terrain: an Irish abbot and his
monks set sail for the Isle of the Blessed, a flock of Persian birds cross seven
mystical valleys to find their king, a grim outlaw fightstrolls and zombies in the
wilds of Iceland, a Florentine poet burns away his sins by climbing Mount
Purgatory, and knights errant wander the forests of Arthurian legend on neverending quests. All of these travel narratives share an interest in encountering
the alien (barbarians, foreigners, monsters, prodigies, heretics, etc.) as well as a
realization of travel's potential for self-discovery--or self-alienation. Texts will
be read in Modern English translations; assignments will include short reading
responses, longer interpretative essays, and a pair of exams.
RLST 214 Introduction to Islam
credit: 3 hours.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for a: UIUC: Non-Western Cultures
UIUC: Hist&Philosoph Perspect
31023 Lecture A1 09:00 AM – 09:50 AM MWF
History of Islamic thought from the time of Muhammad to the present,
including the prophethood of Muhammad, the Qur'an, theology and law,
mysticism and philosophy, sectarian movements, modernism and legal reform,
and contemporary resurgence. Same as SAME 214. Credit is not given for both
RLST 213 and RLST 214.
LA 218 South Asian Cultural Landscapes
credit: 3 hours.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for a: UIUC: Non-Western Cultures
UIUC: Literature and the Arts
33256 Lecture- Discussion A 11:00 AM – 12:20 PM TR
Instructor: A. Sinha
Survey of Hindu, Buddist, and Islamic landscapes of South Asia. Examines
urban structures, building typologies, and open space types through history as
influenced by concepts of the natural, sacred, political, and social. Same as
ASST 218.
HIST 220 Traditional China
credit: 3 hours.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for a: UIUC: Non-Western Cultures
UIUC: Hist&Philosoph Perspect
49157 Lecture A 11:00 AM - 12:20 PM TR 384 - Armory
Instructor: K. Chow
Historical background to the modern age, tracing the Chinese state and empire
from the earliest times until 1644 A.D. Basic political, social, and economic
patterns; cultural, intellectual, and technological achievements; and China's
impact on Asia and the world. Same as EALC 220.
RLST 223 The Qur'an (Koran)
credit: 3 hours.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for a: UIUC: Non-Western Cultures
UIUC: Literature and the Arts
58924 Lecture- Discussion A 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM MWF 326 - David Kinley Hall
Introduction to the Qur'an (Koran), the holy scripture of Islam, examining its
major doctrines, thematic development, literary style, and its relationship to
pre-Qur'anic, especially Biblical, traditions. Special attention is given to various
methods Muslims have used to interpret the Qur'an. Same as CWL 223, SAME
223. Prerequisite: RLST 213 or RLST 214.
HIST 226 Premodern Japanese History
credit: 3 hours.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for a: UIUC: Non-Western Cultures
UIUC: Hist&Philosoph Perspect
34329 Lecture- Discussion A 02:00 PM - 03:20 PM TR 1065 - Lincoln Hall
Instructor: R. Toby
Introduction to the history of the Japanese people, their social and cultural
systems, politics, and economy, from the earliest times to the sixteenth century.
Same as EALC 226.
MDVL 240 Italy in the Middle Ages & Renaissance
credit: 3 hours. Same as CWL 240 and ITAL 240. See ITAL 240.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for a: UIUC: Literature and the Arts
53946 Lecture- Discussion E 12:30 PM - 01:50 PM TR G46 - Foreign Languages Building
Instructor: E. Rota
Nobles, Merchants and Poets from the dawn of the Middle Ages to the
Renaissance. Discover the world that inspires fairy tales. In English.
MDVL 251 Viking Mythology
credit: 3 hours. Same as CWL 251, RLST 251, and SCAN 251. See SCAN 251.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for a: UIUC: Hist&Philosoph Perspect
UIUC: Western Compartv Cult
58535 Lecture AL1 03:00 PM - 03:50 PM MW 1000 - Lincoln Hall
Instructor: B. Malekin
In this course we will read a variety of texts dating back to the Roman period
but primarily from the centuries during and immediately after the Viking
Period. Students will become familiar with the major gods and goddesses, other
mythological beings, rituals, and texts as well as getting an overview of the
archaeological and anthropological contributions to the understanding of preChristian religion in Pagan Northern Europe. In the final part of the semester
we will look at reflections of Viking Mythology in everything from 19th century
opera to 20th century Warner Bros Cartoons and will also treat Neopaganism
and the “Revival” of Germanic Religion. Students will purchase translations of
several of the most important Icelandic texts on Viking Age Religion and will
also read materials that are available for free online.
MDVL 255 The British Isles to 1688
credit: 3 hours. Same as HIST 255. See HIST 255.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for a: UIUC: Hist&Philosoph Perspect
UIUC: Western Compartv Cult
34352 Lecture- Discussion A 11:00 AM - 12:20 PM TR 307 - Gregory Hall
Instructor: D. Rabin
EALC 275 Masterpieces of East Asian Literature
credit: 3 hours.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for a: UIUC: Non-Western Cultures
UIUC: Literature and the Arts
47209 Lecture AL1 12:00 PM - 12:50 PM MW 101 - Armory
Study of major works in the literary traditions of China and Japan, including
haiku, noh, Tale of Genji, kabuki, Tang poetry, Ming theater, and the colloquial
tale. Same as CWL 275. No knowledge of Chinese or Japanese language
required.
ANTH 277 Ancient Cities, Sacred Land
credit: 3 hours.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for a: UIUC Social Sciences
UIUC: Western Compartv Cult
46541 Lecture- Discussion 1 01:00 PM - 02:20 PM MW
Examines urban development from its origins to the present day. Among the
concepts covered are urbanism, urbanization, ceremonial centers and
ceremonial cities, the city as a system, the spatial and economic organization of
cities, and the built environment (sacred landscapes, vernacular architecture,
places of power). Small field project is conducted in Champaign-Urbana.
CWL 311 Japanese Literature in Translation I
credit: 3 hours. Same as EALC 305. See EALC 305.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for a: UIUC: Literature and the Arts
UIUC: Non-Western Cultures
42772 Lecture- Discussion C 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM MWF 108 - English Building
Instructor: E. Oyler
CWL 395 Special Topics Comp Lit I: Muslims, Christians, and
Jews in Medieval Iberia
credit: 3 hours.
Presentation and discussion of subjects relating literature to other disciplines; topic varies.
May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours.
meets with SP 395
64635 Lecture- Discussion EC 02:00 PM - 03:20 PM TR 1062 - Lincoln Hall
Instructor: V. Hoffman
This course will explore cultural relations between Muslims, Christians, and
Jews in medieval Iberia (today’s Spain and Portugal). In order to understand
the complex nature of interfaith life in medieval Iberia, we will study a diverse
array of sources from Arabic, Hebrew, Latin, Castilian, and Catalan literature
and historiography. All readings will be taught in English translation. At the
end of the semester, we will briefly examine how the history of medieval Iberia
has become a framework for understanding Muslim-Christian relations in
contemporary Europe.
RLST 415 Introductory Readings of the Talmud
credit: 3 hours.
64662 Lecture- Discussion DYW 12:30 PM - 01:50 PM TR
Instructor: D. Weiss
The Talmud, produced in Babylonia around the seventh c. CE, is one of the
most important works of Jewish literature. For the last millennium, Talmud
study has been a central part of Jewish religious and cultural practice. This
course will explain the Talmud’s import and durability within Jewish culture
while introducing students to the rigors of legal analysis that lie at the heart of
most talmudic passages. The course is ideal for those interested in religion, law,
logic games and questions of textual interpretation. The course will study the
Talmud entirely in English translation.
ENGL 407 Introduction to Old English
credit: 3 OR 4 hours.
49440 Lecture- Discussion 1G 12:30 PM - 01:45 PM TR 136 - Davenport Hall
Instructor: C. Wright
this pure contemplation / of a language of the dawn
--Jorge Luis Borges, “On Embarking on the Study of the Anglo-Saxon Language”
In this course you will learn to read Old English prose and poetry in the original
language, which was spoken by the Anglo-Saxon inhabitants of England from the
sixth through eleventh centuries. This was the native language of Caedmon, who
wrote the earliest surviving English poem (“Cædmon's Hymn”); of King Alfred, who
prevented the Vikings from conquering England, and who then undertook a revival
of learning by translating into English “those books which it is most necessary for all
to know”; of the anonymous author of Beowulf, who memorialized a Germanic hero’s
battles with a man-eating monster, his vengeful mother (the monster’s, that is), and a
dragon; and of abbot Ælfric and archbishop Wulfstan, who preached in English for
those who could not understand Latin, the official language of the medieval church.
We will begin with some easy prose readings (the story of Adam and Eve from
Genesis, and a school dialogue about Anglo-Saxon “career choices”), and as you
gradually master the basics of Old English grammar we will work our way up to more
literary narrative prose such as Bede’s story of Cædmon’s miraculous transformation
from cowherd to poet; King Alfred’s manifesto on education reform; and Ælfric’s
story of the martyrdom of King Edmund, slain by Vikings invaders (featuring
Edmund's decapitated talking head). Then in the second half of the semester we will
read some of the finest shorter Old English poems, including The Wanderer and The
Seafarer, two elegiac poems of exile; The Battle of Maldon, recounting the heroic defeat
of an English army by the Vikings; The Dream of the Rood, a mystical vision of the
Crucifixion, as told by the Cross; and The Wife’s Lament, about a woman abandoned
by her former lover. Along the way we will learn about aspects of Anglo-Saxon
history, culture, and art.
MDVL 414 Petrarch & Boccaccio
credit: 3 OR 4 hours.
Same as CWL 414 and ITAL 414. See ITAL 414.
39453 Lecture- Discussion D 11:00 AM - 12:20 PM MW 1022 - Foreign Languages Building
Instructor: E. Stoppino
This course explores Boccaccio’s collection of tales, called Decameron, following
the adventures of star-crossed lovers and inveterate sinners, ambitious
merchants and licentious priests, cunning wives and clueless travelers. Through
the Decameron, we will understand a crucial moment of world history, the
European Middle Ages and, within it, the Mediterranean culture of circulation
and contacts.
Readings and discussions in English (with dedicated readings and discussions in
Italian for graduate students, majors and anyone interested).
ARTH 432 Sixteenth-Century Italian Art
credit: 3 OR 4 hours.
Painting, sculpture, and architecture in Italy from 1500 to 1580. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 or
4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor.
64655 Lecture- Discussion GR 10:30 AM - 11:50 AM MW 224 - Art and Design Building
Instructor: A. Marina
This period survey will examine the oeuvres of renowned “High Renaissance”
masters such as Michelangelo, Bramante, Raphael, and Palladio. Though it will
focus on the cities of Rome, Venice, and Florence, it will also address cultural
exchange between artists, patrons, and audiences in these capitals and the world
beyond.
MDVL 440 Early Christian Thought
credit: 3 OR 4 hours.
Same as RLST 440. See RLST 440. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 or 4 graduate hours.
Prerequisite: RLST 121 or RLST 202, or consent of instructor.
55887 Lecture- Discussion U3, G4 01:00 PM - 01:50 PM MWF
Study of major developments in early Christian thought (first four centuries)
through discussion of primary texts in translation.
MDVL 443 The Byzantine Empire AD 284-717
credit: 3 OR 4 hours.
Same as HIST 443. See HIST 443.
46628 Lecture- Discussion U3, G4 12:30 PM - 01:50 PM TR 315 - Gregory Hall
Instructor: R. Mathisen
The course will examine the political, social, economic, military, institutional,
religious and cultural development of the Early Byzantine Empire focusing on
the reigns of Diocletian (AD 284-305) through the Heraclian Dynasty (AD
610-717).
ANTH 449 North American Archeology
credit: 3 OR 4 hours.
40279 Lecture 1G 09:00 AM - 11:50 AM M 209A - Davenport Hall
Methods, techniques, and results of archaeology in North America; focuses on
divergent approaches to the regional archaeology of North America; and
surveys and synthesizes the archaeology of the subcontinent. 3 undergraduate
hours. 3 or 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite: ANTH 220 or consent of instructor.
ANTH 459 The Ancient Maya
credit: 3 hours.
55593 Lecture- Discussion 1 09:00 AM - 11:50 AM W
Instructor: L. Lucero
Introduction to the Ancient Maya of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and
Honduras. Evaluates theories that account for the rise and fall of Classic (c.
A.D. 250-950) Maya rulership. Excavation data, inconography, and inscriptions
are used to reconstruct political and social organization, ideology, subsistence
activities, and inter-regional interactions. 3 undergraduate hours. 3 graduate
hours. Prerequisite: ANTH 105.
RLST 482 Muslim-Christian Interactions
credit: 3 OR 4 hours.
64857 Lecture A3 03:30 PM - 04:50 PM TR
Instructor: V. Hoffman
This course explores the complexity of Muslim-Christian interactions since
early Islam, focusing on mutual perceptions, intellectual exchanges in theology
and philosophy, debates and polemics in the medieval period, and moving into
the modern period with a look at interfaith dialogue, Muslim communities in
the West, Christian minorities in the Muslim world, and the variable
relationship of religion to culture in the modern West and the Muslim world.
II. Graduate Seminars
MDVL 522 Studies in Medieval Art
credit: 4 hours.
Same as ARTH 522. See ARTH 522.
47565 Conference AM 02:00 PM - 04:50 PM W 15 - Art and Design Building
Instructor: A. Marina
The subject will be the visual culture of the cult of the Christian saints in the
medieval West, from tiny pilgrims’ badges to the transformation of the
European landscape in response to pilgrimage.
ENGL 578 Seminar in Literature & Other Disciplines:
Medieval Paleography
credit: 4 hours.
60133 Lecture- Discussion G 03:00 PM - 04:50 PM M
Instructor: C. Wright
The course will cover the major European scripts from Late Antiquity through the
Middle Ages, focusing on Latin scripts (from Roman cursive to Gothic), but also
including major vernacular scripts (all of which were based on Latin scripts). In
addition to learning the history and development of the scripts themselves, we will
learn about medieval scribal practices such as abbreviation, punctuation, and mise-enpage (layout), as well as the fundamentals of codicology from the preparation of
parchment to the construction of manuscript books (including how to collate a
manuscript). A basic reading knowledge of Latin is required, but students whose
focus is on a particular medieval vernacular literature can write seminar papers on
those vernacular scripts or manuscripts. We will work with facsimiles but will also
conduct some meetings in the Rare Book Room and work with actual manuscripts in
our collections. We will also read classic essays on medieval palaeography and
manuscript studies. Each student will give a seminar report on one particular script
(Latin or vernacular), complete exercises (transcriptions, etc.) throughout the
semester, and write a seminar paper (on a script, a scribal practice or codicological
topic, or on a particular scribe, manuscript, or group of manuscripts).
III. Major in Medieval Studies
The Interdisciplinary Concentration in Medieval Studies introduces students to medieval (ca. 500- ca. 1500
CE) cultures across the world, providing them with an understanding of periods and movements,
institutions, material culture, ideas, beliefs, and values of the diverse cultures that comprise the medieval
globe. The coursework spans both geographic regions and disciplines to introduce students to the breadth
of medieval cultures as well as to the diversity of methods and perspectives for their study.
The concentration includes a minimum of 45 hours, divided into (I) an introductory course in global
medieval literatures and cultures; (II) geographical distribution coursework as specified below; (III)
advanced medieval coursework selected by the student in consultation with a Medieval Studies faculty
advisor; and (IV) a capstone experience involving an intensive writing and research project. Because
Medieval Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study, students are urged to consult with a Medieval Studies
faculty advisor to ensure that they take a diverse range of courses providing some exposure to the fields of
History and Anthropology; Literature; the Arts; and Philosophy or Religion. Although study of medieval
languages is not a requirement, students who intend to pursue graduate study in Medieval Studies should
complete at least two courses in an appropriate language; up to twelve hours of appropriate language study
can be applied to the Additional Medieval Studies Coursework.
Hours
3
Requirement
Introduction to Medieval Studies1
18
ENGL 202- Medieval Lit and Culture (same as MDVL 201)
Geographical Distribution Coursework2
6 hours- Medieval Europe- Two courses chosen from the following:
ARTH111/MDVL 111
ARTH 222/ MDVL 222
ARTH 231/MDVL 231
ITAL 240/MDVL 240
HIST 245/MDVL 245
HIST 247/MDVL 247
SCAN 251/MDVL 251
SCAN 252/MDVL 252
HIST 255/MDVL 255
ARCH 412/MDVL 412
Ancient to Medieval Art
Medieval Art
Northern Renaissance Art
Italy Middle Ages & Renaiss
Women & Gender in Pre-Mod Europe
Medieval Europe
Viking Mythology
Viking Sagas in Translation
British Isles to 1688
Medieval Architecture
6 hours- Classical and medieval East Asia- Two courses chosen from the
following:
HIST 220
HIST 226
EALC 240
EALC 275
RLST 287
Traditional China
Pre-modern Japanese History
Chinese Civilization
Masterpieces of East Asian Lit
Introduction to Buddhism
6 hours- Medieval Central Asia, South Asia, or the Middle East- Two courses
chosen from the following:
HIST 130
History of South Asia
HIST 135
History of Islamic Middle East
LA 218 S Asian Cultural Landscapes
LA 222
Islamic Gardens and Architecture
RLST 213
Intro to Islam (ACP)
RLST 214
Introduction to Islam
RLST 223
Qur’an Structure and Exegesis
RLST 260
Mystics and Saints in Islam
RLST 283
Jewish Sacred Literature
CWL 208
Lits & Cultures of South Asia
21
Additional Medieval Studies Coursework
3
Medieval-related coursework from participating departments selected in
consultation with the concentration advisor. At least 12 hours must be at the 300or 400-level. A list of courses in Medieval Studies is maintained on the Medieval
Studies Program website <http://www.medieval.illinois.edu>. Up to 12 hours of
appropriate language study can be applied to meet this requirement with approval
of aMedieval Studies faculty advisor.
Capstone Experience
A capstone experience (normally in the student’s senior year) involving intensive
interdisciplinary research and writing on a medieval topic. Any 400-level MDVL
course (or medieval-related course not cross-listed with MDVL, with the approval
of a Medieval Studies faculty advisor) can be designated as a capstone experience
with approval of the instructor. For the course to qualify as a capstone
experience, the student must undertake a substantial research project that
supplements the standard course requirements, in the form either of an additional
project or of a longer and more research-intensive version of an existing course
project. The project must involve both primary and secondary research using
advanced disciplinary methodologies and resources.
45
Total Hours
1. A student may substitute the “Medieval World” section of HIST 100, Global History, by petition to
a Medieval Studies faculty advisor. Only the section of HIST 100 devoted to the Middle Ages may
be substituted.
2. A student may substitute up to 6 hours in geographical distribution coursework with courses on the
medieval civilizations of the Americas: ANTH 277-Ancient Cities, Sacred Land, ANTH 278Climate Change & Civilization, or both. However, at least one course must still be taken from each
of the three regional areas.
A Major Plan of Study Form must be completed and submitted to the LAS Student Academic Affairs
Office before the end of the fifth semester (60-75 hours). For further information contact the Director of
Medieval Studies, Prof. Charles D. Wright cdwright@illinois.edu
Minor in Medieval Studies
This interdisciplinary Minor in Medieval Studies introduces students to medieval (ca. 500- ca. 1500 CE)
cultures across the world, providing them with an understanding of periods and movements, institutions,
material culture, ideas, beliefs, and values of the diverse cultures that comprise the medieval globe. The
coursework spans both geographical regions and disciplines to introduce students to the breadth of
medieval cultures as well as to the diversity of methods and perspectives for their study.
The minor includes a minimum of 21 hours, divided into (I) an introductory course in global medieval
literatures and cultures; (II) geographical distribution coursework as specified below; and (III) advanced
medieval coursework selected by the student in consultation with a faculty advisor. 3 hours of appropriate
language study can be applied to the Additional Medieval Studies Coursework.
Hours
3
Requirements
Introduction to Medieval Studies1
9
ENGL 202- Medieval Lit and Culture (same as MDVL 201 and CWL 253)
Geographical Distribution Coursework 2
3 hours- Medieval Europe- One course chosen from the following:
ARTH 111/MDVL 111
Ancient to Medieval Art
ARTH222/MDVL 222
Medieval Art
ARTH 231/MDVL 231
Northern Renaissance Art
ITAL 240/MDVL 240
Italy Middle Ages & Renaiss
HIST 245/MDVL 245
Women & Gender in Pre-Mod Europe
HIST 247/MDVL 247
Medieval Europe
SCAN 251/MDVL 251
Viking Mythology
SCAN 252/MDVL 252
Viking Sagas in Translation
HIST 255/MDVL 255
British Isles to 1688
ARCH 412/MDVL 412
Medieval Architecture
3 hours-Classical and Medieval East Asia- One course chosen from the
following:
HIST 220
HIST 226
EALC 240
EALC 275
RLST 287
Traditional China
Pre-modern Japanese History
Chinese Civilization
Masterpieces of East Asian Lit
Introduction to Buddhism
3 hours-Medieval Central Asia, South Asia, or the Middle East-One course
chosen from the following:
HIST 130
History of South Asia
HIST 135
History of Islamic Middle East
LA 218 S Asian Cultural Landscapes
LA 222
Islamic Gardens and Architecture
RLST 213
Intro to Islam (ACP)
RLST 214
RLST 223
RLST 260
RLST 283
CWL 208
9
Introduction to Islam
Qur’an Structure and Exegesis
Mystics and Saints in Islam
Jewish Sacred Literature
Lits & Cultures of South Asia
Additional Medieval Studies Coursework
Medieval-related coursework from participating departments selected in
consultation with the minor advisor. At least 6 hours must be at the 300- or
400-level. A list of courses is maintained on the Medieval Studies Program
website. 3 hours of appropriate language study can be applied to meet this
requirement with approval of the Director of the Program in Medieval Studies. .
21
Total Hours
1. A student may substitute the “Medieval World” section of HIST 100, Global History, by petition to
the Director of Medieval Studies. Only the section of HIST 100 devoted to the Middle Ages may be
substituted.
2. A student may substitute 3 hours in geographical distribution coursework with a course on the
medieval civilizations of the Americas: ANTH 277-Ancient Cities, Sacred Land or ANTH 278Climate Change & Civilization.
For further information contact the Director of Medieval Studies, Prof. Charles D. Wright
cdwright@illinois.edu. There is also a Major (Concentration) in Medieval Studies.
Medieval Studies Courses
Advanced Courses that Satisfy the Additional Medieval Coursework Requirement in the Medieval
Studies Concentration (Major) and Minor
Other courses on medieval topics may be used with approval of the Director of the Program in Medieval
Studies.
EALC 305
RLST/MDVL 344
HIST 345/MDVL 345
HIST 346/MDVL 346
ARTH 369/MDVL 369
ANTH 376
ENGL 407/MDVL 407
ENGL 411/MDVL 411
ENGL 412/MDVL 410
ITAL 413/MDVL 413
ITAL 414/MDVL 414
CMN 415/MDVL 415
FR 417/MDVL 417
SLAV 417
ITAL 420/MDVL 420
ARTH 423/MDVL 423
ARTH 424/MDVL 424
ARTH 425/MDVL 425
ARTH 431/MDVL 431
ARTH 433/MDVL 433
RLST 440/MDVL 440
HIST 443/MDVL 443
HIST 445/MDVL 444
ANTH 449
ANTH 459
LAT 460/MDVL 460
GER 470/MDVL 470
RLST 458
RLST 480
RLST 482
EALC 307
EALC 413
EALC 463
RLST 484
EALC 488
Japanese Literature in Translation, I
Medieval Jewish Thought
Medieval Civilization
The Age of the Renaissance
Spirituality and Experience
Aztec Civilization
Introduction to Old English
Chaucer
Medieval British Literatures
Dante
Petrarch & Boccaccio
Classical Rhetorics
History of the French Language
11th-17th C Russ Lit & Lang
Masterpieces Renaiss Lit
Romanesque Art
Gothic Art
Manuscripts and Early Printing
Topics: Northern Art 1300-1500
Fifteenth-Century Italian Art
Early Christian Thought
Byzantine Empire AD 284-717
Medieval England
North America Archaeology
The Ancient Maya
Medieval Latin
Middle Ages to Baroque
Christians and Jews 1099-1789
Islamic Law
Muslim-Christian Interactions
Classical Chinese Literature
Pre-Modern Chinese Drama
Drama in Pre-Modern Japan
Buddhist Meditation
History of Chinese Buddhism
For further information contact the Director of Medieval Studies, Prof. Charles D. Wright
cdwright@illinois.edu
IV. Graduate Concentration in Medieval Studies
Required Courses:
Required
Hours
Two graduate courses at the 400- or 500-level in Medieval Studies selected by the student and approved by the Advisory
Board of Medieval Studies
MDVL 500, Spring Medieval Studies seminar
Reading knowledge of a major international medieval language essential to the student’s field of specialization, as determined
by the student in consultation with a faculty supervisor and with the approval of the Director, as demonstrated by completion of
a college-level course with a grade of B or better. Note: Students who fulfill this requirement by taking courses at the 200- or
300-level may be required to take additional coursework at the 400- and 500-level to meet the requirement of 24 hours of
graduate-level coursework.
Reading knowledge of another medieval language with a minimum grade of B, or completion of a one-semester introductory
course in a medieval language (such as FR 531 or ENGL 507) with a minimum grade of B, or an equivalent approved by the
Medieval Studies Advisory Committee.
Thesis Hours Required (min/max applied toward degree):
Total Hours
Other Requirements:*
A dissertation or thesis in the area of Medieval Studies. A member of one of the cooperating departments external to the
student's home department will be a member of the student's dissertation or thesis committee.
In addition to the graduate concentration requirements, students must also complete the requirements of their major degree.
6-8
4
3-4
4
6-8
24