Medieval and Renaissance Studies (BA)

Medieval and Renaissance Studies (MRS) provides a wide-ranging introduction to the pre- and early-modern era, spanning late antiquity to the mid-seventeenth century and reaching from Europe to cultures around the globe. It is adaptable to individual student interests, emphasizing historical traditions but also promoting reflection on the presence of the past in a fast-moving twenty-first-century world.

Taught by professors from several different departments, the MRS curriculum is fundamentally interdisciplinary; students learn about literary, artistic, musical and other historical traditions; develop foreign language abilities; and acquire analytical skills applicable to both ancient and modern artifacts, ranging from manuscripts to mp3s. The MRS major offers an excellent preparation for Humanities graduate programs, but also provides a useful and well-rounded education for any student who values history, culture and the arts in their broadest sense.

Major Details

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Academic Advisors

Emily Carpenter (GE, degree planning)

carpenter.438@osu.edu
614-292-6961

Leslie Lockett (major advising)

lockett.20@osu.edu
460 Denney Hall

Affiliated Departments & Centers

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

The Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies (CMRS), one of the oldest and most highly developed Centers at Ohio State and one of the few that offers its own course of study, administers the MRS major. With over one hundred fifty affiliated professors in over twenty departments, the Center promotes interdisciplinary scholarship that crosses traditional historical and geographical boundaries.

Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies Website More CMRS Courses

Students engage with the thoughts, languages, political events and cultural environments of medieval and early modern history both in the western and non-western world. With the assistance of an advisor, students will tailor their curriculum to individual interests and academic goals.

courses you might take:

MEDREN 2666: Magic and Witch Craft in the Middle Ages and Renaissance

A study of the history of witchcraft and magic from 400 to 1700 C.E. within sociological, religious and intellectual contexts.

SCANDVN 3350: Norse Mythology and Medieval Culture

The myths of the Old Norse gods and the worldview and beliefs of pagan Scandinavia.

DANCE 2401: Western Concert Dance: Renaissance to Present

Includes European origins of classical ballet, Africanist contributions, postmodern impulses; looks at aesthetic, cultural, and political themes in the history of concert dance in America.

HISTART 2002: Western Art II: The Renaissance to the Present

Examination of the history of art in Europe and the United States, from 1400 to the present.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Work Study

Students assist the CMRS Program Coordinator and GA's in a variety of tasks and ongoing or revolving projects, such as posting CMRS flyers, setting out refreshments for events, compiling information on CMRS Affiliate Course offerings each semester, digitizing slides, posting Facebook announcements, checking web links and more.

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Nouvelles Nouvelles

Nouvelles Nouvelles is a newsletter published four times annually by the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies. Join the CMRS newsletter e-mail list and receive notice each time a new issue is available online.

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Reading Groups

The Center hosts reading groups for Latin, Occitan and Old French. In addition, OSU Saga Club meets to read Old Norse. The setting is informal and all levels are welcome. Students may earn credit for regular participation.

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