Medieval and Renaissance Studies
Department Chair, Carole Levin
612 Oldfather Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0333 | (402) 472-3494 | clevin2@unl.edu
Undergraduate Adviser, Peter Lefferts, Phd
368 WMB, Lincoln, NE 68588-0333 | (402)472-2507, plefferts1@unl.edu
Medieval and Renaissance culture (500-1660) lies at the root of most modern cultures of the Western world. The period has a profound impact on Western culture's current literature, philosophy, art, religion and politics. Studying the ideas of the Medieval and Renaissance periods gives us a clearer understanding of our present world, which is dominated by that culture's institutions.
Careers
Majoring in Medieval/Renaissance studies provides excellent preparation for graduate work in this area, especially for students interested in literary, historical, or artistic studies, with an eventual career in college or university teaching. The minor also provides a strong background in the study of Western civilization's institutions for students interested in advanced studies in law, religion, or the history of science.
Even if you aren't interested in advanced studies, a major or minor in Medieval/Renaissance studies will give you a well-rounded liberal arts background. This broad education, which stresses careful research, critical analysis, effective writing and other communication skills, will prepare you for a career in many fields, including education, business, medicine, finance, and communications.
The Program
The main objective of the Medieval/Renaissance major is to provide its students with an in-depth knowledge of the history of Western civilization. Upon completion of the major, students will understand the main outlines of the history and culture of the Medieval/Renaissance period, be able to read at least one language relevant to this area of study, know the primary artistic developments of the period and understand the contributions of Medieval and Renaissance culture to modern culture.
Within the context of these intellectual endeavors, students will study the evolution of such social institutions as trial by jury, the idea of rights, the hospital and the parliament, the organization of work by clock time, the dissemination of information by the printing press and appeals on behalf of the rights of women. Students will also examine the growth of Protestantism and the renewal of Catholicism through the Counter-Reformation. The courses offered for this major cover everything from ascetic saints like St. Francis to authors of bawdy tales like Rabelais.
Because the disciplines in the Medieval and Renaissance periods are fluid, it is important for students in this area of study to take a variety of courses in different academic areas. Because the central intellectual documents of the period are written in Latin, students will want to consider taking Latin courses. Knowledge of a language, either Latin, German, Spanish, Italian, or whichever language best suits the student's area of interest, is required for the major.
The University of Nebraska is the only higher education institution in Nebraska, public or private, that offers a major in Medieval/Renaissance Studies.
Resources
Monthly faculty/graduate student meetings are an excellent source of information for interested undergraduates. These meetings give students a chance to hear about the latest research in areas about which they may be especially interested, and get to know both professors and students pursuing scholarly work in the area.
NU's Love Library has a rich source of materials available in Medieval/Renaissance Studies. Any additional resources can be obtained through interlibrary loan or electron-ically through such Internet sites as Labyrinth, Ficino, Cetedoc and the Dartmouth Dante Project Files.
Undergraduate advisers are available to help students choose appropriate courses for the major, in keeping with their educational and career goals.
Activities
Faculty and graduate students welcome interested undergraduates to join them in their monthly discussion groups. We encourage interested students to organize study and/or social groups, which will provide an important network for those involved.
In addition, University of Nebraska-Lincoln students have access to hundreds of activities and groups related to specific academic, social, cultural and political interests. Involvement in any of these organizations builds leadership, communication and organizational skills and helps students to meet people who have similar interests.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
High School seniors who are applying for admission should contact the Office of Admissions regarding application for freshman scholarships and all deadlines. For federal aid, student and parent(s) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available from your high school guidance counselor.
Current UNL students should contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to make sure they have applied for all appropriate scholarships and financial aid. In addition, the College of Arts and Sciences administers scholarships. For information about these college scholarships, deadlines, and the college’s Undergraduate Scholarship Application Form, see the Arts and Sciences Web site at http://ascweb.unl.edu/students/sfa.html.
