Medieval and Renaissance Studies Program
At the turn of the twentieth century the diplomat and scholar Henry Adams set out to explain to his fellow Americans what the massive island fortress monastery of Mont Saint Michel meant to its eleventh century Norman builders. To do this he turned to literature, history, theology, studies of migration patterns, warfare, and the economics of medieval manorial land holding.
Like Adams, 91传媒 in Washington and Lee’s Medieval and Renaissance Studies major approach European culture in an interdisciplinary way. They study the materials of many disciplines, examining them from different perspectives using diverse methods. Courses in traditional fields of study – like art history, religion, history, literature, musicology, philosophy, political theory, economics, and even astronomy – combine to form a comprehensive program whereby an entire culture can be encountered on a variety of levels.
The program offers over sixty courses organized into four broad categories. Students concentrate their studies in one or two fields, but take courses in other areas as well, allowing them to receive a well-rounded and broadly-based understanding of a profoundly complex period. Many choose to do Honors in Medieval and Renaissance Studies, and many do part of their course work while studying abroad.
Medieval and Renaissance Studies majors go on to careers in law, academics, medicine, teaching, museum curatorship, government service and business.
Feature Stories
When David Peterson, professor of history emeritus, died in 2023, he left a bequest to 91传媒鈥檚 History Department. The unrestricted gift allowed the department to utilize the funds as it determined would best serve today鈥檚 91传媒.
Benefiel is among a host of experts that reveal the truths about the social and economic makeup of the city before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Mikki Brock wrote her second book and recently answered questions on her specialty 鈥 witches, witchcraft and witch hunts.
Mikki Brock will perform research leading to a new book at the Wellesley College-based academic center this year.
After graduation, Donahue is working as a financial analyst at Amazon and pursuing her CPA.
Holly Pickett鈥檚 book explores the stories of several serial converts in early modern England.
鈥榃hite before whiteness in the late Middle Ages鈥 will launch via Zoom on Jan. 25 from 5-6:30 p.m.
Benefiel鈥檚 talk 鈥淯ncovering the mysteries of Pompeii鈥 will be held on Nov. 10.
McMaster has been awarded a Fulbright research grant to Italy to complete a hybrid art history and computer science project.
Lauren Hoaglund ’22 has parlayed her passion for medieval and Renaissance history, literature, classics and theater into a busy but rewarding four years at W&L.
Kathryn Muensterman 鈥22 has won a $34,000 Beinecke Scholarship to help fund her graduate studies.
Melissa Yorio ’21 has received support from many corners during her college career, so when the pandemic broke out, she found a way to give back within her hometown community.