Mar 29, 2024  
Graduate Catalog 2012-13 
    
Graduate Catalog 2012-13 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Arts in Medieval Studies


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Advisor:
James Murray,
The Medieval Institute, Walwood Hall

The Medieval Institute of Western Michigan University offers an interdisciplinary program leading to the Master of Arts in Medieval Studies. Students may choose either Option I (Thesis) or Option II (Non-thesis), depending on their career plans, personal interests, and intellectual orientation. Either option provides a broad background in medieval history, languages, literatures, palaeography, philosophy, religion, the arts, and in research methodology.

Western Michigan University offers an academic environment appropriate for the study of the Middle Ages. The University library houses extensive holdings of books and periodicals in all areas of Medieval Studies and contains unique collections of early manuscripts and rare books in the field of monastic and Renaissance history and thought. Western Michigan University is the host institution for the annual International Congress on Medieval Studies, and Medieval Institute Publications publishes various series of books and several journals in the field of Medieval Studies. The Richard Rawlinson Center for Anglo-Saxon Studies and Manuscript Research offers further opportunities for research and study.

 

Admission Requirements


In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of the Graduate College, an applicant must submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination General Test, two letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and a statement of intent.

Program Requirements


Option I, Thesis, 37 hrs.


1. A total of at least 31 hours of course work, including 13 hours of required core courses


And 18 hours of electives, the latter to be chosen from the list of approved courses in the Departments of Art, Comparative Religion, English, Foreign Languages, History, Music, Philosophy, and Spanish.

2. Demonstrated reading proficiency in Latin and in either French, German, Italian, or Spanish.


3. Preparation of an acceptable Master’s Thesis (6 hours)


Under the direction of a thesis advisory committee.

4. Oral examination in defense of Master’s Thesis.


Option II, Non-Thesis, 37 hrs.


1. A total of a least 37 hours of course work, including 13 hours of required core courses


And 24 hours of electives, the latter to be chosen from the list of approved courses in the Departments of Art, Comparative Religion, English, Foreign Languages, History, Music, Philosophy, and Spanish.

2. Demonstrated reading proficiency in Latin.


(Note: Option II has no modern language requirement.)

3. Option II has no thesis requirement.


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