Medieval Studies

The Program in Medieval Studies at Princeton University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to exploring the diverse and dynamic culture of the Middle Ages. This program aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the historical, literary, artistic, religious, and philosophical developments that shaped Europe from the 5th to the 15th centuries. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, research opportunities, and engaging seminars, students are encouraged to examine the medieval world from multiple perspectives, integrating insights from history, literature, art history, philosophy, theology, and language studies.

Students enrolled in the Medieval Studies program have access to an extensive collection of ancient and medieval manuscripts, artworks, and archaeological resources, allowing for hands-on experience and closer engagement with primary sources. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling students to interpret medieval texts and artifacts within their historical context while understanding their influence on subsequent periods. The program also emphasizes the importance of comparative studies, exploring the interactions between Europe and other regions during the Middle Ages, such as the Islamic world and Asia.

Undergraduates interested in medieval language studies can take advantage of specialized courses in Latin, Old English, Old French, Middle High German, and Arabic, facilitating direct engagement with original medieval texts. The program offers close mentorship by faculty members renowned for their research in medieval history, literature, and art, providing students with opportunities for independent research, writing, and presentation at conferences. Many students choose to supplement their coursework with study abroad programs in Europe, where they can immerse themselves in medieval European settings.

Graduates of the Medieval Studies program have gone on to pursue careers in academia, museum curatorship, archival work, public history, and related fields. The program’s interdisciplinary nature prepares students to think critically and communicate effectively about complex historical and cultural issues. Overall, the Program in Medieval Studies at Princeton is dedicated to fostering a comprehensive, nuanced understanding of the medieval European world, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to scholarly and public conversations about the Middle Ages.

Courses:

The program encourages graduate students to undertake interdisciplinary study of the Middle Ages by circulating lists of relevant courses offered by the affiliated departments each semester. Students interested in interdisciplinary medieval study may also consult directly with the director of the program, or members of the program committee, in addition to their regular consultations with their departmental adviser.

Additional Requirements:

The program sponsors a lecture series and organizes special events such as short-term visits by eminent medievalists and one or two conferences a year.  It also supports an interdisciplinary graduate colloquium and an annual conference arranged by graduate students.

• Seminar in Medieval Art 
• Problems in Post-Classical and Byzantine Greek Literature 
• Methods in Byzantine Literature and Philology
• Topics in Medieval Literature 
• Seminar in Medieval French Literature
• Middle High German Literature
• Middle High German Literature II 
• Cross-Cultural Encounters in the Medieval Mediterranean
• Problems in Byzantine History
• Seminar in Medieval History
• Topics in Medieval Music
•  Problems in Near Eastern Jewish History 

• Application Fee: $90
• Statement of Academic Purpose
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Recommendation Letters
• Transcripts
• Fall Semester Grades
• Prerequisite Tests
• English Language Tests
• GRE : General test

For Ph.D. candidates, tuition and fees during a student’s regular period of enrollment are provided in full from a student’s graduate student financial support, in the form of tuition support from fellowships, assistantships, or external sources.

The annual stipend amount provided to Ph.D. candidates during their regular enrollment is intended to support a single graduate student based on estimated costs. Master’s students or students with spouses and/or dependents may require additional resources to support their living expenses 

Medieval Studies at Princeton University is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the medieval period, roughly spanning from the 5th to the late 15th century. The program integrates courses and research opportunities across multiple departments, including History, Art and Archaeology, Comparative Literature, Religion, and Classics, among others. This approach allows students to explore the medieval world from various perspectives, including cultural, political, religious, and artistic viewpoints.

Students enrolled in the Medieval Studies program have access to a rich array of resources, including extensive library collections, dedicated medieval studies libraries, and digital archives that facilitate scholarly research. The program emphasizes both historical analysis and linguistic proficiency, encouraging students to develop skills in Latin, Old English, Old French, and other relevant languages, which are essential for primary source research.

The curriculum includes core courses that introduce students to medieval history, literature, art history, and philosophy, along with specialized seminars that delve into specific topics such as medieval philosophy, medieval manuscript studies, medieval political structures, and the cultural exchanges between East and West during the Middle Ages. Students are expected to undertake independent research projects, often culminating in a senior thesis that contributes original insights into medieval studies.

Princeton provides a vibrant intellectual community for medievalists, with faculty members who are leading scholars in their fields. Opportunities for participation in conferences, colloquia, and collaborative projects are readily available. The program also encourages study abroad programs in Europe, where students can experience firsthand the sites, artifacts, and archives relevant to their research.

Graduates of the Medieval Studies program have gone on to pursue advanced degrees or careers in academia, museum curation, archival management, and cultural heritage preservation. The program's comprehensive approach ensures that students acquire a deep understanding of the medieval era and develop critical skills that are applicable in numerous scholarly and professional contexts. Overall, Princeton's Medieval Studies program prepares students to become informed and skilled researchers, capable of contributing to the ongoing scholarship of the Middle Ages.