Medieval Studies

minor

Degree Overview

Gain critical thinking skills and a deep historical perspective that you can apply to any field of study. You’ll learn how the medieval period continues to shape language, religion, literature, and politics even today.

You'll view medieval culture through a wide variety of lenses, choosing courses from 13 different fields. You could analyze iconic artwork, learn about cutting-edge methods of deciphering ancient manuscripts, laugh with the pilgrims in The Canterbury Tales, or do a deep dive into the ideas and values that shaped Western culture.

You'll do all this while being guided by expert faculty who are active leaders in their fields. You'll earn a minor that complements any major, and a unique historical perspective that adds value to any career you pursue.

Program Distinctives

Hands-on - Immerse yourself in the intricacies of medieval culture. Live in an ancient city while studying off campus. Go on field trips to exciting museums, collections, and libraries. Learn firsthand how to make books and manuscripts.
Christian community - Your committed Christian professors will help you discern Christ’s presence both today and in the medieval past.
Traverse the globe - Engage with one of our many off-campus programs to take your studies to another continent. Calvin students study in Austria, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia and more.
Personal support - Our professors know their fields, and they work to get to know you. They’ll partner with you in research, share a meal, introduce you to opportunities, and help you apply to graduate school.

Degree Information

minor
  • Overview

    The interdisciplinary minor in medieval studies is a useful introduction to graduate study in any curricula in which medieval studies plays a role (medieval studies, history, classics, religion, art history, music, modern languages etc.) The minor may be taken in conjunction with any major.

    The group minor in medieval studies is administered by an interdepartmental committee: F. Van Liere (History), K. Saupe (English), H. Luttikhuizen (Art), T. Steele (Music) and M. Williams (Classics). Interested students should consult a member of the medieval studies minor committee for selection of specific courses for the minor.

  • Courses
    Loading...
  • Advising

    This minor can be taken with any major, but it would make an especially good pairing for students majoring in fields such as history, literature, classics, religion, art history, or music. A medieval studies minor can also be useful preparation if you are considering graduate study in the humanities.

Advisor

Frans van Liere's staff picture
Frans van Liere
Pie chart showing the amount of household debt accumulated by percentages of the graduating student body
Family income distribution for students applying for financial aid.

You can afford a Calvin education.

You’ve heard a lot about the high cost of a university education. But a Calvin education is much more affordable than you think. Most Calvin students pay far below the sticker price—and graduate with less debt than you might expect.

Explore affordability at Calvin »

U.S. News & World Report ranks Calvin as a Best Midwest Regional University for 2022.

A reputation for excellence.

There’s a reason Calvin gets top marks from U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, and more. Calvin graduates are in demand at grad schools, med schools, and careers in every field.

Discover the Calvin advantage »

SOCIAL MEDIA

The latest sights & sounds | #calvinuniversity

Female student wading in Plaster Creek, examining a sample of water, holding it up to the sky.

ACADEMIC OPTIONS

With over 100 majors and programs, you’re bound to find something you love.

Browse by category

× CLOSE DRAWER
A dramatic view looking up at the Calvin's Crossing bridge, with a perfect blue sky overhead.

Apply to Calvin

It all starts here! We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. All completed applications receive equal consideration.

Start your journey × CLOSE DRAWER
A female and male student walking side by side down the Calvin's Crossing bridge, conversing with each other.

Visit Calvin

Find the visit option that works best for you and get a taste for life at Calvin!

Browse Visit Options Launch the virtual tour × CLOSE DRAWER
Students huddled around, lighting sparklers with a beautiful evening sky behind them.

Request Info

Learn why Calvin’s dedication to faith and discovery have earned it the rank of #3 among regional Midwest universities.

Loading...
× CLOSE DRAWER
Graduates in their robes, tossing their caps high into the air, laughing.

Costs & Financial Aid

Families from all economic backgrounds—many just like yours—are making Calvin work. Scholarships, grants and loans are the tools that make Calvin possible.

Explore financial aid & Scholarships How much does Calvin cost? × CLOSE DRAWER
Top