The Medieval Studies Program concentrates on the period from 300 to 1500, combining courses in art and architecture, history, language, literature, music, philosophy, and religion. A typical course of study includes diverse topics such as the Bible, the early Church, Byzantium, Islam, the Vikings, the Crusades, women in the Middle Ages, mysticism, romance, the Gothic cathedral, Chaucer, Dante, and medieval China and Japan. The program aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the medieval worldview in Europe and beyond, and to the origins of the modern world.
Explore Medieval Studies Courses
The University of Oregon course catalog offers degree plans and a complete list of courses in the Medieval Studies Program. Occasionally, topics courses and overseas study courses will count for the major or minor.
Featured Courses
SCAN 259 Vikings through the Icelandic Sagas
Instructor: Gantt Gurley
There is nothing quite like the “Sagas of the Icelanders” or “Family Sagas.” Falling somewhere between historical novel and prose epic, these fusions of history, genealogy, vita, and legend are composed against the grain of European aesthetics.
ARH 316 Gothic Architecture
Instructor: Maile Hutterer
Surveys architecture in western Europe from c. 1150 to c. 1500, one of the greatest periods of architectural innovation in Europe. It will cover both religious and secular architecture, from soaring cathedrals to civic palaces.
REL 444 Medieval Japanese Buddhism
Instructor: Andrew Goble
This course focuses on selected strains of Japanese Buddhism during the medieval period, especially the Kamakura (1185-1333), but also traces influences on later developments. The course weaves together the examination of religious thought and cultural developments in historical context.
Suggested Courses
Medieval studies courses are drawn from all the participating departments and faculty. Please see the Medieval Studies main office or the program director for a list of current courses.
Students should plan their programs as early as possible with the aid of a Medieval Studies faculty advisor. With the advisor’s consent, courses numbered 199, 300, 399, 405, 407, 408, or 410 may be substituted for suggested courses. At least five of the courses must be taken at the University of Oregon. More information is available from the Medieval Studies Program office or from the Medieval Studies Program director.
Typical courses include but are not limited to:
Art History
- History of Western Art II (ARH 205)
- History of World Architecture (ARH 314)
- Gothic Architecture (ARH 316)
- Romanesque Architecture (ARH 317)
- Islamic Art and Architecture (ARH 325)
- Medieval Art and Architecture (ARH 425)
Chinese
- Gender and Sexuality in Traditional Chinese Literature (CHN 350)
- Self and Society in Traditional Chinese Literature (CHN 380, taught in Chinese)
English
- Age of King Arthur (ENG 225)
- The Age of Beowulf (ENG 423)
- Medieval Romance (ENG 425)
- Chaucer (ENG 427)
- Old English I,II,III (ENG 428, 429, 430)
Folklore
- Magic in the Middle Ages (FLR 236)
- Folklore and the Bible (FLR 350)*
History
- Foundations of Early Asian Civilization (HIST 190)
- High Middle Ages in Europe (HIST 320)
- Late Middle Ages in Europe (HIST 321)
- Early Japanese Culture and Society III (HIST 498)
Humanities
- Introduction to Humanities II (HUM 102)
- Themes in the Humanities (HUM 300)*
Japanese
- Introduction to Japanese Literature (JPN 305)
Judaic Studies
- Medieval and Early Modern Judaism (JDST 212)
Music
- Survey of Music History (MUS 267)
- Collegium Musicum (MUS 391)
Philosophy
- History of Philosophy: Ancient and Medieval (PHIL 310)
Religious Studies
- Introduction to the Bible I, II (REL 222, 223)
- Introduction to Islam (REL 233)
- History of Christianity (REL 321, 322)
- History of Eastern Christianity (REL 324)
- Introduction to the Qur’an (REL 335)
- Islamic Mysticism (REL 432)
- Medieval Japanese Buddhism (REL 444)
Romance Languages
- French Survey: Medieval and Renaissance (FR 317)
- Italian Survey: Medieval and Renaissance (ITAL 317)
Scandinavian
- Vikings through the Icelandic Sagas (SCAN 259)
- Norse Mythology (SCAN 343)
- Medieval Hero and Monster (SCAN 344)
Topics Courses
- Medieval Studies Courses (MDVL)
- 199 Special Studies: [Topic] (1–5R)
- 399 Special Studies: [Topic] (1–5R)
- 403/503 Thesis (1–8R)
- 405 Reading and Conference: [Topic] (1–4R)
- 408/508 Workshop: [Topic] (1–4R)
- 410/510 Experimental Course: [Topic] (1–5R)
* These courses count for medieval studies when taught by medieval faculty.
- Topics courses in different departments can count for medieval studies when taught by medieval faculty on medieval topics.
- Courses with 50% or more of medieval content can count toward the medieval studies major or minor.
Please contact the Director of Medieval Studies with any questions.