University of Virginia Library

Medieval Studies Available
As University Major

By JIM MASSEY

The recently established University
Major in Medieval Studies is now available
for undergraduate college students.

The Medieval Circle, a group of
students and faculty members interested
in fostering interdisciplinary Medieval
at the University, has provided the impetus for
the majors program according to Raymond J.
Cormier, Assistant Professor of French.

Mr. Cormier noted that through the
Medieval Studies, a student can gain a broad
understanding of traditional Western cultures of
the medieval world.

Mr. Cormier also stated that the Medieval
Circle has designed the new program to attract
a number of ambitious students, to broaden the
horizons of teachers, and to increase the
solidarity of all medieval scholars at the
University.

New Program

The new program keyed to interdisciplinary
work, will provide to undergraduates the
opportunity "to concentrate on a particular
subject of great breadth" and to take part of
their training in several departments which will
bring "cross-fertilization, fellowship and
exchange of insights", stated Mr. Cormier in a
recent press release

University Major

To apply for enrollment in the major
program, a student must declare a University
Major in Medieval Studies and choose from the
recommended courses.

A minimum of thirty hours is required:
fifteen in "Basic Core" courses. These include
Medieval History, Latin, HIEU 7-8, LATI 5,6
and an array of medieval literature "in
translation" courses; 9 hours in a medieval
language e.g. Old English, Vergil, Medieval
Latin, Old French; and 6 hours in advanced and
specialized courses of which there are thirty
courses in the College to choose from.

Final Exercise

As required of all University Majors, some
sort of final exercise is necessary to help the
student establish in his own mind the coherence
of the program. This exercise can be in the
form of an independent study project, a Senior
Thesis, or an oral exam.