Medieval Studies

Medieval Studies

at a glance

Minor icon MINOR

In this program, you will discover the stunning brilliance of the so-called ‘Dark Ages:’ an age that saw a flowering of human wisdom, the revival of forgotten treasures of the ancient world, and the birth of philosophies and institutions that became the foundations of western civilization for centuries to come.

Careers: Historian, Teacher, Lawyer, Writer, Graduate Studies

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EXPLORE THE BROAD HORIZONS OF MEDIEVAL EUROPE

The Medieval Studies program allows you a great deal of flexibility, with over a dozen electives to supplement your study. From history and the arts to political philosophy and the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas, you have a variety of ways to immerse yourself in this fascinating period of history.

light bulbFast Fact: In Medieval Studies, you’ll explore the simple elegance of Gregorian Chant, which was nearly lost to history.

medieval studies minor medieval cathedral skills you will gain

Skills you will gain with

A Medieval Studies DEGREE

  1. Linguistics – In this minor, you’ll be required to achieve a basic proficiency and understanding of Latin to be able to read and comprehend unsimplified texts from patristic and medieval accounts. Students will also be expected to gain mastery of their own language to clearly and concisely communicate their ideas.
  2. Critical thinking – The philosophical aspects of this program will teach you to think critically, organize your thoughts, and express them clearly and confidently. This, in turn, will allow you to listen, properly understand and deconstruct complex concepts into simple ones.
  3. Historical perspective – It’s an indispensable tool in the study of history. You’ll develop the ability to read a source document or historical account with a critical eye and understand it in light of surrounding events, causes and consequences. That means you’ll appreciate history, not just as a collection of past events, but as a running account of human experience.
medieval studies minor medieval cathedral skills you will gain

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A look into the

Medieval Studies DEPARTMENT

Required Courses for the Minor (12 credits)

  • HIST 201 The Formation of Europe c. 800-1648
  • LATN 101 Elementary Latin
  • PHIL 305 Medieval Philosophy

12 Elective Credits, chosen from the following:

  • COMM 230 Rhetoric
  • HIST 362 The Crusades
  • HIST 375 The Viking World
  • MUSC 101 Gregorian Chant (1 credit)
  • MUSC 312 Survey of Western Music History
  • PHIL 403 Political Philosophy
  • PHIL 406 St. Augustine
  • PHIL 407 St. Thomas Aquinas
  • POLT 302 Catholic Political Thought
  • THEO 306 Catholic Spirituality
  • THEO 412 Mary, Mother of God
  • THEO 414 St. Thomas Aquinas
  • Any LITR special topics class which covers Medieval literature or author(s)

Other courses may be considered with the approval of the director, Dr. Mary Blanchard.

Click here to learn more about the history major.

MARY BLANCHARD, D.PHIL.

CHAIR OF THE HISTORY DEPARTMENT, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF HISTORY

Mary BlanchardEducation: B.A., History, Ave Maria University; M.A., Medieval Studies, Western Michigan University; D.Phil, History, University of Oxford
Office: Henkels 3034
Email: mary.blanchard@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-1563

Barry David, PH.D.

Associate Professor of Philosophy

Barry DavidEducation: B.A., History & Classical Philosophy, University of King’s College & Dalhousie University; M.A., History, Classics, & Religion, Carleton University; Ph.D., Medieval Philosophy, University of Toronto
Office: Henkels 3046
Email: barry.david@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-2534

Deanna Kelly, PH.D.

Assistant Professor of Literature and Modern Languages (Italian)

Deana KellyEducation: B.A., Political Science & Italian Studies, University of New Hampshire; M.A., Literature & Culture, Boston College; Ph.D., Italian Literature & Linguistics, University of Toronto
Office: Canizaro Library 254
Email: deana.kelly@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7188

Fr. Robert Garrity, S.T.D.

Associate Professor of Theology

Father Robert Garrity optEducation: B.A., English Literature, Aurora University; M.A., Theology, Catholic University of America; S.T.L., Theology, Catholic University of America; J.C.L., Canon Law, The Catholic University of America; S.T.D., Theology, The Catholic University of America
Office: Henkels 2068
Email: robert.garrity@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-2424

Andrew Dinan, PH.D.

Associate Professor of Classics

Andrew Dinan optEducation: B.A., Liberal Studies, University of Notre Dame; M.T.S., Moral Theology, John Paul II Institute for Studies in Marriage & Family; M.A., Greek & Latin, Catholic University of America; Ph.D., Greek & Latin, Catholic University of America
Office: Henkels 2050
Email: andrew.dinan@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-1619

John Jasso, PH.D.

Chair of the Communications and Literature Department, Associate Professor of Communications

James Jasso cropEducation: B.A., Speech and Philosophy, Kansas State University; M.A., Communications, Kansas State University; M.A., Philosophy, University of Pittsburgh; Ph.D., Rhetoric and Communications, University of Pittsburgh
Office: Henkels 2054
Email: john.jasso@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7936

Gerald Boersma, PH.D.

Associate Professor of Theology

Gerald BoersmaEducation: B.A., Religious Studies, Trinity Western University; M.A., Theology, Ave Maria University; Ph.D., Theology and Religion, University of Durham
Office: Henkels 3003
Email: gerald.boersma@avemaria.edu
Phone:  (239) 304-7910

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