2025-2026 University Catalog 
    
    Dec 15, 2025  
2025-2026 University Catalog

Medieval and Renaissance Studies, B.A.


Students in Washington and Lee’s Medieval and Renaissance Studies major approach European culture in an interdisciplinary way. They study the materials of many disciplines, examining them from different perspectives using diverse methods. Courses in traditional fields of study - like art history, religion, history, literature, musicology, philosophy, political theory, economics, and even astronomy - combine to form a comprehensive program whereby an entire culture can be encountered on a variety of levels.

The program offers over sixty courses organized into four broad categories. Students concentrate their studies in one or two fields, but take courses in other areas as well, allowing them to receive a well-rounded and broadly-based understanding of a profoundly complex period. Many choose to do Honors in Medieval and Renaissance Studies, and many do part of their course work while studying abroad.

Medieval and Renaissance Studies majors go on to careers in law, academics, medicine, teaching, museum curatorship, government service and business.

Core Course


Choose one course from the following list:

Distribution - Four Areas


Choose four courses in one area, two courses in each of two other areas, and one course in the fourth area.

Literature:


History of Ideas:


Directed Study or Thesis


Complete one course from the following list. A directed study or thesis in another discipline may be used to meet this requirement if approved in advance by the MRST Advisory Committee through its chair.

Total Major Requirements 33 Credits