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.
In meeting the requirements of this interdisciplinary minor, a student must use at least nine credits not also used to meet the requirements of any other major(s) or minor. Four courses must be taken at the 200 level or above.