Medieval Studies (Graduate Cer - Arizona State U

The Medieval Studies Graduate Certificate at Arizona State University offers a transdisciplinary exploration of the global Middle Ages, fostering critical thinking, research skills, and intercultural understanding. Through advanced seminars and independent research, students delve into the cultural activities and interactions of this era, preparing them for careers in academia, public humanities, and other fields.

Program Outline

Medieval Studies (Graduate Certificate) at Arizona State University

Degree Overview

Overview:

This graduate certificate program delves into the global Middle Ages between 500 and 1500 CE. It examines cultural activities and interactions in this period across various disciplines, including art history, history, languages, literature, music, and religion. The program adopts a transdisciplinary approach, emphasizing practical and theoretical knowledge in medieval studies and exploring new models for studying this era. Students delve into intercultural intersections, develop research skills, and receive advanced training and mentorship in related disciplines.

Objectives:

Equip students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the global Middle Ages.
Foster critical thinking and analytical skills through interdisciplinary engagement with primary sources.
Develop research and writing skills through project-based learning and advanced seminars.
Prepare students for a range of career opportunities in academia, public humanities, libraries, museums, and other fields.

Description:

This certificate program draws on the expertise of diverse faculty across various disciplines at ASU, offering a broad and interdisciplinary perspective on the Middle Ages. Through advanced seminars, discussions, and independent research, students explore different themes, theoretical frameworks, and methodologies for studying this era. The program focuses on developing strong research skills, critical thinking, and analytical writing abilities for future academic and professional endeavors.

Outline

Curriculum:

The certificate program requires 15 credit hours, comprising 3 credit hours of core courses and 12 credit hours of electives.

Core Courses:

Students must choose one of the following:

ARS 514: Monasteries, Madonnas and Manuscripts (3 credits)
ENG 530: Old English (3 credits)
ENG 531: Old English Literature (3 credits)
ENG 532: Middle English Dialects (3 credits)
ENG 632: Advanced Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Literature and Culture (3 credits)
FRE 521: History of the French Language (3 credits)

Electives:

Students can choose 12 credit hours from various related courses offered across different departments. At least two different academic units must be represented in the elective choices. Courses must focus at least 50% of their content on the Middle Ages. A complete list of approved electives is available upon request from the department.

Structure:

The program typically involves a combination of lectures, seminars, discussions, independent research, and presentations. The specific structure may vary depending on the courses chosen. However, students choose courses from various disciplines, effectively creating personalized modules focusing on their specific interests within the broad field of medieval studies.

Assessment

The program uses various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

Class participation and discussion: Active engagement in classroom discussions and contributions
Written assignments: Essays, research papers, and project reports
Presentations: Delivering presentations based on independent research or analysis
Final exams: Comprehensive assessments of knowledge and understanding
Portfolio development: Collection of written work and project documentation demonstrating learning outcomes

Teaching

Teaching methods:

The program employs diverse teaching methods to facilitate learning, including:

Interactive lectures: Engaging students in discussions and encouraging active participation
Collaborative seminars: Fostering group analysis and interpretation of primary sources
Independent research projects: Providing opportunities for in-depth exploration of specific topics
Mentorship from faculty: Offering guidance and support throughout the learning process
Guest lectures and workshops: Inviting experts from various fields to share their knowledge

Faculty:

The program benefits from the expertise of a diverse pool of faculty members from different disciplines, including history, literature, languages, art history, and music. These faculty members bring their respective research interests and pedagogical experience to create a stimulating learning environment.

Unique approaches:

The program emphasizes cross-disciplinary engagement and encourages students to develop independent research skills. It focuses on exploring new models for studying the Middle Ages and fostering critical thinking about the complex dynamics of this historical period.

Careers

Career Opportunities:

This certificate equips graduates for various career paths, including:

Academia: Pursuing further studies, research, and teaching positions in medieval studies
Public Humanities: Engaging in outreach and educational programs related to medieval history and culture
Library and Archival work: Preserving and managing historical documents and artifacts
Museum work: Curating exhibitions and educational programs focused on medieval art and culture
Professorship in humanities and social sciences: Teaching and conducting research in various academic fields
Publishing: Editing and publishing scholarly and educational materials in medieval studies

Other

This graduate certificate program is designed for students with a variety of academic backgrounds. Those interested in deepening their understanding of the global Middle Ages and enhancing their research and analytical skills in a transdisciplinary environment can benefit from this program. While primarily focused on academic careers, the program also equips graduates with valuable skills applicable to various fields in the humanities and beyond.