Catalogue 2021-2022 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Medieval and Renaissance Studies Program
|
|
|
|
Director: Zoltán Márkus;
Steering Committee: Mark C. Amodio (English), Nancy Bisahaa (History), Mita Choudhury (History), Curtis Dozier (Greek and Roman Studies), Leslie C. Dunn (English), Yvonne Elet (Art), Marc Epsteinb (Religion), Elizabeth Lastra (Art), Zoltán Márkus (English), Ronald Patkus (Library), Agnes Veto (Jewish Studies), Denise A. Walen (Drama).
Participating Faculty: Debra Bucher (Library), Eve D’Ambrab (Art), Robert DeMaria (English), J. Bert Lottab (Greek and Roman Studies), Brian R. Mann (Music), Christopher Raymond (Philosophy), David Taváreza (Anthropology).
a On leave 2021/22, first semester
b On leave 2021/22, second semester
ab On leave 2021/22
The Medieval and Renaissance Studies program is designed to provide the student with a coherent, multidisciplinary, and cross-cultural course of study of the arts, history, literature, and thought from late antiquity to the 18th century.
Major
Correlate Sequence in Medieval and Renaissance Studies
Departmental Courses Accepted for Credit
Art, Music, and Drama
History, Philosophy, Religion, and Anthropology
Language and Literature
**Other Greek and Roman Studies courses may also count for MRST credit in consultation with the program director**
Courses Originating in Medieval and Renaissance Studies
-
MRST 202 - Thesis Preparation Semester Offered: Fall
0.5 unit(s)
-
MRST 220 - Medieval and Renaissance Culture Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
(Same as MEDS 220 ) Topic for 2021/22a: Detectives in the Archive: Reading Medieval and Renaissance Texts. Study of manuscripts of various types, from late antiquity to the early modern period. The course includes guest lectures by Vassar faculty and other experts, a field trip, and direct work with manuscripts from Vassar’s collection. The course serves as a de facto survey of medieval and renaissance culture. Marc Epstein and Ronald Patkus.
Two 75-minute periods.
Course Format: CLS -
MRST 221 - Medieval Science and Technology
1 unit(s)
(Same as HIST 221 and STS 221 ) Science and technology: the very words seem synonymous with “modernity.” Yet, crucial developments in scientific knowledge and application occurred during the Middle Ages, forming the foundation for the Scientific Revolution. This interdisciplinary course offers an introduction to science and technology in medieval Europe and the Mediterranean world, exploring the influence of classical, East Asian, and Arab learning, and the rise of empiricism and experimentation. Through readings, discussions, and hands-on activities, we examine developments in monasteries, universities, castles, and farms. Topics may include beer making, beekeeping, alchemy, siege warfare, watermills, astrology, plagues, and medicine. Nancy Bisaha, Christopher Smart.
Two 75-minute periods.
Not offered in 2021/22.
Course Format: CLS -
MRST 290 - Community-Engaged Learning
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
Course Format: INT -
MRST 298 - Independent Work
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
Course Format: OTH -
MRST 300 - Senior Thesis Semester Offered: Fall
0.5 unit(s)
An interdisciplinary study written over two semesters under the supervision of two advisors from two different disciplines.
Yearlong course 300-MRST 301 .
Course Format: INT -
MRST 301 - Senior Thesis Semester Offered: Spring
0.5 unit(s)
An interdisciplinary study written over two semesters under the supervision of two advisors from two different disciplines.
Yearlong course MRST 300 -301.
Course Format: INT -
MRST 302 - Senior Thesis Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
1 unit(s)
An interdisciplinary study written during one semester under the supervision of two advisors from two different disciplines.
Course Format: INT -
MRST 339 - Shakespeare in Production Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)
(Same as DRAM 339 ) Students in the course study the physical circumstances of Elizabethan public and private theaters at the beginning of the semester. The remainder of the semester is spent in critical examination of the plays of Shakespeare and several of his contemporaries using original staging practices of the early modern theater. The course emphasizes the conditions under which the plays were written and performed and uses practice as an experiential tool to critically analyze the texts as performance scripts. Denise Walen.
Enrollment limited to Juniors and Seniors.
One 3-hour period.
Course Format: CLS -
MRST 399 - Senior Independent Work
0.5 to 1 unit(s)
Course Format: OTH
Other Courses
-
MRST 250 - Whose Middle Ages? Semester Offered: Spring
0.5 unit(s)
Representations of the Medieval and Renaissance periods in popular culture and political discourse tend, implicitly or explicitly, to center a very narrow set of identities: male, Christian, Western European, and white. The purpose of this intensive is to provide an opportunity for students to learn about the disciplinary history that produced that narrow vision of the medieval period and to reflect on the ideological investments that maintain that vision in modern times. We consider how an expanded understanding of these periods with regards to gender and sexuality, religious difference, eurocentrism, and race can transform the way we understand the relevance of the Medieval and Renaissance worlds to contemporary concerns. After reflecting on how attention to these different axes of identity can broaden their perspective on the Medieval or Renaissance world (as shaped by popular culture, previous coursework, or other encounters with that history), participants formulate and conduct a self-designed project that examines one or more of those aspects of identity or geography in connection with their own interests. These projects may take the form of traditional research papers or employ other media or formats, such as online publication, performance, or visual arts. Throughout the semester, MRST faculty participate in conversations relating to their areas of expertise. Curtis Dozier.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Instructor; at least one 200-level course in MRST or related fields.
One 1-hour period.
Course Format: INT
|