Graduate Programs
Courses of Study
Students in Medieval and Byzantine Studies may follow three courses of study:
A reading knowledge of Latin, French, and German is strongly recommended from the beginning of graduate studies. Competence in one modern language is required for the M.A. degree and in both for doctoral candidacy in every case in addition to either Latin or Greek.
Certificate in Medieval or Byzantine Studies
The Certificate in Medieval and Byzantine Studies, comprised of twenty-four course credits, is designed to offer students a broad experience in various components of medieval civilization, providing both perspective and tools for specialized research. Students enrolled in the program follow a basic curriculum consisting of courses in the fields of medieval Latin, medieval history, medieval philosophy, and medieval theology. Specializations in medieval vernacular languages and literature as well as Byzantine studies are possible.
Students seeking the Certificate in Medieval Studies will follow the curriculum for the M.A. (thesis option), but are not required to complete a dissertation.
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M.A. Degree in Medieval or Byzantine Studies
The M.A. degree, like the certificate, is designed as an interlocking program which recognizes the complex intertwining of theology, philosophy, languages, and history for advanced study in any medieval field. In particular, students interested in acquiring the linguistic background necessary for advanced work in patristics and in medieval studies need a structure which permits the widest possible latitude.
The course work required for this degree is the same as that required for the certificate. An additional six hours must be taken for research, and a written comprehensive examination is required. There are thesis and non-thesis options.
I. Required Courses
Students must take 21 hours of required courses, as indicated below, whether selecting the thesis or the non-thesis option:
- Medieval Civilization I, II (HIST 609, 610) 6 hrs.
- Introduction to Medieval Latin Language and Literature I, II (LAT 541, 542) 6 hrs.
- History of Medieval Philosophy (PHIL 602) 3 hrs.
- Introduction to Medieval Theology (TRS 701) 3 hrs.
- Introduction to Medieval Studies (MDST 601) 3 hrs.
- Research in Medieval Studies (MDST 603) 2 hrs.
II. Electives
Non-Thesis Option: Three 3-credit-hr. courses, with two chosen from fields in Group A and one from fields in Group B, excluding required courses.
Thesis Option: One 3-credit-hr. elective course chosen from Group A, excluding required courses.
GROUP A:
- 1 or 2 courses in Medieval vernacular languages and/or literatures
- 1 or 2 courses in Medieval Music
- 1 or 2 courses in Medieval Art/Architecture
- 1 or 2 courses in Latin Palaeography
- 1 or 2 courses in Medieval Liturgy
- 1 course in Patristic or Medieval Latin
- 1 or 2 courses in Law
GROUP B:
- 1 course in Medieval Philosophy
- 1 course in Medieval Theology
- 1 course in Medieval History
N.B: Other courses may be substituted as electives with the permission of the director
III. Modern Languages
The student is required to exhibit reading competency in one modern language. The student may fulfill this requirement either by taking and passing the 500-level course offered by the Department of Modern Languages or by passing the Princeton Language Exam in one of the following languages: French, German, Spanish, or Italian.
IV. Comprehensive written examinations
All candidates must pass a written six-hour comprehensive examination. This examination will be given during a period of two days in the final semester of the candidate's study. During the first meeting of the "Introduction to Medieval Studies" course (MDST 601), candidates will be given a list of questions from which the comprehensive examination questions will be selected.
V. Research Papers
Non-Thesis Option: Two substantial research papers using the language skills appropriate for the topic and revised in accordance with the instructor's recommendation are required of non-thesis candidates. The papers are written according to the following guidelines:
- Research in Medieval Studies (MDST 603)
This is a course for which students register but for which there is no regular meeting time. The course requirement consists of an interdisciplinary seminar-length paper (25-35 pages) written under the direction of two faculty members affiliated with the Center who are members of two different departments. These two faculty members must agree to be the readers for the paper prior to its inception, and, once the paper has been completed, they confer on the grade to be assigned to the student for the course. Most students take this course the fall of their second year in the Masters program and spend significant time on it over the previous summer. For these students, the final draft of the paper is due on November 30. In rare cases, a student may take this course in the spring semester, in which case the final draft of the paper is due on April 20. If these dates fall on a holiday, the paper is due the first day of classes after that holiday.
- Extended Paper
This requirement is fulfilled by writing a seminar-length paper (20-30 pages) for any other course taken in pursuit of the Masters degree. The professor of the course must sign a form affirming that a paper of the appropriate length and competency has been completed.
Thesis Option: The traditional Master's Thesis is required of thesis candidates and includes 6 hours.
VI. Transfer of graduate course credits
Transfer of graduate course credits earned at another accredited institution may be arranged in accordance with CUA's regulations.
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Ph.D. Degree in Medieval or Byzantine Studies
The Ph.D. program in medieval studies incorporates the M.A. curriculum while also requiring an additional thirty semester hours of course work in one major and two minor fields. A comprehensive examination is based upon a reading list approved by the student's doctoral committee.
A minimum of 60 hours of graduate credit is required of candidates for the Ph.D. in Medieval and Byzantine Studies.
I. The M.A. Program in Medieval or Byzantine Studies (30 hours)
Students with masters' degrees in other programs or from other accredited institutions may apply for the transfer of up to 24 hours of graduate courses (equivalent to those required for the M.A. in Medieval Studies) Six of the transferred credits can be applied towards the M.A. degree, and the balance will count as credits for the Ph.D.
II. Medieval Languages
Ph.D. candidates must demonstrate competence in medieval vernacular languages required for research (unless chosen as part of M.A. program).
III. Modern Languages
Beyond the one language required for the Masters degree, the candidate must exhibit reading comprehension in a second modern language. The student may fulfill this requirement either by taking and passing the 500-level offered by the Department of Modern Languages course or by passing the Princeton Language Exam in one of the following languages: French, German, Spanish, or Italian. The languages chosen should be the ones most relevant to the candidate's area of research.
IV. Area of Concentration (18 hours)
Six 3-credit graduate courses in a major area of concentration (i.e. History, Medieval Latin, English, Music, Philosophy, etc.) will be required of all Ph.D. candidates.
V. Minors (12 hours)
Ph.D. candidates will select two minor concentrations in each of which two 3-credit courses (6 hours total for each minor) will be required.
VI. Comprehensive examination
The candidate must complete a written set of comprehensive exams based off of a reading list agreed upon by the student and a directing professor in each of the student’s three fields of study. The reading list must consist of the equivalent of seventy (70) books, in which it is understood that several articles may equal one book.
Major Field: 30 books
Minor Fields: 20 books each
Preparation for the examination usually involves eight to ten months of intensive reading and study, and may require further course work.
VII. Doctoral Dissertation
The traditional Doctoral Dissertation is required of all candidates for the Ph. D.
Last Revised 23-Mar-07 10:56 AM.
