Medieval and Renaissance Studies Program
At the turn of the twentieth century the diplomat and scholar Henry Adams set out to explain to his fellow Americans what the massive island fortress monastery of Mont Saint Michel meant to its eleventh century Norman builders. To do this he turned to literature, history, theology, studies of migration patterns, warfare, and the economics of medieval manorial land holding.
Like Adams, 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.
Program Info
- P: 540-458-8817
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Tucker Hall
Washington and Lee University
204 W. Washington Street
Lexington, VA 24450
Rebecca Benefiel Featured in PBS NOVA Documentary on Ancient Pompeii
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W&L History Professor Receives Fellowship at the Suzy Newhouse Center for the Humanities
Mikki Brock will perform research leading to a new book at the Wellesley College-based academic center this year.
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Holly Pickett’s book explores the stories of several serial converts in early modern England.
Wan-Chuan Kao Hosts Virtual Book Launch Event
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Rebecca Benefiel to Deliver Endowed Professorship Lecture
Benefiel’s talk “Uncovering the mysteries of Pompeii” will be held on Nov. 10.
W&L’s Elyssa McMaster ’22 Awarded Fulbright to Italy
McMaster has been awarded a Fulbright research grant to Italy to complete a hybrid art history and computer science project.
Lauren Hoaglund ’22 has parlayed her passion for medieval and Renaissance history, literature, classics and theater into a busy but rewarding four years at W&L.
W&L’s Muensterman Awarded Prestigious Beinecke Scholarship
Kathryn Muensterman ’22 has won a $34,000 Beinecke Scholarship to help fund her graduate studies.
Melissa Yorio ’21 has received support from many corners during her college career, so when the pandemic broke out, she found a way to give back within her hometown community.
Christopher McCrackin ’20 Earns Prestigious Beinecke Scholarship
Christopher McCrackin ’20 has won a $34,000 Beinecke Scholarship to help fund his graduate studies.