Medieval and Renaissance Studies

Interested students may pursue a minor in Medieval and Renaissance studies or a major in Renaissance studies under the auspices of the Interdisciplinary Project in the Humanities (IPH). The major offers students the opportunity to gain a broad understanding of the early modern world — the seedbed of modern Western civilization — through the integrated study of Renaissance literature, history, philosophy, art history and music. (A full description of the requirements for completing the Renaissance studies track in the IPH may be found in the general listing for the IPH.)

Courses are drawn from a wide range of departments, allowing students to develop their own course of study, select areas of concentration that are of particular personal interest, and work closely with faculty from different areas. Students study the themes and social issues of the period through art, history, literature and popular culture. Topics examined include the rise of urban life, the flowering of vernacular languages and new literary genres, the growing emphasis on education, the reconception of pictorial representation and architectural space, the expression and subversion of power in politics and culture, and the transformation of religious doctrines and institutions.

Contact Info

Contact:Joseph F. Loewenstein
Phone:314-935-4200
Email:iph@wustl.edu
Website:http://iph.wustl.edu