Medieval Studies

Medieval Studies

"I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging,..." (Gandalf)

Medieval Studies is an interdisciplinary minor for students interested in the many different Middle Ages. We live in a world where modern re-imaginings of the Middle Ages permeate our everyday lives, from television to video games to terrorist groups claiming to be re-establishing a medieval world. Medieval Studies examines the real Middle Ages, as well as why and how they continue to affect our lives today.

Students who follow this minor take courses in the following areas to explore the Middle Ages in many different ways: 

  • English
  • History
  • Foreign Languages
  • Art History
  • Music
  • Religious Studies

Students will interact with and analyze medieval texts, artifacts and art, as they search for the truths of the medieval world. As Umberto Eco said once, we are "We are dreaming the Middle Ages" because "Our return to the Middle Ages is a quest for our roots..." We invite you to join in this adventure!

A student may earn an undergraduate minor in Medieval Studies by successful completion of an interdisciplinary program of 18 semester hours.

For course information, visit the Undergraduate Bulletin.
For more information, please contact Dr. Mary Valante (medieval@appstate.edu) in the Department of History.

Faculty Contacts

Dr. Alison Gulley
Department of English
Office: Sanford 552
Email: gulleyea@appstate.edu
Phone: (828) 262-3099

Dr. Alexandra Hellenbrand
Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies
Office: Dougherty 206
Email: hellenbranda@appstate.edu
Phone: (828) 262-7225

Dr. Mary Valante
Department of History
Office: Anne Belk 249F
Email: medieval@appstate.edu
Phone: (828) 262-4983

Image Credit: wirestock