Why Study Medieval and Renaissance Studies?
The Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor invites you to study the Middle Ages and Renaissance through an interdisciplinary lens, combining history, literature, art, language, and culture.
Research with Rare Primary Sources
Work across history, literature, art, and language while conducting your own interdisciplinary research with manuscripts, early modern books, maps, tapestries, and other primary-source materials at Trinity.
Work Closely with Interdisciplinary Faculty
Students collaborate with faculty specialists from multiple disciplines and can develop original projects with mentors whose teaching and research span the arts, language, literature, and history.
Preparation for Graduate and Professional Paths
Students build strong research, interpretation, and communication skills that support future study in areas such as education, law, museum studies, and library science, with graduates going on to leading graduate and professional programs.
It’s a good fit for you if you:
- Are curious about how the Middle Ages and Renaissance shaped the modern world.
- Want to study history, literature, art, and language together—not in isolation.
- Enjoy working with original texts, artifacts, and primary sources.
- Are interested in research, writing, and interpreting complex cultural ideas.
Medieval and Renaissance Studies pairs well with:
- History
- English
- Art History
- Religion
- Latin
- French
- Spanish
- German Studies
- International Studies
- Oher humanities and interdisciplinary fields
What You’ll Study
Courses in the Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor examine the cultures, texts, art, and histories of the Middle Ages and Renaissance through an interdisciplinary lens.
In Demand-Skills:
- Analyze texts, images, and artifacts in historical context
- Conduct interdisciplinary research using primary sources
- Write and communicate complex ideas with clarity and evidence
Comprehensive Curriculum
Students complete 18 credit hours, including coursework drawn from multiple disciplines, with opportunities to study topics such as Shakespeare, Michelangelo, Leonardo, medieval kingship, and early books and manuscripts.
View minor requirements in the course catalog
Detailed course requirements, sequencing, and policies are outlined in the official Courses of Study Bulletin.
Recent Graduate Careers
The Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor helps students build strong abilities in research, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Graduates carry those skills into graduate and professional study and into fields that involve teaching, interpretation, preservation, and cultural research.
Graduate and Professional Study
Students in the minor prepare for advanced study by conducting original research, working with primary sources, and presenting their ideas clearly. Graduates have gone on to top graduate and professional programs, including Cambridge University, Fordham University, Stanford University, University College Dublin, and York University.
Museums and Cultural Preservation
Students interested in museum studies and cultural preservation build useful preparation through hands-on research and engagement with manuscripts, rare books, and other historical materials. The program’s emphasis on primary sources helps students understand how cultural objects are studied, interpreted, and preserved.
Education and Teaching
The minor develops historical understanding, close reading, and communication skills that support future work in education and teaching. Students leave with a broader perspective on culture and history and experience interpreting complex material for different audiences.
Law, Libraries, and Research
Graduates also pursue paths in law and library studies, fields that value careful analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and strong writing. The minor’s interdisciplinary approach helps students connect historical context, textual interpretation, and research practice in ways that carry into many professional settings.
Get Your Questions Answered
Students interested in the Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor should:
Meet with an academic adviser to explore introductory courses in Medieval and Renaissance Studies and review degree requirements in the course catalog.