New Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor offered at SMU

By Marissa Johnson

Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University has recently added the Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor to its undergraduate curriculum.

The new minor marks SMU’s first multidisciplinary minor. This means that it combines courses in philosophy, literature and history, culminating in a well-rounded understanding of the time period which stretches from the late Antiquity period to the middle of the 17th century.

The minor was introduced to SMU by John Kerr, Ph.D., and Richard Tristano, Ph.D., who wanted to cultivate their interests in this unique time period and later decided to share their findings with students. According to Kerr, the Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor is a “rigorous intellectual experience” which offers students the chance to develop a concentration in a historical period not normally covered in much detail.

Students enrolled in the Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor also have opportunities for professional experience outside of the classroom. The minor requires students to attend at least three faculty-led seminars and write a seminar essay, which will illustrate their understanding of the history, philosophy and literature from this era. All students are able to attend these seminars as well.

More information about the Medieval and Renaissance Studies minor and its course requirements can be found on the SMU webpage www.smumn.edu.