Medieval and Renaissance Studies Minor

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This information is part of the Colgate University catalog, 2025-26.

MInor Requirements

The minor consists of at least five courses selected with the approval of an adviser belonging to the MARS faculty. The requirements are as follows:

History Elective

Courses that fulfill this requirement have a HIST subject code with an attribute of XMAR in the course offerings.

One of the following:

Additional Electives

Courses fulfilling this requirement have an attribute of XMAR in the course offerings.

Three electives from the following list:

400-level Seminar

Courses fulfilling this requirement are at the 400-level and have the attribute of XMAR in the course offerings.

  • One 400-level seminar

Note: Senior seminars and honors thesis courses in any department could provide a place for the student's capstone experience

Stipulations

The following stipulations apply:

  • At least three different disciplines should be represented. (French, Italian, and Spanish are considered to be separate areas of study.)
  • At least three courses should be at the intermediate level
  • at least one should be at the 300- or 400- (seminar) level — either an existing seminar or an independent research paper

Additional notes:

  • Additional courses (notably topical seminars) may be accepted upon petition to the director. 
  • One year's study of Latin at Colgate is recognized as one course toward the minor. 
  • Only one independent study course and only one non-Colgate course will be counted toward the minor. 
  • Students are encouraged to explore early literature in Old and Middle English, as well as early period courses in the foreign language departments.
  • It is the responsibility of the student to recognize that certain courses might require departmental prerequisites for which he or she would not necessarily receive credit toward the MARS minor. 
  • While there is no mandated language requirement, it is strongly recommended that students considering graduate school in a medieval or Renaissance field should study Latin at least through the intermediate level.

Medieval and Renaissance Studies Program

For more information about the department, including Faculty, transfer credit, awards, etc., please visit the  catalog page.