Medieval and Early Modern Studies | IDS

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recognizes that students' academic and professional interests may include more than one discipline and that some majors are not formally available at the university. Because interdisciplinary approaches, research, and curricular activities are becoming increasingly appropriate and valuable within the liberal arts and sciences and other fields, UF students have the option to develop and pursue interdisciplinary (IDS) majors that cross the boundaries of numerous disciplines.

About this Program

Related Programs

This major focuses on medieval and early modern European culture and its influences on the modern world. Students examine the distinctive forms of cultural organization in these periods, obtain knowledge about medieval and early modern communities (monastic, chivalric, peasant, early urban), and familiarize themselves with some of the world's greatest literature.

Students are encouraged to seek historical perspectives that can contribute to current discussions about ethnicity and nationality, colonialism, technologies and their effects, gender and sexuality and the characteristics of historical and fictional narratives. This IDS major involves critical thinking, textual analysis and creativity, and is excellent preprofessional preparation for careers in law, journalism, government services, medicine, library science, international work and teaching.

The interdisciplinary studies major in medieval and early modern studies provides students with knowledge of the key issues, figures, social and cultural trends and basic chronology of the period or field studied. Students will be able to evaluate the significance, quality and veracity of information gathered in the literature and to apply it effectively. Students will also articulate the results of research clearly and effectively.

Before Graduating Students Must

  • Satisfactorily complete IDS 4906 (capping 7-12 credits of thesis research), graded according to department rubric.
  • Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Content

  1. Identify, describe and explain the key issues, figures, social and cultural trends and basic chronology of the period or field studied.

Critical Thinking

  1. Evaluate the significance, quality and veracity of information gathered in the literature and apply it effectively.

Communication

  1. Articulate research results clearly and effectively in speech and in writing in an accepted style of presentation.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Courses SLO 1 SLO 2 SLO 3
IDS 4906, course 1 I, R, A I, R, A I, R, A
IDS 4906, course 2 I, R, A I, R, A I, R, A
IDS 4906 is the only required course for this major (or equivalent with other prefixes).

Assessment Types

  • Direct assessment of research in the thesis