Undergraduate

Medieval and Early Modern Studies

The minor in Medieval and Early Modern Studies (MEMS) offers students the opportunity to explore the richness and diversity of the medieval and Early Modern world by combining studies in history, literature, languages, the arts, philosophy, politics, and religion to deepen and broaden their understanding of medieval and Early Modern civilizations.

Medieval and Early Modern Studies Program

Program Tracks Available

Minor


Admission Deadline

Early Decision: November 15

Early Action: November 15

Early Action II: December 15

Regular Decision: March 15 (Preferred status deadline)

Apply Now


School

D'Amour College of Liberal Arts and Sciences


Department

Art & Music, History, Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures, Political Science, Theology, Interdisciplinary Studies

Program Contact

Lance G. Lazar, Ph.D

Associate Professor of History, Director, Medieval & Early Modern Studies
508-767-7054 Founders Hall - Room 105

An Ideal Place to Learn

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Program Curriculum

Faculty


Experiential Learning

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly exploration and independence. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment. MEMS students can pursue their independent research projects in the major discipline while gaining credit for a MEMS-related topic.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. The MEMS minor is a perfect complement to study abroad, both in preparing students for the grandeur of cultural sites they will visit, and many courses taken abroad can count for the MEMS Minor.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Past MEMS students have obtained internships at the Worcester Art Museum and the American Antiquarian Society, for instance.

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. Taking courses in the MEMS Minor is among the best cultural preparations for gaining the most from Rome. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors, gladiators, popes, and artists then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.

Our Mission

Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.

Learn about financial aid
Sep 30 Sat

Tour, Tailgate, Touchdowns

Join us for a morning tour of our beautiful 185-acre campus that begins at the Admissions House and ends at the Brian Kelly '83 Stadium where you can enjoy some pre-game food and drinks at a special tailgate before our Greyhounds take on the Pace University Setters at a noon football game. The stude ... Read more about Tour, Tailgate, Touchdowns

Sep. 30, 2023
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Assumption University Campus
Register
Oct 21 Sat

Admissions Fall Open House

Enjoy a fall day exploring the beautiful 185 acre campus of Assumption University at our Fall Open House!  Please join our faculty, staff, and students to learn more about our admissions process, academic programs, student life, athletics and so much more.  Prospective students and parents will have ... Read more about Admissions Fall Open House

Oct. 21, 2023
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Assumption University Campus
Register
Nov 6 Mon

Erin Thompson, Art Historian

As America’s only professor of art crime, Dr. Erin Thompson will speak on her latest book, Smashing Statues: The Rise and Fall of America's Public Monuments.

Nov. 6, 2023
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Kennedy 112

Events

Sep 30 Sat

Tour, Tailgate, Touchdowns

Join us for a morning tour of our beautiful 185-acre campus that begins at the Admissions House and ends at the Brian Kelly '83 Stadium where you can enjoy some pre-game food and drinks at a special tailgate before our Greyhounds take on the Pace University Setters at a noon football game. The stude ... Read more about Tour, Tailgate, Touchdowns

Sep. 30, 2023
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Assumption University Campus
Register
Oct 21 Sat

Admissions Fall Open House

Enjoy a fall day exploring the beautiful 185 acre campus of Assumption University at our Fall Open House!  Please join our faculty, staff, and students to learn more about our admissions process, academic programs, student life, athletics and so much more.  Prospective students and parents will have ... Read more about Admissions Fall Open House

Oct. 21, 2023
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Assumption University Campus
Register
Nov 6 Mon

Erin Thompson, Art Historian

As America’s only professor of art crime, Dr. Erin Thompson will speak on her latest book, Smashing Statues: The Rise and Fall of America's Public Monuments.

Nov. 6, 2023
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Kennedy 112

Student Opportunities


American Studies Seminar at the American Antiquarian Society

Each fall, the American Antiquarian Society and five Worcester Colleges sponsor an American Studies research seminar at the Antiquarian Society. The seminar is conducted utilizing the Society’s world-renowned holdings in early American history and culture. The seminar topic and research methods combine several disciplines, and students from a wide variety of majors can participate. Selection is highly competitive.


Assumption University Honors Convocation

Each year the program awards a prize at Honors Convocation in the Spring Term for the graduating MEMS minor with the highest GPA and record of achievement.


Assumption University Undergraduate Research Symposium

Each year in the spring term, MEMS students take part in presenting their research at a public conference. Students are especially encouraged to present their research projects from their major discipline and the American Studies Seminar at the American Antiquarian Society, as well as projects they develop while working as research assistants with faculty.

Symposium

Undergraduate Medieval and Early Modern Studies Conference

Students who combine their interest in MEMS with their primary discipline will be able to take part in the annual national undergraduate conference in Medieval and Early Modern Studies at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA.


Worcester Art Museum Internships

The Worcester Art Museum’s internship program includes most departments such as visitor services, curatorial, education, and marketing. Internships are often project-based and become available as opportunities arise. Generally, a commitment of 6 hours a week is required, though particular projects may differ. All of WAM’s internships are unpaid.


Annual Medieval and Early Modern Studies Lecture

Every spring, faculty members from different disciplines present their on-going research in medieval and Early Modern topics. In fall 2017, in commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the start of the Protestant Reformation, Dr. Carlos Eire, the T. L. Riggs Professor of History and Religious Studies at Yale University, lectured on “Catholic Miracles in the Age of Reformations: a History of the Impossible?” in the new Jeanne Y. Curtis Performance Hall of the Tsotsis Family Academic Center.

Recent Lectures:


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