English- Medieval, Renaissance
The English: Medieval and Renaissance Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of English literature, culture, and thought from the medieval through the Renaissance periods. The curriculum integrates literary analysis, historical context, critical theory, and textual interpretation, enabling students to explore the evolution of language, literature, and intellectual ideas during these formative eras. Students engage in close reading, research, and writing, developing the analytical and interpretive skills necessary to evaluate complex texts and understand their cultural, social, and philosophical significance.
Throughout the program, students participate in seminars, independent research, and collaborative projects guided by faculty experts in medieval and Renaissance literature. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, scholarly writing, and contextual analysis, allowing graduates to connect historical texts to contemporary literary and cultural studies. Students leave the program with research proficiency, analytical insight, critical thinking, and communication skills, fully prepared for careers in education, research, writing, or further academic study in literature and the humanities.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: English- Medieval, Renaissance
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: History
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Medieval and Renaissance Literature
- Introduction to English Literature
- Survey of Medieval Literature
- Writing and Composition for Literary Analysis
- Historical Contexts of Early English Texts
Year 2 – Intermediate Study in Literary Traditions
- Renaissance Literature and Culture
- Literary Theory and Critical Approaches
- Manuscript and Textual Studies
- Elective: Chaucer, Shakespeare, or Early Modern Literature
Year 3 – Advanced Analysis and Research
- Comparative Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Literature
- History of Ideas and Intellectual Contexts
- Research Methods in Literature
- Elective: Poetry, Drama, or Prose Studies
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Seminar in Medieval and Renaissance Literary Topics
- Professional Portfolio and Presentation
- Applied Research in Historical Texts
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the English: Medieval and Renaissance program are prepared for careers in education, research, publishing, museums and archives, cultural institutions, and writing and communications. Alumni may work as educators, literary researchers, editors, curators, or pursue graduate studies in English, history, or related humanities fields. The program equips graduates with strong analytical, research, and writing skills, enabling them to interpret complex texts, contextualize historical knowledge, and communicate insights effectively. Graduates are also prepared for interdisciplinary roles where critical thinking, textual analysis, and historical awareness are highly valued.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of literary scholarship, historical analysis, critical theory, and research training within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from faculty mentorship, access to manuscripts and archival materials, and opportunities to engage in both independent and collaborative research projects. The curriculum emphasizes analytical reasoning, critical writing, and contextual understanding, preparing graduates to excel in research, education, and professional roles that require deep engagement with texts and intellectual history. For students passionate about medieval and Renaissance literature, cultural history, and textual scholarship, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to intellectual and professional success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
