Every period in history is better illuminated and understood by using evidence from research in different fields rather than by studying it solely from the point of view of a single discipline. People of the past, after all, did not live their lives according to the departmental divisions of a modern university. Medieval studies, particularly in the last half century, have benefited enormously from this interdisciplinary approach. Work in family history, genealogy, archeology, folklore, iconography, textual criticism, linguistic analysis, and statistical research has advanced and deepened our knowledge of the highways and byways of the period. The study of the Middle Ages has been strong and active at the University of Virginia for many years. A diverse community of scholars routinely offers dozens of courses on medieval topics in the departments of History, Classics, Religious Studies, Philosophy, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Middle Eastern Studies, Art History, Architecture, Music, and Government. Research and teaching on the medieval period are supported by extensive holdings in the University Library, including Special Collections. For the interested and able student, the major provides a way to pursue Medieval Studies without additional departmental requirements, to embark upon a program of language study within the field, to receive sound preparation for graduate work, and a chance to share knowledge and opinions with other scholars on a critical period of western civilization. By its comprehensive structure, it promotes cordiality, collegiality, and an exchange of views across departmental lines. Work in Medieval Studies helps to develop and refine powers of criticism and imagination, and encourages, through practice, the ability to think and write with clarity and precision. It thus furnishes skills useful in a wide variety of vocational fields.