Illinois Wesleyan University

What you'll study

The programme combines broad historical grounding with specialised study of medieval and early modern Europe. Core topics include political and institutional change after the fall of Rome, monastic and ecclesiastical culture, the Crusades, the medieval economy and urban life, the Renaissance, the Reformation and confessionalisation, early modern state formation, and the cultural history of art, print and material objects.

Typical modules and learning experiences include:

• Introductory surveys covering medieval and early modern European history to build chronological and thematic frameworks.
• Regional and thematic seminars on subjects such as medieval religion and society, Renaissance intellectual culture, the Reformation and its social consequences, gender and family in early modern Europe, or the history of the book and print culture.
• Historiography and methods courses that introduce archival methods, palaeography, primary-source analysis and the ways historians interpret evidence.
• Language training opportunities—classical/medieval Latin and, where available, modern European languages relevant to research (for example French, German or Spanish).
• Advanced seminar and capstone in which students design and complete a substantive research project or senior thesis based on primary sources.
• Practical placements and internships with local museums, archives and historical societies, and encouraged participation in study abroad programmes to work directly with European archives and collections.

Entry requirements

Illinois Wesleyan looks for candidates with strong academic preparation in the humanities and social sciences. Typical entry expectations include a secondary school diploma or equivalent with good grades; successful applicants usually present coursework in history, English/composition, and at least one foreign language. Admissions may also consider Advanced Placement, IB or other recognised pre‑university qualifications.

International applicants must demonstrate equivalent academic standing and English language proficiency where required. The department values demonstrated interest in historical research—examples include essays, research projects, relevant extracurricular activities, or letters of recommendation that speak to reading, writing and critical analysis skills.

Career prospects

Graduates with a concentration in Medieval and Early Modern European Cultural History go on to a range of careers, supported by strengths in research, critical thinking, writing and archival literacy. Common pathways include:

• Graduate study in history, public history, library and information science, museum studies, law or related fields.
• Work in museums, historical societies, archives and special collections as curators, archivists, conservators or registrars (often beginning with internships or entry‑level positions).
• Careers in education at the secondary level or, with further qualifications, in higher education and research.
• Roles in the cultural and nonprofit sectors, publishing, heritage management, and cultural resource management.
• Transferable careers in government, law, consulting, and business that value analytical writing, project management and evidence‑based argumentation.

Why study at Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan is a small liberal arts university that emphasises undergraduate teaching and close mentorship. History students benefit from small seminars, regular interaction with faculty who are active researchers, and the opportunity to pursue an independent senior thesis with one‑to‑one supervision. The department encourages hands‑on archival work through Ames Library collections and partnerships with local institutions such as the McLean County Museum of History, providing practical experience with primary sources.

Students are also encouraged to take advantage of study abroad programmes to access European archives and libraries, and the university supports undergraduate research and conference presentation. The campus environment and liberal arts curriculum allow students to combine history with complementary disciplines—for example, languages, art history, political science or religious studies—to build a profile suited to both scholarly and professional careers.