Chapman University

What you'll study

The programme situates political, religious and social developments in Europe from the late antiquity of the early Middle Ages through the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery. You will study primary sources and material culture, learn to read historical evidence in original languages where appropriate, and develop practised research skills. Typical topics and modules include:

• Introduction to Medieval Europe — society, kingship and Christian institutions.
• Renaissance and Early Modern Europe — cultural renewal, exploration and the growth of states.
• Reformation and Counter-Reformation — religion, print culture and confessional conflict.
• Social and Economic History — towns, trade, agriculture and demographic change.
• Gender and Family in the Middle Ages — everyday life, law and gendered roles.
• Art, Architecture and Visual Culture — secular and sacred visual expression.
• Palaeography and Manuscript Studies — reading and dating medieval manuscripts and archival documents.
• Historiography and Methods — approaches to writing history, source criticism and research ethics.
• Research Seminar and Senior Capstone/Thesis — an independent research project using primary sources.

The degree combines core history requirements with elective options in related disciplines such as Art History, Classics, Religious Studies and Modern Languages (Latin, Italian, French, German). Practical elements include archival workshops, guided use of the Leatherby Libraries Special Collections, and opportunities for fieldwork or study abroad in Europe.

Entry requirements

Applicants are considered on the basis of academic achievement and evidence of readiness for undergraduate study in the humanities. Typical requirements include a completed secondary school qualification or international equivalent with strong grades, and a record of coursework in history, languages and writing where available. Chapman University commonly requires a competitive grade point average; standardised tests may be optional in some admissions cycles. International applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests if their prior education was not in English.

Successful applicants usually show:

• a strong transcript with coursework in history and related humanities subjects;
• evidence of analytical and writing ability (personal statement, essays or written work sample);
• interest in primary-source work or languages where applicable;
• letters of recommendation that speak to academic potential.

Transfer applicants are assessed on college-level work completed; departmental advising helps place transfer students into appropriate sequences.

Career prospects

Graduates with a concentration in Medieval and Early Modern European cultural history progress to a wide range of careers. Alumni move into cultural heritage roles such as museum work, archive and library services, conservation and public history. Many graduates continue to further study in history, medieval studies, library and information science, museum studies or related graduate programmes.

Other career paths include teaching (with appropriate certification), publishing, cultural policy, tourism management, journalism, and roles in non-profits and public sector organisations where research, writing and critical thinking are valued. Employers also value the analytical and communicative skills developed by history students for careers in law, business and data-focused roles.

Why study at Chapman University

Chapman offers a personalised undergraduate experience with small seminars and close faculty mentoring, which benefits students working with complex primary material. The Department of History supports hands-on training through the Leatherby Libraries Special Collections and archive partnerships, providing first-hand experience with manuscripts, rare books and material culture.

Chapman’s location in Southern California gives access to a variety of museums, cultural institutions and internship opportunities, while interdisciplinary links across Art History, Classics and Modern Languages enrich study of medieval and early modern Europe. Students are encouraged to pursue study abroad and fieldwork in Europe and receive advising to align academic work with graduate study or professional goals.