Medieval and Early Modern Studies at UMBC

What is MEMS?

At UMBC, the study of the medieval and early modern world encompasses a chronology from late antiquity to the eighteenth century and pushes beyond the borders of Europe. Incorporating the Islamicate world, the Atlantic World, Africa and East Asia, as well as Europe, our understanding of the premodern attends to the movement of people, ideas, material cultures, literatures and languages across the globe. The minor draws on courses offered in English, History, Ancient Studies, Music, Africana Studies, East Asian Studies, and Visual Arts, and is thus truly interdisciplinary at its core.

Contact mems@umbc.edu for more information!

Meeting in the Middle

Trailblazers: Visualizing the Pre-Modern World

UMBC MEMS Undergraduate Conference, April 10-12, 2026

 

Summer Session I: Experimental Archaeology

 ARCH: 365 poster features the title of the class, the tag line "research with your hands!", GEP designations (Culture and A/H), and the time and dates of the course. The course runs during session 1, from May 26-July 2, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00pm to 4:10pm. Images on the poster include drawings of baroque musical instruments and an African woman sitting at a loom.

Back for Summer ’26, Drs. Molly Jones-Lewis and Lindsay Johnson will co-lead ARCH 365: Experimental Archaeology of the Global Ancient and Medieval Eras during the first summer session! One of the only courses of its kind in the country, ExArch at UMBC teaches research skills through crafts, handwork, traditional foodways, and music, among other heritage skills. Culture and Arts/Humanities GEPs available and MEMS minor-approved. Register today!