The College of Arts and Sciences has established two interdisciplinary minors and a scholarship program for the study of early historical periods, Dr. Donna Dickerson, dean, announced.

Students may select a minor in classical studies or in medieval and renaissance studies to satisfy bachelor’s degree requirements in any major that requires a minor. Each minor requires a total of 18 semester hours, 12 of which must be upper division. Both minors would allow students to select from appropriate courses in a wide variety of disciplines.

“These minors will encourage students to explore the greatest thinkers and creative artists of the Western tradition, and in so doing develop their own analytical, interpretative and creative skills,’’ said Dr. Victor Scherb, chair of the Department of Literature and Languages.

The classical studies minor offers the opportunity to study the language, literature, history and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. Students will explore the culture on multiple levels. Units involved include Latin, English, art, history, philosophy and theater.

A minor in medieval and renaissance studies provides a flexible but coherent area of study anchored around such ideas as epistemology, human psychology, philosophy, political organization and literary, musical, visual and theatrical representation. Units involved include art, English, history, music, philosophy, political science, Spanish and theater.

Beginning in the fall of 2005, a Classical, Medieval and Renaissance Students Scholarship will be offered through the College of Arts and Sciences and UT Tyler’s new Center for Classical, Medieval and Renaissance Studies, a consortium of faculty specializing in these early periods. Each year, $1,000 will be available for scholarships given to both undergraduates and graduates pursuing studies in classical, medieval or renaissance fields as demonstrated by advanced research or an appropriate minor or major. Applications will be available in the UT Tyler Office of Financial Aid beginning in the spring.

“The new scholarship acknowledges the growing commitment of the local community to making UT Tyler central to the intellectual and cultural life of East Texas,’’ Dr. Dickerson said.

For more information about the classical studies minor contact Dr. Paul Streufert at 903-565-5823. For information on the medieval and renaissance studies minor contact Dr. Edward Tabri, 903-566-7322. For information on the scholarship program, contact Dr. Scherb, 903-566-7374.

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