**Discovering the Hidden Gems of the University of North Carolina**

The University of North Carolina has a lot to offer beyond the standard subjects that people often know about. In this article, we will be exploring how a class in the poetry of Geoffrey Chaucer led Elizabeth Kohn to a new path in her life. When Kohn enrolled at UNC, she had a passion for history but was unsure of which period she wanted to study more deeply. She decided to take a class on Chaucer to help her decide. Chaucer, author of the famous work “The Canterbury Tales,” was a great starting point for Kohn because she had enjoyed studying Shakespeare in high school. “I was hoping for a similar experience, but I didn’t know if I would be able to understand the language,” Kohn said. She was determined to learn about Middle English, which was a different language from Elizabethan English, used in Shakespeare’s time. After taking Chaucer’s class, Kohn became interested in Middle English and other medieval topics. This was a surprise to many because Kohn was initially interested in business administration, as she was majoring in both that field and Italian at UNC’s College of Arts and Sciences. However, her exposure to Chaucer’s Middle English opened her eyes to the fascinating world of medieval studies. As it turned out, Kohn had already completed two of the five courses required for a minor in medieval and early modern studies through her participation in a first-year seminar titled Reintroducing Islam. The minor program was founded in 2007 with the support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and features more than 90 faculty members across 12 College departments. Students can choose from a variety of core classes in medieval art, South Asian history, British literature, and more. Electives include classes such as Shinto in Japanese History and Modern Philosophy: Descartes to Hume. For Kohn, her journey with Chaucer ultimately led to discovering the interdisciplinary program in medieval and early modern studies. She found that her interests in Italian and medieval writing complemented perfectly with her business administration major. The program allowed her to dive deeper into the world of medieval studies, applying her knowledge of medieval texts to unexpected areas. One of the highlights of Kohn’s experience with the program was her enrollment in a class that focused on medieval art and architecture. In this class, she not only learned about the subject but also became one of the first students to transcribe old Italian manuscripts. She found that her knowledge of medieval texts helped her in this process. “Some of the manuscripts are medieval, so getting to apply my knowledge about medieval texts is quite special,” Kohn said. Kohn’s experience with the program not only deepened her understanding of medieval studies but also enhanced her business skills. The minor program taught her to be a more well-rounded thinker, which benefited her in her Maymester abroad in Florence, Italy. During that trip, she had to apply her knowledge of medieval and Renaissance life to understand art and architecture. Kohn credits her time at UNC for providing her with the skills she needs to pursue her career goals. She served as the president of the Carolina Athletic Association and was a member of the Kenan-Flagler Private Equity Fund, an investment fund that managed outside capital in an educational setting. When Kohn graduated in May, she moved to New York to begin her role as an investment banking analyst for Morgan Stanley. Her experience with the interdisciplinary program in medieval and early modern studies played a significant role in shaping her career ambitions. Kohn’s story serves as a testament to the versatility of the University of North Carolina and its range of academic programs. Through her experience with the medieval and early modern studies program, Kohn discovered new aspects of herself and the world around her, leading her to explore new paths and excel in various fields. A well-rounded education is crucial for success in today’s fast-paced world. As Kohn’s story demonstrates, a minor program in medieval and early modern studies can open doors to new areas of interest and career paths. The University of North Carolina’s interdisciplinary program in medieval and early modern studies is a great example of how students can benefit from exploring multiple fields. By combining core classes in medieval art, South Asian history, British literature, and more, students can gain a broader understanding of the medieval and early modern world. For Kohn, the program was more than just a minor; it was a gateway to new experiences and perspectives. Her exposure to medieval studies complemented her business administration major perfectly, providing her with the skills needed to excel in various areas of life. Kohn is not the only one who has benefited from the program. The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of interdisciplinary programs that cater to students’ diverse interests. Kohn’s journey with the program highlights the importance of exploration and discovery in education. It shows that students can benefit from taking courses outside of their main field of study, exploring new interests, and gaining new experiences. In the end, Kohn’s experience with the medieval and early modern studies program demonstrates the value of a more well-rounded education. It shows that students can benefit from exploring multiple fields and gaining new skills, perspectives, and experiences. **Some Key Features of the University of North Carolina’s Medieval and Early Modern Studies Program**

• More than 90 faculty members across 12 College departments

• Core classes in medieval art, South Asian history, British literature, and more

• Electives include Shinto in Japanese History and Modern Philosophy: Descartes to Hume

• Allows students to combine their main field of study with a minor or major from another department

• Provides opportunities for students to gain practical experience through transcribing old Italian manuscripts

About Elizabeth Kohn

Elizabeth Kohn is a senior from Durham, North Carolina, who majored in both business administration and Italian at the University of North Carolina. She served as the president of the Carolina Athletic Association and was a member of the Kenan-Flagler Private Equity Fund. Kohn credits her time at UNC for providing her with the skills she needs to pursue her career goals. She graduated in May and moved to New York to begin her role as an investment banking analyst for Morgan Stanley. Kohn’s story is a testament to the versatility of the University of North Carolina and its range of academic programs. She discovered new aspects of herself and the world around her, leading her to explore new paths and excel in various fields.

Benefits of Interdisciplinary Studies

Interdisciplinary studies can provide students with a broader understanding of the world and the skills needed to excel in various areas of life. • Enhances creativity and critical thinking

• Fosters problem-solving skills and teamwork

• Provides opportunities for students to explore new areas of interest

• Encourages students to think outside the box and challenge assumptions

An Unlikely Discovery

Elizabeth Kohn’s journey with the medieval and early modern studies program started with a seemingly unlikely class: the poetry of Geoffrey Chaucer. Kohn had always been interested in history, but was unsure of which period she wanted to study more deeply. She decided to take a class on Chaucer to help her decide. The class ultimately opened her eyes to the fascinating world of medieval studies.

Chaucer’s Legacy

Geoffrey Chaucer is one of the most famous English poets, best known for his work “The Canterbury Tales.” His legacy extends far beyond literature, influencing art, architecture, and culture. • Played a key role in the development of the English language

• Influenced the emergence of the novel as a literary genre

• Focused on the human condition, exploring themes of love, nature, and society

• Demonstrated the power of storytelling to unite people across cultures and time

Conclusion

Elizabeth Kohn’s experience with the medieval and early modern studies program serves as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary studies. The program allowed her to combine her main field of study with a minor or major from another department, providing her with the skills needed to excel in various areas of life. Kohn’s journey highlights the importance of exploration and discovery in education, demonstrating that students can benefit from taking courses outside of their main field of study, exploring new interests, and gaining new experiences. Kohn’s story shows that the University of North Carolina has a lot to offer beyond the standard subjects that people often know about. It demonstrates the versatility of the university and its range of academic programs, providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced world.