Augsburg - History

August 9 to 15, 2009

The program ...

Medieval Minnesota is a unique summer learning experience appropriate for students ages 14 to 17. It consists of a one-week, boarding camp that re-imagines life in the Middle Ages. The camp has attracted students from around the United States and Canada.

Students learn medieval history, including such topics as the legends of Robin Hood and King Arthur, castle design, the history of labyrinths, and the symbolism of medieval wax seals. In addition, students learn to develop a medieval character, build a medieval costume, juggle, dance, fence, play tunes on medieval instruments, and perform authentic medieval stories, songs, and plays. The course is geared toward training students for a graduation performance to be held at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.

Augsburg College is nationally known for its inter-disciplinary, experiential teaching in Medieval Studies. Its “Medieval Connections” course has been featured in Renaissance magazine, Teaching History, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and on Minnesota Public Radio. It is # 6 on College Bound's list of "25 Cool, Funky, and Controversial Classes."

What parents and participants say ...

"Our daughter had a fantastic time. She learned so much from the all-star cast of instructors you assembled. I really believe the way Medieval Minnesota integrates collaborative academics, character development, and story telling represents the ideal way for kids to learn and what's missing from today's teens' daily lives. The program was a fantastic introduction to college life and exceeded our expectations on so many levels."

-- Lisa Fratt, Medieval MN parent, 2007 and 2008

"Our son had a blast. I couldn't believe how much he has talked about his experiences. You, the counselors, and the other instructors were great with him."

-- Maryanne Simonitsch, Medieval MN parent, 2008

"Best camp ever!"

-- Libby, Medieval MN student, 2008

Just got back from this camp! It completely rocks!"

-- Nick, Medieval MN student, 2008

For more testimonials and photos from past years, visit our Facebook page!

Faculty

Many of the same faculty who teach in the Medieval Studies program are also instructors at Medieval Minnesota.
Here are some of the faculty from past summers (faculty for the 2009 program may vary):

Phil Adamo (history, research, juggling) is the Director of Medieval Minnesota. He is an Associate Professor of History and Director of Medieval Studies at Augsburg College.

Ellen Arnold (castle design, bestiaries) has a Ph.D. in Medieval History from the University of Minnesota. She is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Macalester College in Minneapolis.

Tara Christopherson (bookbinding, shield design) is a professional artist specializing in watercolor and the book arts. She is an Associate Professor of Art at Augsburg College.

Darcey Engen (dialect, movement training) is a professional actor and director, and Associate Professor of Theatre at Augsburg College.

Craig Johnson (long sword fencing) is a swordsmith and historic master fencer with Minneapolis-based Arms and Armor and the Oakshott Institute.

Tim Jones (Robin Hood), one of the world's leading experts on medieval outlaw literature, is an Associate Professor of English at Augustana Unioversity in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Jeremy Kittleson (Renaissance dance) is a member of the Terpsichory Dance Company, which regularly performs at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.

Merilee Klemp (music) is a classically trained, professional musician, and Associate Professor of Music and Music History at Augsburg College.

Candy Koehn (costuming) is a professional textile artist who regularly plies her craft at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.

Kerry Morgan (iconography) holds a Ph.D. in Art History and is Curator of Galleries at Augsburg College.

Phil Thompson (calligraphy) is an Emeritus Professor of Art at Augsburg College.

Many younger kids are interested in studying the Middle Ages, and this is a very good thing! Medieval Minnesota is a residential camp, designed especially for high school students, ages 14 to 17.

For younger students, we highly recommend the Knight for a Day Camp, for kids 7 to 14, run by the Oakshott Institute in Minneapolis. The Oakshott’s mission is to “promote interest in ancient arms and armor through a hands-on educational approach.” The Medieval Studies Program at Augsburg College has collaborated with members of the Oakshott staff for many years -- some of them even teach at Medieval Minnesota -- and fully endorses their program. You can find out more about the Knight for a Day Camp at: www.oakeshott.org/camp.html.

Application for Medieval Minnesota

Cost for the camp is $750. This includes room and board, and all materials. Students who register before April 1, receive a $50 discount.
A limited number of scholarships are also available.

Click here to download the Application Form. (The 2009 application is coming soon; in the meantime, feel free to use the 2008 application.)

Return this application with a deposit of $100. Keep a photo-copy for your records.

Make checks payable to:

                     Augsburg College

Mail application to:

                     Medieval Minnesota
                     Augsburg College, CB #21
                     2211 Riverside Ave.
                     Minneapolis, MN 55454

To insure quality programming, registration is limited to 24 students. If your application is accepted,
registration materials, including a waiver and release of liability form will be sent to you separately.

Balance of tuition will be due no later than July 5, 2009.

For more information, please contact Phil Adamo, adamo@augsburg.edu, or call 612-330-1199.

Made possible through

the generous support of
Barnes and Noble
College Bookstore.