research papers on medieval literature

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Cambridge Studies in Medieval Literature

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This series of critical books seeks to cover the whole area of literature written in the major medieval languages - the main European vernaculars, and medieval Latin and Greek - during the period c.600–1500. Its chief aim is to publish and stimulate fresh scholarship and criticism on medieval literature, special emphasis being placed on understanding major works of poetry, prose, and drama in relation to the contemporary culture and learning which fostered them.

• General Editors: Marisa Galvez , Stanford University, California , Daniel Wakelin , University of Oxford
• Editorial Boards: Anthony Bale , Birkbeck, University of London , Zygmunt G. Barański , University of Cambridge , Christopher C. Baswell , Barnard College and Columbia University, New York , Mary Carruthers , New York University , Rita Copeland , University of Pennsylvania , Roberta Frank , Yale University, Connecticut , Alastair Minnis , Yale University, Connecticut , Jocelyn Wogan-Browne , Fordham University, New York

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95 results in Cambridge Studies in Medieval Literature

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English Literature and the Crusades

• Anxieties of Holy War, 1291–1453
• Marcel Elias
• Coming soon
• Expected online publication date: October 2024 Print publication: 31 October 2024
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• View description The period from the Mamlūk reconquest of Acre (1291) to the Ottoman siege of Constantinople (1453) witnessed the production of a substantial corpus of Middle English crusade romances. Marcel Elias places these romances in dialogue with multifarious European writings to offer a novel account of late medieval crusade culture: as ambivalent and self-critical, animated by tensions and debates, and fraught with anxiety. These romances uphold ideals of holy war while expressing anxieties about issues as diverse as God's endorsement of the crusading enterprise, the conversion of Christians to Islam, the sinfulness of crusaders, and the morality of violence. Reinvigorating debates in medieval postcolonialism, drawing on emotion studies, and excavating a rich multilingual archive, this book is a major contribution to the cultural history of the crusades. This title is part of the Flip it Open programme and may also be available open access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.

Women's Genealogies in the Medieval Literary Imagination

• Matrilineal Legacies in the High Middle Ages
• Emma O. Bérat
• Published online: 14 March 2024 Print publication: 21 March 2024
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• View description Uncovering the many striking female alternatives to patrilineal narratives in medieval texts, Emma O. Bérat explores strategies of writing and illustration that creatively and purposefully depict women's legacies. Genealogy, used to justify a character's present power and project it onto the future, was crucial to medieval political, literary, and historical thought. While patrilineage often limited women to exceptional or passive roles, other genealogical forms that represent and promote women's claims are widespread in medieval texts. Female characters transmit power through book patronage and reading, enduring landmarks, and international travel, as well as childbearing and succession. These flexible – if messy – genealogies reflect the web of political, biological, and spiritual relations that frequently characterized elite women's lives. Examining hagiography, chronicles, genealogical rolls, and French, English, and Latin romances, as well as associated codices and images, Bérat highlights the centrality of female characters and historical women to this fundamental aspect of medieval consciousness.

The Theology of Debt in Late Medieval English Literature

• Anne Schuurman
• Published online: 04 January 2024 Print publication: 18 January 2024
• View description Exploring debt's permutations in Middle English texts, Anne Schuurman makes the bold claim that the capitalist spirit has its roots in Christian penitential theology. Her argument challenges the longstanding belief that faith and theological doctrine in the Middle Ages were inimical to the development of market economies, showing that the same idea of debt is in fact intrinsic to both. The double penitential-financial meaning of debt, and the spiritual paradoxes it creates, is a linchpin of scholastic and vernacular theology, and of the imaginative literature of late medieval England. Focusing on the doubleness of debt, this book traces the dynamic by which the Christian ascetic ideal, in its rejection of material profit and wealth acquisition, ends up producing precisely what it condemns. This title is part of the Flip it Open Programme and may also be available Open Access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.

The Life Course in Old English Poetry

• Harriet Soper
• Published online: 29 November 2023 Print publication: 07 December 2023
• View description In the first book-length study of the whole lifespan in Old English verse, Harriet Soper reveals how poets depicted varied paths through life, including their staging of entanglements between human life courses and those of the nonhuman or more-than-human. While Old English poetry sometimes suggests that uniform patterns shape each life, paralleling patristic traditions of the ages of man, it also frequently disrupts a sense of steady linearity through the life course in striking ways, foregrounding moments of sudden upheaval over smooth continuity, contingency over predictability, and idiosyncrasy over regularity. Advancing new readings of a diverse range of Old English poems, Soper draws on an array of supporting contexts and theories to illuminate these texts, unearthing their complex and fascinating depictions of ageing through life. This title is part of the Flip it Open Programme and may also be available Open Access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.

Forms of Devotion in Early English Poetry

• The Poetics of Feeling
• Jennifer A. Lorden
• Published online: 19 October 2023 Print publication: 02 November 2023
• View description Jennifer Lorden reveals the importance of deeply-felt religious devotion centuries before it is commonly said to arise. Her ground-breaking study establishes the hybrid poetics that embodied its form for medieval readers, while obscuring it from modern scholars. Working across the divide between Old and Middle English, she shows how conventions of earlier English poetry recombine with new literary conventions after the Norman Conquest. These new conventions—for example, love lyric repurposed as devotional song—created hybrid aesthetics more familiar to modern scholars. She argues that this aesthetic, as much as changing devotional practice, rendered later affective piety recognizable in a way that earlier affective devotional conventions were not. Forms of Devotion reconsiders the roots and branches of poetic topoi, revising commonplaces of literary and religious history. This title is part of the Flip it Open Programme and may also be available Open Access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.

Matter and Making in Early English Poetry

• Literary Production from Chaucer to Sidney
• Taylor Cowdery
• Published online: 15 June 2023 Print publication: 29 June 2023
• View description What is literature made from? During the fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth centuries, this question preoccupied the English court poets, who often claimed that their poems were not original creations, but adaptations of pre-existing materials. Their word for these materials was 'matter,' while the term they used to describe their labor was 'making,' or the act of reworking this matter into a new – but not entirely new – form. By tracing these ideas through the work of six major early poets, this book offers a revisionist literary history of late- medieval and early modern court poetry. It reconstructs premodern theories of making and contrasts them with more modern theories of literary labor, such as 'authorship.' It studies the textual, historical, and philosophical sources that the court tradition used for its matter. Most of all, it demonstrates that the early English court poets drew attention to their source materials as a literary tactic, one that stressed the process by which a poem had been made.

Boccaccio and Exemplary Literature

• Ethics and Mischief in the  Decameron
• Olivia Holmes
• Published online: 02 February 2023 Print publication: 09 February 2023
• View description This is the first monograph to provide a comprehensive interpretation of the Decameron's response to classical and medieval didactic traditions. Olivia Holmes unearths the rich variety of Boccaccio's sources, ranging across Aesopic fables, narrative collections of Islamicate origin, sermon-stories and saints' lives, and compilations of historical anecdotes. Examining the Decameron's sceptical and sexually permissive contents in relation to medieval notions of narrative exemplarity, the study also considers how they intersect with current critical assertions of fiction's power to develop empathy and emotional intelligence. Holmes argues that Boccaccio provides readers with the opportunity to exercise both what the ancients called 'Ethics,' and our contemporaries call 'Theory of Mind.' This account of a vast tradition of tale collections and its provocative analysis of their workings will appeal to scholars of Italian literature and medieval studies, as well as to readers interested in evolutionary understandings of storytelling.

Writing the North of England in the Middle Ages

• Regionalism and Nationalism in Medieval English Literature
• Joseph Taylor
• Published online: 08 December 2022 Print publication: 22 December 2022
• View description Writing the North of England in the Middle Ages offers a literary history of the North-South divide, examining the complexities of the relationship – imaginative, material, and political – between North and South in a wide range of texts. Through sustained analysis of the North-South divide as it emerges in the literature of medieval England, this study illustrates the convoluted dynamic of desire and derision of the North by the rest of country. Joseph Taylor dissects England's problematic sense of nationhood as one which must be negotiated and renegotiated from within, rather than beyond, national borders. Providing fresh readings of texts such as Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, the fifteenth-century Robin Hood ballads and the Towneley plays, this book argues for the North's vital contribution to processes of imagining nation in the Middle Ages and shows that that regionalism is both contained within and constitutive of its apparent opposite, nationalism.

Literary Beginnings in the European Middle Ages

• Edited by Mark Chinca , Christopher Young
• Published online: 11 August 2022 Print publication: 25 August 2022
• View description How did new literatures begin in the Middle Ages and what does it mean to ask about such beginnings? These are the questions this volume pursues across the regions and languages of medieval Europe, from Iceland, Scandinavia, and Iberia through Irish, Welsh, English, French, Dutch, Occitan, German, Italian, Czech, and Croatian to Medieval Greek and the East Slavonic of early Rus. Focusing on vernacular scripted cultures and their complicated relationships with the established literary cultures of Latin, Greek, and Church Slavonic, the volume's contributors describe the processes of emergence, consolidation, and institutionalization that make it possible to speak of a literary tradition in any given language. Moreover, by concentrating on beginnings, the volume avoids the pitfalls of viewing earlier phenomena through the lens of later, national developments; the result is a heightened sense of the historical contingency of categories of language, literature, and territory in the space we call 'Europe'.

A New Literary History of the Long Twelfth Century

• Language and Literature between Old and Middle English
• Mark Faulkner
• Published online: 14 July 2022 Print publication: 28 July 2022
• View description A New Literary History of the Long Twelfth Century offers a new narrative of what happened to English language writing in the long twelfth century, the period that saw the end of the Old English tradition and the beginning of Middle English writing. It discusses numerous neglected or unknown texts, focusing particularly on documents, chronicles and sermons. To tell the story of this pivotal period, it adopts approaches from both literary criticism and historical linguistics, finding a synthesis for them in a twenty-first century philology. It develops new methodologies for addressing major questions about twelfth-century texts, including when they were written, how they were read and their relationship to earlier works. Essential reading for anyone interested in what happened to English after the Norman Conquest, this study lays the groundwork for the coming decade's work on transitional English.

Landscape in Middle English Romance

• The Medieval Imagination and the Natural World
• Andrew M. Richmond
• Published online: 06 August 2021 Print publication: 05 August 2021
• View description Our current ecological crises compel us not only to understand how contemporary media shapes our conceptions of human relationships with the environment, but also to examine the historical genealogies of such perspectives. Written during the onset of the Little Ice Age in Britain, Middle English romances provide a fascinating window into the worldviews of popular vernacular literature (and its audiences) at the close of the Middle Ages. Andrew M. Richmond shows how literary conventions of romances shaped and were in turn influenced by contemporary perspectives on the natural world. These popular texts also reveal widespread concern regarding the damaging effects of human actions and climate change. The natural world was a constant presence in the writing, thoughts, and lives of the audiences and authors of medieval English romance – and these close readings reveal that our environmental concerns go back further in our history and culture than we think.

Imagining the Medieval Afterlife

• Edited by Richard Matthew Pollard
• Published online: 07 December 2020 Print publication: 17 December 2020
• View description Where do we go after we die? This book traces how the European Middle Ages offered distinctive answers to this universal question, evolving from Antiquity through to the sixteenth century, to reflect a variety of problems and developments. Focussing on texts describing visions of the afterlife, alongside art and theology, this volume explores heaven, hell, and purgatory as they were imagined across Europe, as well as by noted authors including Gregory the Great and Dante. A cross-disciplinary team of contributors including historians, literary scholars, classicists, art historians and theologians offer not only a fascinating sketch of both medieval perceptions and the wide scholarship on this question: they also provide a much-needed new perspective. Where the twelfth century was once the 'high point' of the medieval afterlife, the essays here show that the afterlives of the early and later Middle Ages were far more important and imaginative than we once thought.

The Afterlife of St Cuthbert

• Place, Texts and Ascetic Tradition, 690–1500
• Christiania Whitehead
• Published online: 03 December 2020 Print publication: 17 December 2020
• View description This ambitious book presents the first sustained analysis of the evolving representation of Cuthbert, the premier saint of northern England. The study spans both major and neglected texts across eight centuries, from his earliest depictions in anonymous and Bedan vitae, through twelfth-century ecclesiastical histories and miracle collections produced at Durham, to his late medieval appearances in Latin meditations, legendaries, and vernacular verse. Whitehead reveals the coherence of these texts as one tradition, exploring the way that ideologies and literary strategies persist across generations. An innovative addition to the literature of insular spirituality and hagiography, The Afterlife of St Cuthbert emphasises the related categories of place and asceticism. It charts Cuthbert's conceptual alignment with a range of institutional, masculine, northern, and national spaces, and examines the distinctive characteristics and changing value of his ascetic lifestyle and environment - frequently constituted as a nature sanctuary - interrogating its relation to his other jurisdictions.

The City of Poetry

• Imagining the Civic Role of the Poet in Fourteenth-Century Italy
• David G. Lummus
• View description What did it mean to be a poet in fourteenth-century Italy? What counted as poetry? In an effort to answer these questions, this book examines the careers of four medieval Italian poets (Albertino Mussato, Dante Alighieri, Francesco Petrarch, and Giovanni Boccaccio) who wrote in both Latin and the Italian vernacular. In readings of defenses of poetry, speeches and letters on public laurel-crowning ceremonies, and other theoretical and poetic texts, this book shows how these poets viewed their authorship of poetic works as a function of their engagement in a human community. Each poet represents a model of the poet as a public intellectual - a poet-theologian - who can intervene in public affairs thanks to his authority within texts. The City of Poetry provides a new historicized approach to understanding poetic culture in fourteenth-century Italy which reshapes long-standing Romantic views of poetry as a timeless and sublimely inspired form of discourse.

Paper in Medieval England

• From Pulp to Fictions
• Orietta Da Rold
• Published online: 17 September 2020 Print publication: 01 October 2020
• View description Orietta Da Rold provides a detailed analysis of the coming of paper to medieval England, and its influence on the literary and non-literary culture of the period. Looking beyond book production, Da Rold maps out the uses of paper and explains the success of this technology in medieval culture, considering how people interacted with it and how it affected their lives. Offering a nuanced understanding of how affordance influenced societal choices, Paper in Medieval England draws on a multilingual array of sources to investigate how paper circulated, was written upon, and was deployed by people across medieval society, from kings to merchants, to bishops, to clerks and to poets, contributing to an understanding of how medieval paper changed communication and shaped modernity.

The ‘Roman de la Rose' and Thirteenth-Century Thought

• Edited by Jonathan Morton , Marco Nievergelt
• With John Marenbon
• Published online: 17 June 2020 Print publication: 16 July 2020
• View description The thirteenth-century allegorical dream vision, the Roman de la Rose, transformed how medieval literary texts engaged with philosophical ideas. Written in Old French, its influence dominated French, English and Italian literature for the next two centuries, serving in particular as a model for Chaucer and Dante. Jean de Meun's section of this extensive, complex and dazzling work is notable for its sophisticated responses to a whole host of contemporary philosophical debates. This collection brings together literary scholars and historians of philosophy to produce the most thorough, interdisciplinary study to date of how the Rose uses poetry to articulate philosophical problems and positions. This wide-ranging collection demonstrates the importance of the poem for medieval intellectual history and offers new insights into the philosophical potential both of the Rose specifically and of medieval poetry as a whole.

Dante's Christian Ethics

• Purgatory and Its Moral Contexts
• George Corbett
• Published online: 28 February 2020 Print publication: 12 March 2020
• View description This book is a major re-appraisal of the Commedia as originally envisaged by Dante: as a work of ethics. Privileging the ethical, Corbett increases our appreciation of Dante's eschatological innovations and literary genius. Drawing upon a wider range of moral contexts than in previous studies, this book presents an overarching account of the complex ordering and political programme of Dante's afterlife. Balancing close readings with a lucid overview of Dante's Commedia as an ethical and political manifesto, Corbett cogently approaches the poem through its moral structure. The book provides detailed interpretations of three particularly significant vices - pride, sloth, and avarice - and the three terraces of Purgatory devoted to them. While scholars register Dante's explicit confession of pride, the volume uncovers Dante's implicit confession of sloth and prodigality (the opposing subvice of avarice) through Statius, his moral cypher.

Biblical Commentary and Translation in Later Medieval England

• Experiments in Interpretation
• Andrew Kraebel
• Published online: 22 February 2020 Print publication: 05 March 2020
• View description Drawing extensively on unpublished manuscript sources, this study uncovers the culture of experimentation that surrounded biblical exegesis in fourteenth-century England. In an area ripe for revision, Andrew Kraebel challenges the accepted theory (inherited from Reformation writers) that medieval English Bible translations represent a proto-Protestant rejection of scholastic modes of interpretation. Instead, he argues that early translators were themselves part of a larger scholastic interpretive tradition, and that they tried to make that tradition available to a broader audience. Translation was thus one among many ways that English exegetes experimented with the possibilities of commentary. With a wide scope, the book focuses on works by writers from the heretic John Wyclif to the hermit Richard Rolle, alongside a host of lesser-known authors, including Henry Cossey and Nicholas Trevet, and many anonymous texts. The study provides new insight into the ingenuity of medieval interpreters willing to develop new literary-critical methods and embrace intellectual risks.

Literary Value and Social Identity in the Canterbury Tales

• Robert J. Meyer-Lee
• Published online: 15 October 2019 Print publication: 24 October 2019
• View description Literary authors, especially those with other occupations, must come to grips with the question of why they should write at all, when the world urges them to devote their time and energy to other pursuits. They must reach, at the very least, a provisional conclusion regarding the relation between the uncertain value of their literary efforts and the more immediate values of their non-authorial social identities. Geoffrey Chaucer, with his several middle-strata identities, grappled with this question in a remarkably searching, complex manner. In this book, Robert J. Meyer-Lee examines the multiform, dynamic meditation on the relation between literary value and social identity that Chaucer stitched into the heart of The Canterbury Tales. He traces the unfolding of this meditation through what he shows to be the tightly linked performances of Clerk, Merchant, Franklin and Squire, offering the first full-scale reading of this sequence.

Medieval Affect, Feeling, and Emotion

• Edited by Glenn D. Burger , Holly A. Crocker
• Published online: 22 March 2019 Print publication: 11 April 2019
• View description Representations of feeling in medieval literature are varied and complex. This new collection of essays demonstrates that the history of emotions and affect theory are similarly insufficient for investigating the intersection of body and mind that late Middle English literatures evoke. While medieval studies has generated a rich scholarly literature on 'affective piety', this collection charts an intersectional new investigation of affects, feelings, and emotions in non-religious contexts. From Geoffrey Chaucer to Gavin Douglas, and from practices of witnessing to the adoration of objects, essays in this volume analyze the coexistence of emotion and affect in late medieval representations of feeling.

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Antiqua Antiqua  is a peer-reviewed, Open Access journal intended for archaeologists and scientists having particular interests in the application of scientific techniques and methodologies to all areas of archaeology. The journal publishes Original Research papers as well as Rapid Communications, Case Histories, Editorials, and Letters. The journal seeks to provide an international, rapid forum for archaeologists to share their own knowledge.

Arabian Humanities International Journal Arabian Humanities  is the continuation of the earlier  Chroniques yéménites  journal, published by the French Center for Archaeology and Social Sciences in Sanaa (CEFAS) from 1993. It broadens its scope to the entire Arabian Peninsula, and is now resolutely oriented towards international research networks.  Arabian Humanities  is a peer-reviewed journal. It is multilingual (articles published in French, English or Arabic, with abstracts in the two other languages), and freely available on internet.  Arabian Humanities  intends, through biennial issues, to cover all areas of the humanities from prehistory to contemporary societies in the Arabian Peninsula. Constructed around a specific theme, each issue will also include independent articles and book reviews on the latest publications on the Arabian Peninsula appearing in European languages and Arabic.

British Numismatics Journal The  BNJ  is the Society’s principal publication and has been published since 1903. A significant number of past issues are freely available to download and search.

Bryn Mawr Classical Review Contains books reviews of works on ancient, late antique and early medieval studies.

Digital Medievalist  Digital Medievalist  is an international web-based community for medievalists working with digital media. It was established in 2003 to help scholars meet the increasingly sophisticated demands faced by designers of contemporary digital projects.  Digital Medievalist  publishes an open access journal, sponsors conference sessions, runs an email discussion list and encourages best practice in digital medieval resource creation.

The Heroic Age The Heroic Age is a fully peer-reviewed academic journal which focuses on Northwestern Europe during the early medieval period (from the early 4th through 13th centuries). The journal seeks to foster dialogue between all scholars of this period across ethnic and disciplinary boundaries, including—but not limited to—history, archaeology, and literature pertaining to the period. The Heroic Age publishes issues within the broad context of Early Medieval Northwestern Europe. Each issue has a 'general' section and a 'themed' section.

Hortulus - The Online Graduate Journal of Medieval Studies Hortulus is a multidisciplinary refereed postgraduate journal devoted to literatures, cultures and ideas of the medieval world. Published electronically twice a year, its mission is to present a forum in which graduate students from around the globe may share their work. The journal publishes a themed issue each spring and a general issue each autumn.

Imago Temporis Medium Aevum This an annual journal published on behalf of and part of the Consolidated Medieval Studies Research Group of the Universitat of Lleida, Catalonia. The journal aims to contribute to renewing studies into the medieval period, with special attention to the different conceptual aspects that gave rise to the medieval civilisation, and especially to the study of the Mediterranean area. It also hopes to promote reflection about the Middle Ages and the ways of approaching this historical period. It is offered annually as a vehicle for exchanges between medievalists from all over the world in the context of a globalized planet, under the stimulation of intellectual plurality and being open to debating ideas with rigor and scientific accuracy. The journal publishes in the format of articles those texts that pass a rigorous evaluation through independent and separate analysis by at least two leading experts from outside the journal's editorial board.

Journal of the North Atlantic (JONA)  The  Journal of the North Atlantic (JONA)  is a multi-disciplinary, peer-reviewed and edited archaeology and environmental history journal focusing on the peoples of the North Atlantic, their expansion into the region over time, and their interactions with their changing environment.

JURN A curated academic search-engine indexing 4,972 free ejournal in the arts and humanities.

Lemir: Revista de Literatura Española Medieval y del Renacimiento This Open Access journal has been created with the intention of being a resource for researchers around the world interested in Medieval and Renaissance Spanish Literature.

Lingue antiche e moderne Lingue antiche e moderne aims to create a virtual meeting place for classical and modern linguists and philologists to promote the spirit of collaboration and partnership among different languages and cultures. The journal welcomes submissions which investigate how classical languages are still essential and have been highly vital and influential throughout our modern world, from Humanism to Classicism, thus becoming the languages of the Modern world. A privileged focus will be given to language teaching and learning, since in Europe Latin has always been the language par excellence in schools and universities. More specifically, the journal will focus on how present-day language theories influence the analysis of ancient and classical languages and are influenced by it. The journal hopes that, thanks to its aims, scope and free on-line access, it will represent a link between the world of school education and academia and will actively promote the connection between scientific research and language teaching.

The Marginalia Review A review of books in history, theology and religion.

Medieval Feminist Forum MFF  is published twice yearly (Winter & Summer issues). Its contents include articles from any of the Humanities disciplines, roundtables about the state of gender & feminist scholarship, book reviews, and specialized bibliographies. Begun in 1986 as  Medieval Feminist Newsletter (MFN) , in 1999, the journal was renamed  Medieval Feminist Forum  in order to better reflect the scholarly character of its articles and reviews. The Subsidia series, which consists of occasional special topics volumes, was also launched in 1999.

The Medieval Globe The  Medieval Globe  is a peer-reviewed journal launched in 2014, to be published biannually in both print and digital formats. TMG explores the modes of communication, materials of exchange, and myriad interconnections among regions, communities and individuals in an era central to human history. It promotes scholarship in the means by which peoples, goods, and ideas came into contact, the deep roots of global developments, and the ways in which perceptions of the medieval past have been (and are) constructed around the world.

The Medieval Review Since 1993,  The Medieval Review  ( TMR ; formerly the  Bryn Mawr Medieval Review ) has been publishing reviews of current work in all areas of Medieval Studies, a field it interprets as broadly as possible. The electronic medium allows for very rapid publication of reviews, and provides a computer searchable archive of past reviews, both of which are of great utility to scholars and students around the world.  TMR  operates as a moderated distribution list. Subscribers receive reviews as e-mail;  TMR  posts each review as soon as the editors have received and edited it. There is no paper  TMR . Once posted, reviews are archived and available for viewing, searching, printing, etc. on the website.

Medievalismo General portal for medieval studies. Medievalismo tries to be a point of contact, meeting and reflection on Medieval History. The site is currently aimed at the Spanish-speaking academic world. It contains an online journal,  Medievalismo Digitial , conference listings, journal listings, extensive links and resources pages, and an international list of medievalists.

Mélanges de l'École française de Rome - Moyen Âge MEFRM  offers original research contributions in the fields of history, archaeology and the social sciences relating to Italy and the Mediterranean from the Early Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Most issues are thematic, and the articles will often include editions of unpublished sources.

Mirabilia Mirabilia  is an online publication which provides articles, documents and academic reviews produced by scholars of the ancient and medieval worlds. This publication is devoted to the concept of Cultural History, which is expressed in the relationship between History and other fields of knowledge. In its studies  Mirabilia  focuses on the literary, religious, philosophical and artistic aspects of those areas and their relationship in time and space.  Mirabilia intends not only to unite the studies of different branches in the human sciences, but also to establish a dialogue between the areas of Ancient and Medieval history in Brazil. The reason for this ambition is simple: Brazilian scholars and students have great difficulties accessing sources and recent publications - a common problem in developing countries. Therefore, by approaching the two areas and offering them the opportunity of sharing research findings in Brazil and abroad,  Mirabilia intends to strengthen Brazilian studies of Ancient and Medieval History, offering to a greater number of people access to the results of research currently conducted.

Mirator Mirator  is an online, Open Access, multi-lingual peer-reviewed journal dedicated to Medieval Studies.

Networks and Neighbours  This new bi-annual journal is the official publication of Networks and Neighbours, the International Collaboration Research project in Early Medieval Studies. The journal publishes double-blind, peer-reviewed research essays, invited papers from senior scholars, and a select number of book reviews and conference reports. The editors of N&N encourage submissions on a wide-range of issues in Early Medieval Studies. N&N is constituted by scholars from around the globe. We encourage participation from diverse perspectives and institutional frameworks, and strive for a complementing collection of advanced students, junior researchers and senior academics in dialogue freely and openly, without barriers – whether territorial, linguistic, national, or other.

Nuntias Antiquus The textual modalities covered by the articles, reviews, translations and research and reports in  Nuntias Antiquus cover the areas of classical studies, medieval enquiry and 'celtologia'. The journal is a publication of NEAM, the Centre for the Study of the Ancient and Medieval World, at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil, which brings together research from various areas of Arts and Humanities and seeks to establish a permanent dialogue between different fields of knowledge.

Perspicuitas Online journal of medieval language, literature and cultural studies.

The Public Medievalist  The Public Medievalist  is a web-magazine with articles on the intersection of medieval history and modern politics and culture.

Science and Technology of Archaeological Research (STAR) STAR seeks to provide a dynamic, international and high quality open access forum for rapid publication of archaeological research resulting from the application of scientific and computational methods. The journal embraces the full breadth of archaeological enquiry; no periods, regions or site types are excluded.

Medieval Studies: A guide to library research at Cornell: Published Primary Sources

• Published Primary Sources
• Manuscripts
• Citation Styles & Management
• Ask a Librarian

Primary Sources in English Translation

• Translated Texts for Historians Classical and Medieval primary sources in translation.
• Manchester Medieval Sources Translated texts on a wide variety of topics published in part or in full as print books and ebooks: Manchester Medieval Sources print books Manchester Medieval Sources ebooks
• Loeb Classical Library A fully searchable, virtual library of Greek and Latin literature with English translations. Includes epic and lyric poetry; tragedy and comedy; history, travel, philosophy, and oratory; the great medical writers and mathematicians; and, those Church Fathers who made particular use of pagan culture.
• CELT, the Corpus of Electronic Texts Online corpus of multilingual texts of Irish literature and history and the arts. Includes Old, Middle, Classical and Early Modern Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Latin, English and German, French, and English translations of Irish texts. It is Ireland's longest running Humanities Computing/Digital Humanities project.
• British History Online Core printed primary and secondary sources for the medieval and modern history of the British Isles.
• Icelandic Saga Database The Icelandic Saga Database is an online resource dedicated to publishing the Sagas of the Icelanders — a large body of medieval Icelandic literature. The sagas are prose histories describing events that took place amongst the Norse and Celtic inhabitants of Iceland during the period of the Icelandic Commonwealth in the 10th and 11th centuries CE.
• Internet Medieval Sourcebook Selected excerpts of sources translated into English full-text online arranged chronologically and geographically. Helpful for getting a sense of the types of medieval sources and for bibliography.

For a selection of the writings of the Church Fathers in English full-text online, see The Catholic Encyclopedia online's new Fathers section or Early Church Fathers

• Bibliography of English translations from medieval sources Call Number: Olin Library Graduate Study Center, Room 501 and Olin Reference Z6517 .F24 Outdated and superseded, but can still be useful on occasion, especially for brief works (a single letter or poem) or excerpts of longer works contained within books or articles.
• Bibliography of English Translations from Medieval Sources, 1943-1968 by Mary A. Ferguson (Compiled by) Call Number: Olin Library Graduate Study Center, Room 501 and Olin Reference Z6517 .F35 Publication Date: 1974 Outdated and superseded, but can still be useful on occasion, especially for brief works (a single letter or poem) or excerpts of longer works contained within books or articles.
• Online Medieval Primary Source Bibliography A guide to translated sources. Geography and type features particularly useful.
• More primary sources ... Many in English.

Digital Primary Source Collections in Original Language

• Acta Sanctorum The complete texts of the sixty-eight printed volumes, from the two January volumes published in 1643 to the Propylaeum to December published in 1940. Print volumes .
• Patrologia Latina Database A complete electronic version of the first edition of Jacques-Paul Migne's Patrologia Latina (1844-1855 and 1862-1865). Index volumes are 218-221. Texts from AD 200 through the 13th century plus later ecclesiastical and humanistic scholarship. Print volumes: Patrologia Cursus Compeletus. PDF of print volumes in HathiTrust .
• Library of Christian Latin Texts: CLCLT Incomplete and in progress. Selected works from the classical period, the most important patristic works, a very extensive corpus of Medieval Latin literature. Volumen 1: Antiquity, Patristic period up to 500, Vulgate Bible; Volumen II: Second Patristic Period, 501-735; Volumen III: 736-1500 and Neo-Latin period 1501-present. Includes texts from the beginning of Latin literature (Livius Andronicus, 240 BC) through to the texts of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), as well as the complete works of writers such as Cicero, Virgil, Augustine, Jerome, Gregory the Great, Anselm of Canterbury, Bernard of Clairvaux and Thomas a Kempis. Includes many volumes published in the Corpus Christianorum, both the Series Latina and the Continuatio Mediaeualis, and the opera omnia of major authors. Helpful Guide to Searching, from Berkeley
• Bibliotheca Teubneriana Latina Latin literature from the Roman Republic to the Imperial Period and Late Antiquity. The database is the electronic version of the Bibliotheca scriptorum Romanorum Teubneriana. Complete, except for prefaces or critical apparatus, from the standard editions (editions maiores) of about 800 works spread over eleven centuries (c. 300 BC/BCE to c. 800 AD/CE).
• Gallica Includes many digitized classic medieval collections of primary sources originally published in the 19th century such as the multi-volume Recueil des historiens des croisades. Use the [challenging] Gallica catalog to find the fulltext.
• Primary Sources for the Study Of Liturgy, Hagiography and Other Aspects Of Medieval Studies Helen Davis, Special Collections, Boole Library, University College Cork.
• ARTFL A Cooperative Project of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and the University of Chicago, ARTFL is a research tool for scholars and students in all areas of French Studies. Full-text online of nearly 2000 French texts, ranging from classic works of French literature to various kinds of non-fiction prose and technical writing. The eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries are about equally represented, with a smaller selection of seventeenth century texts as well as some medieval and Renaissance texts. A Provençal database that includes 38 texts in their original spellings has recently been added. The Web interface allows one to search the corpus easily for words, stems, phrases and co-occurrences.
• Brepols cross-database search tool Allows searching across all the medieval and classical digital corpora produced by Brepols.
• Archive of Celtic-Latin literature Incomplete and in progress. Contains the texts processed thus far from the corpus of Celtic-Latin literature from the period 400-1200 as part of the Royal Irish Academy’s Dictionary of Medieval Latin from Celtic Sources project.
• Monumenta Germaniae historica (MGH). Sources in Latin 500-1500 A.D. from or about medieval Germany, the Franks, and areas of Germanic influence in medieval Europe. Print volumes of the MGH newer series can be located by a title or keyword search in the Cornell online catalog. Contents of each volume of the MGH original older series as well as an index by author and title/subject can be found in "Indices eorvm qvae Monvmentorvm Germaniae historicorvm temis hvcvsqve editis continentvr." Scripservnt O. Holder-Egger et K. Zevmer. Hannoverae, Impensis bibliopolii Hahniani; [etc., etc.] 1890. Call Number: Olin Room 404 +DD3.M81 Z5). For a comprehensive online catalog of the all the print volumes, try: Monumenta Germaniae Historica For a good overview of this complex series, try "Guide to the Sources of Medieval History," Call number: Olin Reference Z6517 .C12, pp. 220-.
• Monumenta Germaniae Historica online (eMGH) Incomplete. Selected texts from the five divisions of Monumenta Germaniae Historica (Scriptores, Leges, Diplomata, Epistolae, Antiquitates). As of fall 2007 only includes 800 texts.

Dictionaries

• Database of Latin Dictionaries Incomplete and in progress. The aim of the database is not only to integrate different types of Latin dictionaries, whether modern, medieval or early-modern, but also to build in links between these different tools. Where the dictionaries provide Latin terms and vernacular equivalents or explanations (whether in contemporary or historic forms of English, French or German), searches will be possible on both the Latin lemmata and the English, French or German lemmata.
• The Dictionary of Old English Corpus Also on CD-Rom in Olin Library. Call number: Reference Disk PE279 .D53 2003 Incomplete and in progress
• Middle English Compendium The MEC provides access to and interconnectivity between three major Middle English electronic resources: an electronic version of the Middle English dictionary; a "hyperbibliography" of Middle English prose and verse, based on the MED bibliographies; and an associated network of electronic resources.
• Vetus Latina database: Bible versions of the Latin Fathers German interface. Comprehensive patristic records of the Vetus Latina Institute in Beuron. Complete information about the project

Guides to Sources

• Répertoire des sources historiques du moyen âge Call Number: Olin Reference Z6203 .C52 + Formerly of first importance for the literature of medieval history, still useful for its biographical orientation. The first part is arranged alphabetically by personal name (in the French form), the second by place and topic. Under each name, references are given to sources. An immense mass of material is indexed, but without critical indication of value.
• Typologie des sources du Moyen Age occidental Call Number: Olin Library Graduate Study Center, Room 501 Z6203 .T99 Samples: Les statuts synodaux.--fasc. 12; Letters and letter-collections.--fasc. 18; Les "Libri paenitentiales".--fasc. 28; Local and regional chronicles -- Fasc. 75.
• Medieval studies: an introduction Call Number: Olin Reference Z6517 .M48 1992 Essays on all aspects of medieval studies with bibliographies.
• A guide to the study of medieval history Call Number: Uris Library and Library Annex Z6203 .P12 1931 A classic, prepared under the auspices of the Medieval Academy of America; concentrates on Western Europe and excludes England.
• Guide to the sources of medieval history Call Number: Olin Reference Z6517 .C12 Five sections--1. Typology of the sources of medieval history, 2. Libraries and archives, i.e. repositories of medieval manuscripts, 3. Great collections and repertories of sources, 4. Reference works for the study of medieval texts, 5. Bibliographical introduction to the auxiliary sciences of history.
• Literature of medieval history, 1930-1975: a supplement to Louis John Paetow's A guide to the study of medieval history Call Number: Library Annex Z6203 .P12 1931 Suppl. As the title suggests, an expanded, updated version of Paetow's Guide.
• Repertorium fontium historiae Medii Aevi, primum ab Augusto Potthast digestum, nunc cura collegii historicorum e pluribus nationibus emendatum et auctum Call Number: Olin Reference Z6203 .P86 1962 + The first volume is an alphabetical listing of sets of chronicles, miscellanies, and other collections, together with their contents of sources of medieval history up to 1500. The "Fontes" section offers a repertory of medieval writings arranged by individual author's name or anonymous title of the chronicle or document treated. (Balay, 1996).
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Essays on Medieval Literature

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The chapters in this book are chiefly concerned with English and Scottish writings of the 14th and 15th centuries. Those on Chaucer's Knight's Tale , Langland's second version, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight , and Henryson's Preaching of the Swallow belong together as attempts to clarify the meaning of particular poems from this period by explaining concepts or institutions which are more or less unfamiliar nowadays: the scheme of the three ages in Chaucer, the sequence sermon-confession-pilgrimage-pardon in Langland, honour and shame in Sir Gawain, and the virtue of prudence in Henryson. Of the other two chapters on Canterbury Tales, that on the Merchant's Tale represents a kind of ‘new criticism’ of Chaucer whereas the second which is on Sir Thopas indicates one way for ward for Chaucer criticism now, through the detailed study of his poetic language. The chapter on The Cloud of Unknowing and on the audience of Piers Plowman are both primarily concerned with questions of style. The remaining four chapters range more widely and they discuss the importance of context, the medieval poet's presentation of himself, the ‘nature ideal’ in thinking about the ages of man, and the integrity of the literal level in allegories.

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• Locations and Hours
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Medieval and Renaissance Studies

• Books (and More)
• Dissertations
• Primary Sources
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Selected Resources for Finding Articles

• Feminae: Medieval Women and Gender Index Journal articles, book reviews, and essays about women, sexuality and gender in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, from 450 C.E. to 1500 C.E., with citations for Russia extended to 1613. Subject coverage for gender and sexuality means that articles on masculinity and male homosexuality are included. Publications indexed are in English, French, German, and Spanish, and in Italian since 2001.

Complete bibliography of German literature and language. Includes citations of books, articles, book chapters. (Similar to the MLA International Bibliography .)

Searches multiple literary sources, including: Dictionary of Literary Biography, Literature Criticism Online, Literature Resource Center, Scribner Writer Series, and Twayne's Authors Series. Scroll down to click on Gale's Literary Index , a master index to the major literature products published by Gale.

Index and abstracts for articles on the history of the world from 1450 to the present (excluding the United States and Canada, which are covered in America: History and Life ) published since 1955.

Full text of core scholarly journals from their beginning to approximately five years ago. Disciplines include botany, business, ecology, general science, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, statistics. Browsable by discipline and full-text searchable across all disciplines. UCLA has access to selected JSTOR e-books.

Full text of current issues (from about 1990) of scholarly journals published by university presses, chiefly in the arts, humanities and social sciences. Browsable by discipline and full-text searchable across all disciplines. UCLA has access to Muse e-books published from 2017-present, plus a selected number of other e-book titles.

UC Library Search is the unified discovery and borrowing system for all 10 UC Campuses. Select the UCLA Library Catalog scope to search holdings of materials owned by the UCLA Library and other UCLA collections, whether online or in print. Does not contain full-text articles or article citations. Select the Articles, books and more scope to search for materials in all 10 UC campuses. More information in this guide .

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Literature in English: Resources

Medieval literature.

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Individual Journals

Does a journal seem to be missing?  Click here to explore a more general list of Top Journals in Literature .

• Chaucer Review
• Exemplaria: A Journal of Theory in Medieval and Renaissance Studies
• Interfaces: A Journal of Medieval European Literatures
• Journal of English and Germanic Philology: JEGP
• Journal of Medieval and Early Modern Studies
• Journal of Medieval Latin
• Journal of Medieval Religious Cultures
• Leeds Studies in English
• Manuscript Studies: A Journal of the Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies
• Medieval and Renaissance Drama in England
• New Medieval Literatures
• Old English Newsletter
• Postmedieval: A Journal of Medieval Cultural Studies
• Romance Philology
• Speculum: A Journal of Medieval Studies
• Studies in Philology
• Studies in the Age of Chaucer
• Yearbook of Langland Studies

Periodical Indexes and Bibliographic Databases

• International Medieval Bibliography You will need to click on the "enter database" button to get to IMB. The International Medieval Bibliography (IMB), the world's leading bibliography of Medieval Studies and an essential tool for research and teaching on the Middle Ages, covers Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. The database comprises over 300,000 articles derived from regular coverage of some 4,500 periodicals and thousands of volumes of conference proceedings, essay collections, Festschriften, and exhibition catalogs.
• ITER: Gateway to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance Medieval (400-1500) and Renaissance (1300-1700) studies

Other Databases

Does a database seem to be missing? Check the Core Databases section on the Click here to open the Core Literature Databases section in this Guide's homepage .

• Abbreviationes Online: Medieval Abbreviations on the Web Abbreviationes identifies abbreviations used in medieval Latin manuscripts ("Latin paleography"). The database currently comprises over 70,000 entries containing a total of 80,098 references to manuscripts. Entries in the database cover the 8th century through the 15th century.
• British Literary Manuscripts Online Contains facsimile images of literary manuscripts, including letters and diaries, drafts of poems, plays, novels, and other literary works, and similar materials dating from roughly 1120-1900. Searching is based on tags and descriptive text associated with each manuscript. Note: Manuscripts themselves are not full-text searchable.
• Codices Vossiani Latini The Codices Vossiani Latini Online publishes all 363 codices which form the world-famous Latin part of Vossius' manuscript collection held at Leiden University Library. The Codices Vossiani Latini count a large number of early medieval manuscripts (a whopping 76 Carolingian manuscripts dating from before 900), including major sources of many classic texts. The 363 codices in all comprise 40,278 openings, resulting in 84,266 images, including covers and flyleaves. The manuscript collection is enriched by detailed information drawn from by K. A. de Meyier's catalogues of the codices, providing users, both students and researchers, with essential information on the content, context, and physical appearance of each codex.
• DIMEV: Digital Index of Middle English Verse The DIMEV brings together in highly-structured, interconnected and approachable form the information scholars need regarding subject matter, authorship, dates, manuscript transmission, and poetic form of all surviving Middle English verse from c. 1200 to c. 1550, including that found in manuscripts, incunabula, inscriptions, wall paintings, monuments, etc.
• English Poetry (600-1900), second edition Essentially the complete English poetic canon from the 8th century to the early 20th plus representation from Commonwealth and ex-colonial countries. Over 183,000 searchable full-text poems by more than 2,700 poets drawn from over 4,500 printed sources.
• Medieval and Early Modern Sources Online (MEMSO) Resource for the study of Britain and its place in the world during the medieval and early modern period (c. 1100-1800), including key printed sources for English, Irish, Scottish and Colonial history as well as original manuscripts.
• Medieval family life : the Paston, Cely, Plumpton, Stonor and Armburgh papers Medieval Family Life contains full-color images of the original medieval manuscripts that comprise the Paston, Cely, Plumpton, Stonor, and Armburgh family letter collections, along with full-text searchable transcripts from printed editions. Also includes family trees, chronology, a map, and a glossary.
• Medieval Travel Writing This project provides an extensive collection of manuscript materials for the study of medieval travel writing in fact and in fantasy. The core of the material is a magnificent collection of medieval manuscripts from libraries around the world and dating from the 13th to the 16th centuries. The main focus is accounts of journeys to the Holy Land, India and China. A good number of manuscript images are provided in full colour. The original documents are in a range of languages including French, Latin, German, Spanish, Dutch and English. Supporting the manuscripts are relevant secondary texts of translations and editions, as well as full catalogue details. The project also includes a gallery of maps and images, a bibliography and chronology.
• Vetus Latina You will need to click on the "enter database" button to get to Vetus Latina. Pre-Vulgate Bible versions of the Latin Church Fathers. Because there are a limited number of extant manuscripts that haphazardly cover the biblical text, the basic sources are biblical citations or allusions that are found within the writings of the Latin Fathers or Greek patristic authors who were translated at an early date into Latin. This database contains every citation, listed by book, chapter and verse of the Bible. The citations can be searched individually or as a whole, following the biblical structure. To see all variants for a particular verse on a single page, click on the "Einzebild" button after the Biblical book, chapter, and verse are chosen.

Encyclopedias and Reference Works

• Brill's Medieval Reference Library Access to the Encyclopedia of Medieval Pilgrimage (2009), the Encyclopedia of the Medieval Chronicle (2010, with 2016 update), and the Encyclopaedia of Medieval Dress and Textiles of the British Isles c. 450-1450 (2012, with 2016 update)
• The Cambridge Companion to Medieval English Literature, 1100-1500
• The Cambridge Companion to Medieval Romance
• The Cambridge Companion to Medieval English Theatre
• The Cambridge Companion to Medieval English Culture
• Cambridge Companion to Medieval Women's Writing
• Cambridge Companion to Medievalism
• Dictionary of Old English Online Defines the vocabulary of the first six centuries (C.E. 600-1150) of the English language, using twenty-first century technology…With the completion of I, the tenth letter of the Old English alphabet, the Dictionary is now available online. The Dictionary of Old English: A to I online includes the first release of the letter I, containing some 435 headwords, as well as revised versions of the nine previously published fascicles (1986-2016).
• Middle English Compendium Access to and interconnectivity between three major Middle English electronic resources: an electronic version of the Middle English Dictionary, a bibliography of Middle English prose and verse based on the MED bibliographies, and an associated network of electronic resources.
• Oxford Handbook of Medieval Literature in English
• Oxford Handbook of Neo-Latin
• Oxford Handbook of Medieval Latin Literature
• Oxford Bibliographies: Medieval Studies
• Thesaurus Linguae Latinae The Thesaurus linguae Latinae is not only the largest Latin dictionary in the world, but also the first to cover all the Latin texts from the classical period up to about 600 A.D. 31 academies, and scholarly societies from 23 countries support the work of the Bayerische Akademie (Thesaurusbüro München).

Related LibGuides

The following links are automatically pulled from a feed of guides in the Medieval Studies series.

• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in Penn Libraries Collections Discovery by Sam Sfirri Last Updated Sep 13, 2024 1304 views this year
• Henry Charles Lea Library Microform Collection by Nicholas Herman Last Updated Jan 23, 2023 36 views this year
• Latin and Greek Texts: Early Christian Church by Rebecca Stuhr Last Updated Feb 16, 2023 457 views this year
• Medieval history - research guide by Nicholas Herman Last Updated Jul 29, 2024 40 views this year
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Medieval Literature Research Guide: Key Journals

• Find Reference Sources
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Journals of Interest

Here is a brief list of key journals in the area of medieval studies. Back issues for some of these can be found on JSTOR, which has pages dedicated to specific journals (e.g., Anglo-Saxon England and Speculum ).

Specific Journals

• Anglo-Saxon England The premiere journal in Anglo-Saxon studies (i.e. early medieval England). From their homepage, you can do a keyword search that includes all volumes. Then, if BU does not have the item you need, you can request it through interlibrary loan. The full-text version of ASE is in JSTOR (up to 2014). https://www.jstor.org/journal/anglsaxoengl?refreqid=browse-ui%3Ad3e31cb6598ea705313d7fd94e577563
• The Heroic Age "The Heroic Age" is dedicated to the exploration all aspects of early medieval Northwestern Europe, from a variety of vantage points and disciplines from the beginning of the fourth century through the beginning of the thirteenth” (THA). This journal can be accessed through their main site, but (at the time this resource was created) you have to go through current and past volumes manually (no search function).
• Medium Aevum Medium Ævum, which first appeared in 1932, is one of the leading international academic periodicals in medieval studies” (MA). Available at Bishop’s via EBSCO host. Access Medium Aevum through a basic search from the library. As with all EBSCO host journals, you can “Search within this publication” to include all available volumes.
• Speculum Founded in 1926, Speculum was the first journal in North America dedicated to the study of the Middle Ages. From their homepage at https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/toc/spc/current , you can do keyword search covering all volumes. JSTOR also has a page dedicated to Speculum from 1920s-2010s.
• The Chaucer Review Founded in 1966, every issue of The Chaucer Review can be accessed directly through the Bishop’s library (Sophia). Free, full-text access is available via JSTOR to 2017. Available via Interlibrary Loans for most recent issues.
• Essays in Medieval Studies Essays in Medieval Studies is an interdisciplinary journal of medieval studies. Contents for each volume are selected from papers delivered at the annual meeting of the Illinois Medieval Association” (EMS). Multiple volumes hosted by EBSCO and available via Bishop’s. As always with EBSCO, you can “Search withing this publication” to cover all volumes.
• Exemplaria Publishes articles and review essays that promote debates in medieval and early modern studies, exploring literary theory, history, race, gender and more” (Exemplaria). You can access all volumes of Exemplaria through Bishop’s.
• Medieval Feminist Forum Founded in 1986 as The Medieval Feminist Newsletter (MFN), the journal was renamed The Medieval Feminist Forum in 1999. The Medieval Feminist Newsletter is “an online, peer-reviewed journal of interdisciplinary scholarship on women and gender in medieval studies” (MFF). You can search and access articles from their main site.
• The Medieval Review Since 1993, The Medieval Review has been publishing reviews of current work in all areas of Medieval Studies, a field it interprets as broadly as possible” (TMR). If a book you are using has been poorly received, you definitely want to know about it, which is why this resource is so important, but affirmations are also critical. You can search for reviews of your book from the main site.
• The Digital Medievalist Publishes work of original research and scholarship, theoretical articles on digital topics, notes on technological topics, commentary pieces discussing developments in the field, bibliographic and review articles, tutorials, and project reports” (DM). You can search and read volumes on their main site
• The Public Medievalist The Public Medievalist is a volunteer, scholar-run online magazine devoted to the idea that the Middle Ages matter to people today” (PM). You can access articles and publications from their main site.
• Review of English Studies The Review of English Studies was founded in 1925 to publish literary-historical research in all areas of English literature and the English language from the earliest period to the present” (RES). You can search all volumes from their main site. Volumes up to the 2010’s can be accessed via Review of English Studies on JSTOR
• Modern Philology Modern Philology (MP) publishes original work in literary criticism, literary history, and archival scholarship” (MP). You can search the full journal from their main site. You can also access numerous volumes of Modern Philology via JSTOR. ( https://www.jstor.org/journal/modernphilology )
• Publications of the Modern Language Association (PMLA) A publication of the MLA. Since 1884 PMLA has published members’ essays judged to be of interest to scholars and teachers of language and literature. Four issues each year (January, March, May, and October) present essays on language and literature” (PMLA). The journal can be accessed through Bishop’s, which provides a link on both JSTOR and Academic Search Complete.
• ELH (English Literary History) Continuing a tradition that stretches back to 1934, the journal’s editors balance historical, critical, and theoretical concerns in seeking to publish the very best work on English-language writing from its beginnings to the present day” (ELH). This journal can be accessed by searching for ELH from the main library search page
• English Historical Review First published in January 1886, The English Historical Review (EHR) is the oldest journal of historical scholarship in the English-speaking world” (EHR). All volumes can be searched via their main site. You can also search volumes of The English Historical Review via JSTOR

Subject Guide

Using Sofia to request ILL

You can now request items held in any of the 17 other university libraries in québec directly from sofia , our new discovery tool., when you refine your search results with the “bibliothèques universitaires du québec” facet on the left-hand part of the screen, you will see your results expand. interested in a title by clicking the button “request via interlibrary loan” and logging in with the barcode number from your student card or library card, sofia will auto-fill the form for you., look for this button:.

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Global Medieval Studies

• Start Your Research
• Find Books & Articles
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• Research Languages

Background Information

Anglo-saxon and medieval primary sources, research guides, bibliographies & indexes, browsing areas.

• Cite Sources

Consult these sources to learn more about literary authors, periods, genres, texts, and their historical contexts.

• Dictionary of the Middle Ages LAU Pierce Reading Rm D114 .D5 1982 v. 1-13
• A New Critical History of Old English Literature LAU Stacks PR173 .G73 1986
• The Cambridge History of Medieval English Literature Online and LAU Ref Stacks & LAU Stacks PR255 .C35 1999
• The Cambridge History of Early Medieval Literature Online and LAU Stacks PR255 .C347 2012
• 17th-18th Century Burney Collection Newspapers This link opens in a new window Gathered by Reverend Charles Burney, 17th-18th Century Burney Collection Newspapers is a collection of the newspapers and news pamphlets primarily published in London, with some English provincial, Irish and Scottish papers, and examples from the American colonies. The original Burney volumes are now in a poor physical state and only available through restricted use.
• An Anglo-Saxon Dictionary (Bosworth-Toller)
• Bloomsbury Medieval Studies This link opens in a new window Bloomsbury Medieval Studies is an interdisciplinary digital resource with a global perspective which opens up the medieval world for students and scholars. It brings together high-quality secondary content with visual primary sources, a brand new reference work and material culture images into one cross-searchable platform, to support this rich field of study.
• British Literary Manuscripts This link opens in a new window A digitized collection of manuscripts of British authors dating from roughly 1120 to 1900. Contains poems, plays, novels, diaries, journals, correspondence, and other papers from major library collections, reproduced in facsimile and searchable via detailed descriptive information.
• Corpus of Middle English Prose and Verse Comprises 54 Middle English prose and verse texts from the University of Michigan faculty. The collection may be either browsed or searched using simple, proximity, Boolean, and citation searches.
• Database of Middle English Romance This link opens in a new window A guide to more than 80 verse romances from between c.1225 and c.1500. Provides details on date and place of composition (where known), verse form, authorship and sources, extant manuscripts and early modern prints, a full list of modern editions, and a plot summary. Includes direct links to all of the available online modern editions.
• Early English Books Online (EEBO) This link opens in a new window Features page images of almost every work printed in the British Isles and North America, as well as works in English printed elsewhere from 1470-1700. From the first book printed in English through to the ages of Spenser, Shakespeare and of the English Civil War, EEBO's content draws on authoritative and respected short-title catalogues of the period and features a substantial number of text transcriptions.
• Early English Books Online (EEBO) Text Creation Partnership (TCP) This link opens in a new window A partner database to Early English Books Online. Provides a subset of fully searchable texts from the titles available in EEBO. more... less... Any EEBO researcher can view the 250,000 page-image editions of EEBO titles, but only TCP partners can view these plus the corresponding full ASCII text.
• The Labyrinth: Resources for Medieval Studies Serves as a guide to online Medieval resources, including primary texts, secondary texts, and bibliographie
• Leeds Medieval Manuscripts A collection of digitized medieval manuscripts held at Leeds University Library. Every page with significant examples of illumination has been digitised, including miniatures, historiated initials and decorated borders.
• Luminarium: Anthology of English Literature Provides an online anthology of literature from Middle English, the Renaissance, & the 17th century. Includes essays, articles, and selected texts.
• Making of the Modern World This link opens in a new window Collection of digital facsimile images of 61,000 works of literature on economics and business published from 1450 through 1945. Covers commerce, finance, social conditions, politics, trade and transport. Includes: Part I: The Goldsmiths'-Kress Collection, 1450-1850 Part II, 1851-1914
• Medieval and Early Modern Sources Online This link opens in a new window Medieval and Early Modern Sources Online (MEMSO) is an essential resource for the study of Britain and its place in the world during the medieval and early modern period (c. 1100-1800).
• Medieval Family Life This link opens in a new window Medieval Family Life contains full-color images of the original medieval manuscripts that comprise the Paston, Cely, Plumpton, Stonor, and Armburgh family letter collections, along with full-text searchable transcripts from printed editions. Also includes family trees, chronology, a map, and a glossary.
• Medieval Travel Writing This link opens in a new window Provides an extensive collection of manuscript materials for the study of medieval travel writing in fact and in fantasy. The main focus is accounts of journeys to the Holy Land, India and China. The core of the material is a magnificent collection of medieval manuscripts from libraries across Europe and dating from the 13th to the 16th centuries.
• Renascence Editions An online repository for digital editions of works printed in English between 1477 and 1799.
• TEAMS Middle English Text Series Provides digital copies of Middle English texts.
• Thesaurus of Old English An online edition of A Thesaurus of Old English , first published by King’s College London in 1995.

Use the below guides to go deeper into your research.

• A Bibliography of Publications on Old English to the End of 1972 A bibliography of books, editions, articles, notes, and reviews published from the 15th century through 1972 on Old English literature.
• Catalogue of Manuscripts Containing Anglo-Saxon A descriptive catalog of more than 400 Old English manuscripts written before c. 1200.
• Census of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts in the United States and Canada LAU Ref Stacks Z6620.U5 R5 v.1-3
• Chaucer Bibliography Online Includes materials from the Annotated Chaucer Bibliography published annually in Studies in the Age of Chaucer.
• Digital Index of Middle English Verse (DIMEV) The DIMEV provides transcriptions of the first two and last two lines of each witness of each Middle English verse text (i.e., for all witnesses for which this data has thus far been collected).
• Feminae: Medieval Women & Gender Index Covers journal articles, book reviews, and essays in books about women, sexuality, and gender during the Middle Ages.
• Medieval Manuscripts in British Libraries Catalog of manuscripts written prior to c. 1500 in Latin or Western European languages. LAU Ref Stacks Z6620.G7 K4 v. 1-5
• Old English Newsletter Include events, reports, essays, and publications as well as a searchable bibliographic database comprising the OEN Bibliography from 1973 to 2002. more... less... The database is free to use but requires registration.

The following sections are good for browsing for books on Anglo-Saxon and Medieval literature, which are shelved on the 5th floor of Lauinger Library.

English Language

PE101-458 – Anglo-Saxon. Old English

PE501-693 – Middle English.

English Literature

PR171-236 – Anglo-Saxon (beginnings through 1066)

PR251-369 – Medieval. Middle English (1066-1500)

PR1490-1799 – Anglo-Saxon literature

PR1803-2165 – Anglo-Norman period. Early English. Middle English.

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• Last Updated: Sep 9, 2024 11:28 AM
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Medieval History Research Paper Topics

In this page dedicated to medieval history research paper topics , students are presented with a wide-ranging list of captivating subjects that delve into the intricacies of the medieval era. Divided into ten categories, each containing ten unique topics, this comprehensive collection explores various aspects of political, cultural, religious, and military life during this fascinating period. From analyzing influential events to examining societal transformations, these research paper topics provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of medieval history and develop engaging academic papers.

100 Medieval History Research Paper Topics

The study of medieval history opens a doorway to a captivating era filled with knights, castles, and profound societal changes. Exploring the medieval period through research papers allows students to dive deep into various aspects of this time, uncovering fascinating stories and shedding light on significant historical events. In this comprehensive list, we present ten captivating research paper topics in each of the ten categories, offering students a plethora of options to explore and delve into the rich tapestry of medieval history.

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Political History

• The Role of Monarchy in Medieval Europe: Power, Succession, and Dynasties
• Feudalism and Its Influence on Medieval Society
• The Magna Carta and the Evolution of Constitutionalism
• The Crusades: A Political and Religious Endeavor
• The Hundred Years’ War: Causes, Key Battles, and Consequences
• The Byzantine Empire: Politics and Influence on Medieval Europe
• Papal Power and the Medieval Church-State Relationship
• The Black Death and Its Political Impact
• The Norman Conquest of England: William the Conqueror and Its Aftermath
• The Golden Age of Charlemagne: The Carolingian Empire and Its Legacy

Cultural History

• Chivalry and Knighthood: Codes of Conduct and Idealized Behavior
• The Role of Women in Medieval Society: From Noble Ladies to Peasant Women
• Medieval Art and Architecture: Cathedrals, Illuminated Manuscripts, and Iconography
• Courtly Love: Romance and Relationships in Medieval Literature
• Education and Intellectual Life in Medieval Monasteries
• Folklore and Legends: Robin Hood, King Arthur, and the Arthurian Legends
• Music and Dance in Medieval Society: Troubadours and Minstrels
• Medieval Festivals and Celebrations: Feast Days, Carnivals, and Jousting Tournaments
• The Influence of Islamic Culture on Medieval Europe
• The Role of Guilds in Medieval Trade and Craftsmanship

Religious History

• The Crusades: Motivations, Impact, and Legacy
• Heresy and Inquisition: Religious Dissent and Its Suppression
• The Great Schism: East-West Division in the Christian Church
• Pilgrimage in Medieval Europe: Meaning, Routes, and Shrines
• Saints and Relics: Veneration and the Cult of the Holy
• Monasticism and Monastic Orders: Benedictines, Franciscans, and Dominicans
• The Mendicant Movement: Poverty, Preaching, and Social Engagement
• The Medieval Inquisition: Origins, Methods, and Consequences
• The Witch Hunts of the Medieval Period: Beliefs and Persecution
• The Impact of the Printing Press on Religious Change in the Late Medieval Era

Military History

• The Battle of Hastings: William the Conqueror’s Triumph
• Knights and Armor: Technology and Tactics in Medieval Warfare
• The Siege of Constantinople: The Fall of the Byzantine Empire
• The Teutonic Knights and the Northern Crusades
• The Reconquista: Christian Reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula
• The Battle of Agincourt: Henry V’s Victory against the French
• The Mongol Invasions: Genghis Khan and the Conquest of Asia
• The Wars of the Roses: Noble Rivalry for the English Throne
• The Spanish Inquisition: Religion and Warfare
• The Battle of Tours: Charles Martel and the Defense against the Moors

Economic History

• The Hanseatic League: Trade and Economic Power in Medieval Northern Europe
• The Rise of Italian City-States: Florence, Venice, and Genoa
• The Silk Road: Trade and Cultural Exchange between East and West
• The Medieval Merchant Guilds: Economic Influence and Regulation
• The Black Death and its Economic Impact on European Society
• The Agricultural Revolution: Technological Advances in Medieval Farming
• The Commercial Revolution: Growth of Urban Centers and Market Economy
• Medieval Coinage and Currency: Monetary Systems and Economic Stability
• The Role of Fairs and Trade Routes in Medieval Commerce
• The Rise of Banking and Financial Institutions in Medieval Europe

Intellectual History

• Scholasticism and the Rise of Medieval Universities
• The Influence of Aristotle on Medieval Thought
• The Works of Thomas Aquinas: Theology and Philosophy
• The Development of Vernacular Literature in Medieval Europe
• The Influence of Arabic and Islamic Scholarship on Western Intellectual Tradition
• Mysticism and Spiritual Movements in Medieval Christianity
• Humanism and the Renaissance in Medieval Italy
• The Role of Medieval Monastic Libraries in Preserving Knowledge
• Astrology and Alchemy: Esoteric Knowledge in Medieval Society
• Medieval Science and the Pursuit of Natural Philosophy

Social History

• Feudal Society: Hierarchy, Classes, and Social Mobility
• Women’s Role in Medieval Society: Power, Influence, and Restrictions
• Peasant Life: Agriculture, Serfdom, and Rural Communities
• Medieval Crime and Punishment: Justice, Law, and Order
• The Black Death: Social Disruption and Demographic Changes
• Marriage and Family Life in the Middle Ages
• Slavery and Servitude in Medieval Europe
• Medieval Medicine: Healing Practices, Medical Knowledge, and Remedies
• The Role of Medieval Guilds in Urban Life
• The Impact of the Crusades on Social Structures and Cultural Exchange

Art and Architecture

• Gothic Architecture: Cathedrals, Flying Buttresses, and Stained Glass
• Romanesque Architecture: Churches, Monasteries, and Fortifications
• Illuminated Manuscripts: Book Production and Miniature Art
• Medieval Sculpture and Woodcarving: From Reliefs to Free-Standing Statues
• Mosaic Art: Byzantine Influence and Iconographic Representation
• The Bayeux Tapestry: A Visual Chronicle of the Norman Conquest
• Metalwork and Jewelry: Craftsmanship and Decorative Arts
• Medieval Painting: From Icons to Altarpieces
• Castle Architecture and Military Engineering
• The Art of Heraldry: Coats of Arms and Symbolism

Scientific and Technological Advances

• Medieval Astronomy and Astrology: Understanding the Universe
• The Development of the Compass and Its Impact on Navigation
• The Invention of the Mechanical Clock and Timekeeping
• Advances in Agriculture: Crop Rotation and Improved Farming Techniques
• Medieval Engineering: Bridges, Aqueducts, and Cathedrals
• The Use of Gunpowder in Medieval Warfare
• The Printing Press: Gutenberg’s Revolutionary Invention
• Medieval Alchemy: From Transmutation to Experimental Science
• The Impact of Islamic Scientific Knowledge on Medieval Europe
• The Evolution of Medieval Medicine: From Herbal Remedies to Surgical Techniques

Regional Studies

• The Kingdom of England: Political, Social, and Cultural Transformations
• The Byzantine Empire: Politics, Religion, and Artistic Legacy
• The Kingdom of France: Monarchy, Conflict, and Cultural Flourishing
• The Holy Roman Empire: Structure, Dissolution, and Legacy
• The Iberian Peninsula: Reconquista, Kingdoms, and Cultural Exchange
• The Italian City-States: Artistic Renaissance and Political Dynamics
• The Kingdom of Scotland: Independence, Wars, and Cultural Identity
• The Nordic Countries: Viking Age, Norse Mythology, and Scandinavian Influence
• The Crusader States: Kingdoms in the Levant and Interactions with the Muslim World
• The Papal States: Power, Influence, and Religious Authority

This comprehensive list of medieval history research paper topics covers various aspects of political, cultural, religious, military, economic, intellectual, social, artistic, scientific, and regional history. Students are presented with a wide range of intriguing subjects to choose from, allowing them to explore and analyze different facets of the medieval era. Whether delving into the intricacies of political power, examining the influence of chivalry and knighthood, or unraveling the mysteries of medieval art and architecture, these topics offer a wealth of opportunities for engaging and enlightening research papers.

Medieval History: Exploring the Time of Knights, Castles, and Crusades

The medieval period, spanning roughly from the 5th to the 15th century, holds a special place in history as a time of profound societal change, cultural transformation, and iconic imagery. It was an era marked by the rise and fall of empires, the flourishing of art and architecture, the clash of religions, and the advent of chivalry and knighthood. Understanding medieval history provides a fascinating glimpse into a world of castles and cathedrals, knights and peasants, and epic quests for power and glory.

One of the remarkable aspects of medieval history is the sheer diversity of topics it encompasses. From political intrigues and military campaigns to religious upheavals and economic transformations, there is a vast array of research paper topics that offer students the opportunity to delve into this captivating period. Exploring medieval history allows us to unravel the stories of kings and queens, explore the everyday lives of ordinary people, and examine the intellectual and cultural developments that shaped the course of history.

One of the key areas of interest in medieval history is political history. The medieval world was characterized by a complex web of political structures, including feudalism, monarchy, and the rise of city-states. Research papers in this area could delve into topics such as the power struggles between monarchs and nobles, the impact of the Magna Carta on the concept of constitutionalism, or the influence of the Crusades on European politics and diplomacy.

Cultural history is another fascinating aspect of the medieval period. From the awe-inspiring cathedrals of Gothic architecture to the illuminations of medieval manuscripts, the cultural achievements of this era continue to captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike. Exploring topics such as the role of women in medieval society, the development of courtly love in literature, or the influence of Islamic culture on European art provides a deeper understanding of the rich cultural tapestry of the time.

Religion played a central role in medieval society, and the interplay between different religious beliefs and institutions shaped the course of history. Research papers on religious history could explore topics such as the impact of the Crusades on Christian-Muslim relations, the rise of heretical movements and the Inquisition, or the role of monasticism in preserving knowledge and scholarship.

Military history is another prominent area of study within medieval history. The image of knights in shining armor, jousting tournaments, and epic battles captures the imagination. Research papers could focus on topics such as the strategies and tactics employed during key battles, the influence of castles and fortifications on warfare, or the impact of the Mongol invasions on European military practices.

Economic history offers insight into the economic systems and developments of the medieval period. Research papers could delve into topics such as the growth of trade and commerce, the role of guilds in regulating and advancing specific industries, or the impact of the Black Death on the economic landscape.

Intellectual history in the medieval period witnessed the rise of scholasticism, the pursuit of knowledge, and the development of universities. Research papers could explore topics such as the influence of medieval philosophy on later intellectual movements, the role of monastic libraries in preserving and disseminating knowledge, or the emergence of vernacular literature and its impact on cultural identity.

The social history of the medieval period provides a lens through which to examine the lives of ordinary people. Research papers could focus on topics such as the role of women, the lives of peasants, or the impact of epidemics such as the Black Death on society and demographics.

Art and architecture flourished during the medieval period, leaving behind magnificent cathedrals, sculptures, and illuminated manuscripts. Research papers in this area could explore topics such as the architectural innovations of Gothic cathedrals, the symbolism in medieval art, or the techniques and materials used in manuscript illumination.

The scientific and technological advances of the medieval period also deserve attention. Research papers could delve into topics such as the developments in astronomy and astrology, the impact of the printing press on the dissemination of knowledge, or the contributions of medieval scholars to the fields of medicine and alchemy.

Finally, regional studies provide a unique perspective on the medieval period, showcasing the distinct characteristics and events of specific regions. Research papers could focus on topics such as the Norman Conquest of England, the Byzantine Empire, or the Kingdom of Scotland.

In conclusion, the medieval period offers a captivating journey into a world of knights, castles, and crusades. The wide range of research paper topics available allows students to explore different aspects of medieval history, shedding light on the political, cultural, religious, military, economic, intellectual, social, artistic, scientific, and regional dynamics of the time. By engaging with these topics, students can develop a deeper understanding of this transformative period in human history and appreciate its lasting impact on the world we live in today.

How to Choose Medieval History Research Paper Topics

Choosing a research paper topic in medieval history can be an exciting yet challenging task. With such a vast and diverse range of subjects to explore, it’s essential to narrow down your focus and select a topic that aligns with your interests and academic goals. Here are ten tips to help you choose a compelling and engaging medieval history research paper topic:

• Identify Your Interests : Start by reflecting on your personal interests within medieval history. Are you drawn to a specific time period, region, or theme? Consider the aspects that intrigue you the most and use them as a starting point for your topic selection.
• Conduct Preliminary Research : Begin your journey by conducting preliminary research on broad topics or themes in medieval history. Read books, scholarly articles, and reputable online resources to gain a general understanding of the subject matter and identify potential areas of further exploration.
• Consult Reference Works : Consult reference works such as encyclopedias, handbooks, and historiographies dedicated to medieval history. These resources can provide valuable insights, highlight key topics, and guide you towards specialized areas within the field.
• Engage with Recent Scholarship : Familiarize yourself with the latest research and scholarly debates in medieval history. Stay up-to-date with academic journals, conferences, and reputable websites to identify emerging topics and gaps in the existing scholarship that you can contribute to through your research.
• Consider Chronological and Geographic Factors : The medieval period spans over a thousand years and encompasses a wide range of regions. Narrow down your focus by selecting a specific time period or geographic area that interests you. For example, you could explore the High Middle Ages in Western Europe or the Islamic Golden Age in the Middle East.
• Explore Different Themes and Perspectives : Medieval history offers a rich tapestry of themes and perspectives to explore. Consider topics related to politics, religion, culture, art, society, economy, intellectual developments, or military conflicts. Think about how these themes intersect and influence each other.
• Examine Primary and Secondary Sources : Before finalizing your topic, evaluate the availability of primary and secondary sources. Assess the accessibility of relevant manuscripts, chronicles, letters, legal documents, archaeological artifacts, and other primary materials that can support your research.
• Consult with Your Advisor : Seek guidance from your academic advisor or professor. They can provide valuable insights, suggest potential topics based on their expertise, and help you refine your research question to ensure it aligns with the requirements of your assignment.
• Consider Comparative Studies : Explore the possibility of conducting comparative studies within medieval history. By comparing different regions, cultures, or time periods, you can analyze similarities, differences, and patterns that shed light on broader historical phenomena.
• Brainstorm and Refine : Take time to brainstorm ideas, create mind maps, or engage in discussions with peers and professors. Refine your topic by narrowing it down to a specific research question or thesis statement that is manageable within the scope of your research paper.

In conclusion, choosing a medieval history research paper topic requires careful consideration and exploration of your interests, available sources, and scholarly discourse. By following these ten tips, you can find a topic that ignites your passion, offers academic value, and allows you to make a unique contribution to the field of medieval history. Remember to select a topic that challenges you intellectually and aligns with the guidelines and objectives of your research paper assignment.

How to Write a Medieval History Research Paper

Writing a research paper on medieval history can be a rewarding and enlightening experience. It allows you to delve into the rich tapestry of the past, explore fascinating events and figures, and contribute to the scholarly understanding of the medieval period. To help you navigate the writing process, here are ten tips for crafting an engaging and well-researched medieval history research paper:

• Understand the Assignment : Familiarize yourself with the assignment guidelines, requirements, and expectations. Clarify any questions you have with your professor to ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria.
• Develop a Clear Thesis Statement : Formulate a clear and concise thesis statement that articulates the main argument or research question of your paper. Your thesis will provide a guiding framework for your research and analysis.
• Conduct In-Depth Research : Engage in thorough research to gather relevant and reliable sources. Explore primary sources such as manuscripts, chronicles, letters, and secondary sources such as books, articles, and scholarly journals. Evaluate the credibility and scholarly reputation of the sources you use.
• Organize Your Thoughts : Create an outline or a structured plan that outlines the main sections and subtopics of your research paper. This will help you maintain a logical flow of ideas and ensure that your arguments are well-organized.
• Analyze and Interpret Sources : When analyzing primary and secondary sources, critically evaluate their content, context, and bias. Look for patterns, themes, and arguments that emerge from your research and use them to support your thesis statement.
• Provide Historical Context : Situate your research within its historical context by providing background information on the time period, events, and individuals you are studying. Help your readers understand the significance of your topic in relation to the broader historical narrative.
• Incorporate Multiple Perspectives : Explore diverse perspectives and interpretations of the medieval period. Engage with different schools of thought, scholarly debates, and varying viewpoints to present a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of your topic.
• Use Proper Citation and Referencing : Ensure that you properly cite and reference all sources used in your research paper. Follow the citation style guidelines specified by your professor, whether it’s APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, or another format.
• Craft Engaging and Coherent Writing : Write clearly and concisely, using academic language appropriate for your discipline. Develop well-structured paragraphs that flow logically from one idea to the next. Use transitions to connect different sections of your paper.
• Revise and Edit : Set aside time for thorough revision and editing of your research paper. Review your work for clarity, coherence, grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Ensure that your arguments are well-supported and that your paper adheres to the required formatting guidelines.

In conclusion, writing a medieval history research paper requires careful planning, extensive research, and effective communication of your findings. By following these ten tips, you can craft a well-written and compelling paper that demonstrates your knowledge of the subject matter and contributes to the field of medieval history. Remember to allow yourself enough time for research, writing, and revision, and seek feedback from professors or peers to enhance the quality of your work.

iResearchNet’s Writing Services

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In conclusion, iResearchNet is your trusted partner in medieval history research papers. Our team of expert writers, customized solutions, flexible pricing, and commitment to quality ensure that you receive a well-crafted and thoroughly researched paper that meets your academic requirements. Take advantage of our services and experience the difference in your academic journey.

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By choosing iResearchNet, you gain access to a team of highly qualified writers with expertise in medieval history. They will work closely with you to understand your research objectives and craft a custom-written paper that meets your unique requirements. Our writers have a deep understanding of the historical period, enabling them to deliver insightful and well-researched papers that demonstrate your knowledge and critical thinking skills.

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Writing and Presenting Guide

Writing literature reviews, what is a literature review.

"A literature review discusses published information in a particular subject area, and sometimes information in a particular subject area within a certain time period. A literature review can be just a simple summary of the sources, but it usually has an organizational pattern and combines both summary and synthesis. A summary is a recap of the important information of the source, but a synthesis is a re-organization, or a reshuffling, of that information. It might give a new interpretation of old material or combine new with old interpretations. Or it might trace the intellectual progression of the field, including major debates. And depending on the situation, the literature review may evaluate the sources and advise the reader on the most pertinent or relevant." Source: The Writing Center at UNC-Chapel Hill. (2013). Literature Reviews. Retrieved from https://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/literature-reviews/ This link opens in a new window

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Relationship between mental health and students’ academic performance through a literature review

• Open access
• Published: 17 September 2024
• Volume 4 , article number  119 , ( 2024 )

Cite this article

You have full access to this open access article

• Cynthia Lizeth Ramos-Monsivais 1 ,
• Sonia Rodríguez-Cano 2 ,
• Estefanía Lema-Moreira   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2286-4902 3 &
• Vanesa Delgado-Benito 2  

Mindfulness has become increasingly popular to improve physical and mental health. Its implementation transcends boundaries of disciplines that study its impact. The aim of this study is to identify and analyze the benefits of mindfulness on mental health, academic performance, well-being, mindfulness and prosocial behavior of university students, as well as to identify the most effective way to achieve habituation to the practice. An analysis and systematic review of papers published in the Scopus database was conducted. It was found that publications on the implementation of mindfulness in higher education began in 2004. Their study has been developed in 22 countries, 15 are European, 3 Asians, 2 North American, one Latin American and one from Oceania. Spain is the only Spanish-speaking country. Academically, mindfulness stimulates creativity, exploratory thinking, critical thinking, attention regulation, increases concentration and improves the learning experience. In addition, immersive virtual reality experiences were found to positively influence habituation towards mindfulness practice among university students.

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1 Introduction

In recent decades, mindfulness has gained popularity as a technique for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. As well as increasing the well-being and quality of life of people who practice it [ 1 ]. Its origin is found in the Buddhist tradition, as a way to achieve clarity of thought [ 2 ]. Although this technique has been practiced in the East for more than 25 centuries, in the West its popularity is recent [ 3 ]. However, its application is expanding more and more in different disciplines [ 4 ].

Social-emotional learning has been introduced in education. It refers to the training of attention, through meditation techniques, such as mindfulness, the most recent update of the programs that seek emotional intelligence [ 5 ]. This type of education is also known as contemplative education, which seeks to enhance the learning experience through reflection and personal perception [ 6 ].

Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness as “awareness that develops by paying concrete, sustained, deliberate, and non-judgmental attention to the present moment” [ 7 , p. 13]. It facilitates maintaining mental calm and training attention [ 8 ]; in addition to increasing mental clarity and awareness [ 9 ].

In terms of operability, three qualities that people develop while practicing mindfulness and three qualities related to how the practice is carried out are recognized. The first are observation, description, and participation. While in the mode of practice, acceptance is required, in the present moment and in an effective manner [ 10 ].

Mindfulness can be practiced formally and informally. In formal practice, a specific time is set aside daily for guided meditations. Informal practice brings awareness to daily activities. That is, paying attention to sensations and perceptions while walking, driving, eating, cleaning, among other activities [ 7 ].

Mindfulness has been shown to improve physical and mental health. In terms of physical health, it favors the increase of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BNDF) [ 11 ]. While in mental health it reduces symptoms of anxiety [ 12 ], stress [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ] and depression [ 12 ]. It also facilitates coping with change and uncertainty [ 14 ] and increases well-being [ 17 ].

1.1 How might the efficacy of mindfulness be evaluated?

Blood tests can be used to measure the effectiveness of mindfulness. A reduction in the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone [ 13 ]; and of increased BNDF can be observed after two weeks of practice [ 11 ]. Increased blood BNDF levels are a potential mediator between meditation practice and brain health [ 13 ]. BNDF measured in the blood by plasma or saliva is called peripheral BNDF [ 18 ].

BNDF is a modulator that regulates neuron growth. It allows the creation of new dendrites which improves communication between neurons; in other words, it promotes greater neuronal plasticity in the central and peripheral nervous system [ 11 , 13 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Its main function is at the level of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, structures linked to learning and memory functions [ 13 ].

BNDF is produced in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. Over time, its production tends to decrease. Its absence is related to psychiatric and neurological disorders such as emotional burnout, anxiety, depression and Alzheimer’s disease [ 13 ] However, some activities stimulate its production. Exercising, practicing yoga, undergoing controlled stress, traveling, acquiring new experiences, learning and mindfulness stimulate its production [ 13 , 20 ].

1.2 What are the reasons for integrating mindfulness into higher education?

The increase in mental health illnesses in college students has become a recognized concern [ 16 , 21 ]; which requires innovative interventions to address this reality [ 22 , 23 ]. In this sense, mindfulness emerges as a proposed solution [ 12 ], to prevent and reduce professional burnout [ 24 ]. Thus, there is growing interest in its applications in higher education [ 25 , 26 ].

In addition to the physical and mental health benefits, mindfulness practice promotes better academic performance [ 8 , 27 , 28 ]. Such as increased attention, learning and thinking [ 29 ]; and reduced pre-test anxiety [ 29 , 30 ].

Mindfulness practice also stimulates exploratory thinking [ 4 ], creative thinking [ 4 , 31 ], and critical thinking [ 2 ]. It increases spatial and sensory awareness [ 4 ], academic self-efficacy [ 32 , 33 ], productivity and task quality [ 8 ]; in addition to increasing the feeling of personal accomplishment [ 34 ].

On the other hand, it facilitates information retention [ 35 ], improves concentration [ 22 , 26 , 36 , 37 ], attention self-regulation skills [ 32 , 37 , 38 ] and allows for a perceived improvement in the overall learning experience [ 31 , 37 , 39 , 40 , 41 ]. This is because it is essentially training the brain that facilitates focusing attention. A faculty that, for William James, father of American psychology, constituted the root of judgment, character and will [ 42 ].

1.3 Technological immersion in mindfulness

Studies show that technology is increasingly present in the field of mindfulness practice. Evidence of that is the introduction of video games such as the one developed at the University of Wisconsin called tenacity. This is to improve mindfulness through breathing exercises [ 5 ]. Mobile applications such as Headspace and Calm have also been developed to promote meditation techniques [ 43 , 44 ].

In addition to the above, immersive environments incorporating Virtual Reality (VR) have been developed to stimulate mindfulness practice. Home meditation studio, tripp and maloka are some of the applications that virtual reality allows mindfulness practice in totally immersive environments.

1.4 Virtual reality and mindfulness in education

VR makes it possible to experience alternative realities perceived atmospherically [ 45 ]. It is applied in disciplines and sciences such as medicine, engineering, mathematics, dentistry and education [ 46 ]. In education it is used to improve academic performance [ 29 ], and increase attention, creativity, flow state, and habituation to practice [ 47 ].

Pascual et al. [ 48 ] state that, despite there being few studies related to the evaluation of mindfulness interventions using VR, it is considered a more effective platform than standalone mobile meditation apps for encouraging daily practice. Along those lines, results from Miller et al. [ 49 ] study indicates that VR-guided meditation practice is associated with increased positive affect compared to non-VR meditation.

In the case study by Malighetti et al. [ 50 ] it was found that techniques for the development of emotional intelligence such as increased awareness, identification of emotional states, increased resilience and self-control implemented through VR allowed greater mental regulation in terms of eating habits in patients with binge eating disorders. In that order, students with greater emotional regulation have greater self-efficacy [ 51 ].

VR mindfulness promotes mental health [ 52 ]. Studies show that it can reduce insomnia and stress [ 53 ] and improve learning [ 46 ]. Coupled with the above, Kwon et al. [ 30 ] found that incorporating virtual environments through VR is feasible for managing anxiety stemming from academic exams.

Kaplan-Rakowski et al. [ 29 ] study showed that students who meditated with VR performed better academically than those who meditated using videos. While Yang et al.’s [ 47 ] research, immersive virtual reality experiences were found to affect traits associated with students' creativity such as flow state and attention. When students were assigned creative challenges or challenges, those who participated in immersive VR produced better quality products. They also maintained a more stable attention level than the control group.

VR can impact long-term learning. According to Mohring and Brendel [ 45 ] it use in the educational context needs to be reflected upon, because it triggers human perception with far-reaching consequences and people using it hardly question the alternative reality experience it offers. Nevertheless, it can contribute significantly to students’ training through the development of enhanced digital skills and increased mindfulness.

According to Mohring and Brendel [ 45 ] VR can trace the path towards mindfulness in different educational contexts: in teaching and in transforming the relationship between society and the environment. A view that coincides with Whewell et al. [ 54 ] who argue that these immersive experiences contribute to the development of enhanced digital skills, increased student engagement, cultural competence and global mindfulness in university students. VR can foster the conditions for students to become global change agents “within the spheres of entrepreneurship and education” [ 54 , p.1].

However, mindfulness benefits require continuous practice. According to the study by Pascual et al. [ 48 ], meditation sessions are associated with a decrease in anxiety. Therefore, identifying how to introduce and implement an effective program is of the utmost relevance for updating the current educational system.

In that sense, this research aims to identify programs that have been implemented to incorporate mindfulness into higher education. From its beginnings to the present, it analyzes the scientific literature to understand the evolution of its implementation. It identifies the countries where these programs are carried out, the universities that participate, the years they have been carried out and the types of documents published.

Mindfulness's documented benefits for mental health, academic performance, well-being, and students' awareness and prosocial behavior are discussed. Finally, technology, specifically virtual reality, is addressed as a medium that facilitates mindfulness practice stimulation and habituation.

Therefore, the following research questions were defined: 1. How many publications are published per year? 2. In what language are they published? 3. What kind of documents are published? 4. Which universities are involved in the research? 5. In which countries are mindfulness and higher education being studied? 6. What is the impact of mindfulness on higher education students' mental health? 7. What is the impact of mindfulness on higher education students' academic performance? 8. What is the impact of mindfulness on higher education students’ well-being? 9. What is the impact of mindfulness on higher education students’ conscientiousness and prosocial behaviour? 10. Is virtual reality the most effective medium for fostering mindfulness among higher education students?

An analysis of scientific publications in the scopus database, which could be accessed through an institutional account of the University of Burgos in Spain as part of a research stay, was carried out. The information search was conducted using English keywords. The keywords used to elaborate the search string were mindfulness, meditation, university students and higher education students. This search string yielded 70 publications as of July 19, 2024.

All Scopus database publication types were considered inclusion criteria: articles, book chapters, papers, reviews, books and short surveys. In English and Spanish. All articles whose information was not available, were not aimed at higher education students, or did not address any meditation technique were excluded.

An Excel document with the articles' information was extracted for analysis. One article was not available so 69 documents were considered. It was found that 11 publications did not actually mention meditation techniques and were excluded. Also, 5 publications not directed at higher education students were not considered. This resulted in 53 selected research papers. Figure  1 illustrates the situation.

Flow diagram

To answer questions 6, 7 and 8, a subsequent analysis was carried out to identify the measurement variables used by the authors. Measurement variables were identified in the selected documents. The variables were divided into four categories. Mental health, academic achievement, well-being, and prosocial awareness and attitude.

The mental health category includes 9 variables: reduction of stress, anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization burnout and negative mood. Also increased mental health, calmness and positive mood. Of the 53 items, 4 address some mental health elements and 23 also include elements from other categories.

Academic achievement is made up of 16 variables: academic performance, clinical performance, exploratory thinking, critical thinking, creative thinking, productivity, task quality, academic speed, persistence, observation skills, attention regulation skills, information retention, academic self-efficacy and concentration. Additionally, the learning experience and divergent and convergent creative writing will be improved. Of the 53 items, 5 address elements relating to academic achievement and 19 also include elements from other categories.

The well-being category consists of 13 variables: increased life satisfaction, well-being, sense of belonging, emotional self-regulation, quality of life, self-compassion, physical activity, resilience, non-judgmental acceptance, perceived social support, and sense of accomplishment. Also included are better dietary decision making and improved sleep quality. Of the 53 items, 1 addresses well-being items and 20 include items from other categories.

In the category awareness and prosocial behavior, 14 variables were integrated: increased mindfulness skills, spatial awareness, sensory awareness, self-awareness, dispositional mindfulness, empathy, benevolence, prosocial behavior, collectivism, a sense of transcendence, universalalism, mental clarity, responsibility and improved interpersonal relationships. Of the 53 items, one addresses element unique to prosocial awareness and behavior and 21 also include elements from other categories.

To answer question 8, an additional search integrating technology and virtual reality was included. Although the object of this study is directed primarily at higher education students, research that analyses mindfulness incorporation at other educational levels was considered in this question.

The results of the research are presented in this section. We start with the general findings and then answer the research questions.

3.1 General findings

Although all the investigations analysed are directed at higher education students, 27 do not specify the discipline or the educational program in which the students are enrolled. However, it was found that the educational programs where mindfulness effectiveness is most frequently studied is in medicine and nursing with six investigations, engineering with four, and then anaesthesiology, arts and design, sciences, modern dance, law midwifery, writing, pharmacy, literature, music, social work and design pedagogy with one respectively.

Regarding the duration of the programs, of the 53 studies analysed, 31 do not specify the duration of the practice in weeks, days or sessions. However, in six investigations the programs lasted 8 weeks and in five investigations, 6 weeks. The longest program consisted of 12 weeks and the shortest 1 day. About the analysis of keywords, Fig.  2 shows the identified word networks.

Visualization of keyword networks based on a VOSviewer version 1.6.20 elaboration

In this analysis, it was found that of the 418 keywords used, 30 have at least a frequency of occurrence of 5. It is highlighted that the words with a higher frequency of occurrence and greater connectivity are mindfulness and meditation. Next, the research questions are answered.

How many papers are published each year about mindfulness and higher education students?

According to Table  1 , publications on mindfulness in higher education began in 2004. In 2014, these rates began to remain constant. In the United States, the first publication was produced by the doctor Daniel Holland, associated with universities in Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Illinois, and Washington. At the University of Pennsylvania, the first program for developing resilience in children was developed. Furthermore, in the late 1990s, doctors Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, both affiliated with the same university, pioneered positive psychology [ 55 ].

As part of positive education, positive psychology was introduced to institutions. The concept of positive education succeeds the concept of emotional education. In addition to emotions, this approach incorporates other elements such as meditation in order to increase well-being [ 56 ].

What is the language in which mindfulness research is published? There are 53 documents in the collection, 50 of which are in English and three of which are in Spanish

Are there any published documents that discuss mindfulness and students in higher education? Publications were classified into five categories: articles, reviews, book chapters, presentations and books. As shown in Table  2 , each type of document has a different quantity.

There are several different types of documents published. Articles are the most frequently published. Review articles, presentations, book chapters, and books follow.

What are the publications of universities on mindfulness and higher education students?

A summary of the publications produced, the universities that participate in collaborations, and the most important findings are presented in this section according to the type of document, the language, and the year.

3.2 Spanish-language articles

There have been only three articles published in Spanish. These include one by the University of Almería in Spain in 2009, another by the University of Lisbon in Portugal in 2022 and another by the University of Granada in Spain in 2024. A study by Justo and Luque [ 57 ] demonstrated that mindfulness leads to a deepening of reflection and self-awareness, which in turn stimulates prosocial values like benevolence, collectivism, and the sense of universalism and transcendence. Sobral and Caetano [ 58 ] conducted a study in which individual and collective activities were incorporated into two courses, including mindfulness, using students' portfolios and teachers’ notes. On the other hand, in the study by García-Pérez et al. [ 23 ] mindfulness is considered as a starting point to guarantee mental health and improve the well-being of university students.

3.3 Articles in English

In 2014, two English-language publications were published. One by Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom and one by Duke University Medical Center in the United States. Greeson et al. [ 59 ] found that the Koru mindfulness training program improved sleep, improved mindfulness skills, increased self-compassion, and decreased stress among college students.

According to Van Gordon et al. [ 3 ], the Meditation, Awareness Training (MAT) program has been evaluated by college students. During the eighth weeks of training, the students demonstrated improved well-being and self-regulation skills in terms of thoughts, feelings, and behavior. A significant increase was also observed in dispositional mindfulness.

In 2015 only one paper was published by Newcastle University in Australia. In this study, after 7 weeks of practicing mindfulness, students showed an improvement in their well-being, sleep quality, increased concentration, mental clarity and a reduction in negative mood was observed [ 22 ].

In 2016, two articles were published, one by Chatham University in the United States, and another where two universities from two different countries participated, the National University of Ireland and Coleraine University in the United Kingdom. In the study by Noone et al. [ 2 ] it was found that dispositional mindfulness facilitates critical thinking. While in the research of Spadaro and Hunker [ 38 ] it was found that after 8 weeks of practicing mindfulness online, nursing students in the United States reduced anxiety and stress. They also increased mindfulness self-regulation skills.

There were three articles published in 2017. The first study was conducted by Ohio State University in the United States, the second by Ryerson University in Canada, and the third by the Department of Psychiatry at MoleMann Hospital for Mental Health in the Netherlands.

Using reflective writing and guided mindfulness meditations, Klatt [ 60 ] conducted research at Ohio University to increase awareness of students' life goals. According to Schwind et al. [ 37 ], mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation practice after eight weeks reduced anxiety, improved learning experience, increased sense of calm, concentration, and attention self-regulation skills among Canadian university students.

While in the research of Van D’Ijk et al. [ 61 ] it was found that after 8 weekly sessions of two hours daily using the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program, students from the Netherlands reduced anxiety and negative emotional states. Improved mental health, life satisfaction and increased mindfulness skills were also observed. However, empathy was not increased.

In 2018, three articles were published. One by the University of Seville in Spain, one by the National University of Ireland and one where an international collaboration between 5 universities took place. The University of Southampton in the UK, the Helvetiapraxis Medical Centre in Switzerland, Kings College London in the UK, the Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Germany and the Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poland.

Research conducted by Bernárdez et al. [ 9 ] revealed that software engineering students at the University of Seville in Spain improved their academic self-efficacy after 6 weeks of practicing mindfulness.

Lynch et al. [ 25 ] evaluated mindfulness-based coping with university life (MBCUL), an adaptation of the MBSR program. College students increased their mindfulness skills, decreased stress, anxiety, and depression after eight weeks. The study by Noone and Hogan [ 62 ] found that practicing mindfulness using the headspace mobile app for 6 weeks or 30 sessions increased dispositional mindfulness, but not critical thinking. Students at the National University of Ireland participated in this study.

There were three articles published in 2019. In the United Kingdom, Birmingham City University submitted the first study, in the United States, Lousville University submitted the second, and in Iceland, the University of Rhode Island submitted the third.

A study conducted by Dutt et al. [ 84 ] from the University of Birmingham has demonstrated that mindfulness reduces stress and helps to make better dietary decisions. The University of Rhode Island conducted a study in which Lemay et al. [ 63 ] found that after 6 weeks of practicing viyansa yoga, pharmacy students were able to increase their mindfulness skills and reduce their levels of stress and anxiety. Weingartner et al. [ 39 ] found that mindfulness and compassion training increased mindfulness skills, dispositional mindfulness, and empathy in medical students at Lousville University. As a result, interpersonal relationships, resilience, nonjudgmental acceptance, observational skills, and learning experiences were also improved.

In 2020, four papers were published. In the United States, there are four, one from the University of North Carolina, one from the University of Florida, one from Juiz de Fora in Brazil, and one from the Department of Psychological and Behavioral Sciences at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

At the University of North Carolina, a slow sensory experience linked to meditation techniques is introduced in the modern dance program to improve concentration [ 64 ]. According to the study by Bóo et al. [ 27 ], mindfulness increases academic performance, emotional self-regulation, and self-awareness in the UK. However, Damião et al. [ 65 ] found no significant increase in mindfulness skills of medical students at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil, following a 6-week mindfulness training program. Stress, anxiety, or depression did not decrease. Quality of life and mental health also showed no change.

A study by Williams et al. [ 40 ] concluded that medical students at the University of Florida improved their mindfulness skills, perceived social support, empathy, and prosocial behavior after 11 weeks participating in the Promoting Resilience in Medicine (PRIMe) program, although they did not reduce stress. Behaviors characterized by empathy and prosociality. As a result, the general well-being and learning experience have also improved.

There were three articles published in 2021. First, the University of Manitoba in Canada, second, Bilkent University in Turkey, and third, Johns Hopkins University in the United States. Altay and Porter [ 4 ] found that mindfulness practice among design psychology students in Turkey increased non-judgmental acceptance, exploratory thinking, creative thinking, spatial awareness, sensory awareness, and empathy.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Headspace mobile application was conducted by Carullo et al. [ 33 ]. Over the course of four months, anesthesiology and medical students from the United States practiced mindfulness. Depression levels were reduced and personal accomplishments were increased. The level of emotional exhaustion nor the level of depersonalization burnout, however, did not improve. Based on research conducted by Litwiller et al. [ 21 ] among college students in Canada, mindfulness, meditation, Tai Chi, yoga, exercise, and animal therapy have been found to be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and negative mood.

The year 2022 saw the publication of nine papers. The first was completed by the Aix-Marseille University in France, the second by the Department of Anthropology at the University of Missouri in the United States, and the third by the University of Central Arkansas in the United States in collaboration with the University of Missouri. It was also submitted by the University of Illinois in the United States, Kirikkale University in Turkey, Arizona State University in the United States, the University of Seville in Spain, Brock University in Canada, and the University of Lisbon in Portugal.

Researchers in Turkey found that mindfulness practice increases life satisfaction among nursing students. According to Bernárdez et al. [ 8 ], mindfulness enhanced academic performance, productivity, task quality, and academic speed in Spanish students. Devillers-Réolon et al. [ 66 ] found that stress, anxiety, and depression were reduced in their research. The ability of French university students to regulate their attention did not improve, despite improvements in their well-being.

Researchers at Arizona State University found that mindfulness practice increased concentration, non-judgmental acceptance, and resilience among arts and design students. An opinion survey conducted by Klonoff-Cohen [ 67 ] revealed that college students in Illinois believe meditation and mindfulness exercises are effective coping mechanisms. The study by Sensiper [ 26 ] from the Anthropology Department concluded that after 10 weeks of structured in-class meditations, mindfulness exercises, contemporary text readings, and reflective writing, college students exhibited reduced anxiety, improved well-being, increased emotional self-regulation, concentration, and dispositional mindfulness.

As part of the research conducted by Sobral and Caetano [ 58 ], the University of Lisbon conducted a self-study on emotional education. Teachers evaluated the students’ portfolios in order to identify recurrent problems, and students evaluated mindfulness practices, collective and individual projects.

Strickland et al. [ 68 ] reported that mindfulness combined with a modified version of Dr. Robert Boice’s blocked writers program increased positive mood and resilience to stress and anxiety in students and teachers in higher education.

According to Woloshyn et al. [ 31 ], mindful writing stimulates creative thinking, increases empathy and prosocial behavior in higher education students and teachers in Canada. A positive emotional state can also be achieved through non-judgmental acceptance, increased self-awareness, self-compassion, and non-judgmental acceptance. In addition, it enhances well-being and the learning experience.

Six papers have been published in 2023. One by the University of Rome in Italy, one by Griffith University in Australia, another is the result of a collaboration between the University of South Carolina and Winthrop University both in the United States; and another due to collaboration between the Institute of Psychology of Lorand University in Hungary, the University of Vienna and the University of Artois in France.

One paper is the result of a collaboration between the University of the West of England in United Kingdom, and Dongguk University in South Korea. And another article was the result of a collaboration between University of Limoges, University of Montpellier and University of Paris Cité in France and University of Brussels in Belgium.

In the research by Fagioli et al. [ 32 ] University students in Italy practice mindfulness online for 28 days. An improved sense of belonging increased academic self-efficacy and self-regulation of attention skills were observed. In the study by García et al. [ 69 ], mindfulness was practiced for 1 week, 5 min daily. This exercise reduced anxiety, increased physical activity and improved sleep in United States students. Nagy et al. [ 70 ] found that mindfulness practice can increase persistence in those with a strong disposition toward a growth mindset or mindfulness.

In the research of Hagège et al. [ 71 ] it was found that the Meditation-Based Ethics of Responsibility (MBER) program had a positive impact on sense of responsibility and convergent and divergent creative writing tasks in undergraduate science students. In undergraduate music therapy students, it was found that eight weeks of practicing mindfulness can reduce stress and improve mindfulness and well-being [ 72 ]. While Pearson’s [ 73 ] looks for strategies on how mindfulness can be introduced into law education programs in Australia.

So far in 2024, three papers have been published. One by the Virginia Tech College of engineering. Another by the collaboration of Idaho State University and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, in the United States. Another by Kaohsiung Medical University and Meiho University, both from Taiwan.

In the research of Giesler et al. [ 74 ] the Caring Action Leadership Mindfulness model is proposed to increase mental health and sense of belonging in undergraduate social work students. In the study by Liu et al. [ 75 ] it was found that practicing mindfulness for 50 min a week for 8 weeks reduced stress and increased mindfulness skills in nursing students. On the other hand, Martini et al. [ 76 ] found that although most engineering students after practicing mindfulness experienced a reduction in perceived stress, a sense of calm, increased energy, and greater concentration, other students who expressed feeling more tired and distressed after meditation practice.

3.4 Book chapters

Book chapters are rare. One by Queen Margaret University in 2015 and one by the University of Surrey in 2020, both UK universities. In the Oberski et al. [ 35 ] study, it was documented that mindfulness in college students allows for increased information retention and a positive emotional state. In Kilner-Johnson and Udofia’s [ 77 ] research, techniques for incorporating mindfulness in the humanities in higher education are proposed.

On the other hand, only one book was published by the University of Groningen in the Netherlands in 2021. This work addresses the benefits of incorporating mindfulness into higher education courses. It documents the results of the Munich model named mindfulness and meditation in the university context. It also includes practical exercises with instructions for implementation in educational institutions.

3.6 Conferences

Three conferences have been published from the United States. One in 2006 by the University of Arkansas, another by the University of Denver Colorado in 2021, and another by Northeastern University in 2023. Holland [ 6 ] presents a course developed and implemented in some universities in the United States through his personal experience, while Wu [ 41 ] states that sonic meditation for higher education students improves the learning experience. In the study by Grahame et al. [ 78 ] it was found that daily mindfulness practice enables engineering undergraduates to reduce stress.

3.7 Reviews

Six reviews have been published. One was in 2004 by Southeastern Illinois University in the United States. In 2017 there were 2 publications. One by the University of Portland in the United States and one by LaTrobe University in Australia. In 2019 the Medical Department of the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands also published a review. In 2021, a collaboration between three UK universities—Queens University, the University of Suffolk and the University of York was published. In 2024 another was published by Padjadjaran University in Indonesia.

Holland [ 79 ] outlines how mindfulness can be incorporated into higher education and the benefits this can bring for students with disabilities and promote health. McConville et al. [ 33 ] found that mindfulness reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. It also increases mindfulness skills, empathy, a positive emotional state, and academic self-efficacy. Stillwell et al. [ 80 ] found that both the MBSR program, yoga, breath work, meditation, and mindfulness in nursing students reduced stress.

Breedvelt et al. [ 81 ] evaluated the effectiveness of meditation, yoga, and mindfulness on symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in college students. They concluded that most publications regarding mindfulness have a high risk of bias, are of poor quality, and do not specify which technique provides the benefits. For it is unclear whether it is mindfulness, yoga or another meditation technique that is effective. McVeigh et al. [ 28 ] found that mindfulness practice in nursing students reduces stress, increases clinical academic performance and self-awareness. In the research of Yosep et al. [ 82 ] it was found that digital mindfulness through audios and videos is effective in improving the mental health of university students.

What are the countries where mindfulness and higher education students are most widely published?

Based on the description of the universities in question three, Fig.  3 illustrates the countries and locations where publications on mindfulness and higher education students have been published.

Geographical location of countries where mindfulness research has been conducted. Font: Own elaboration in the Mapchart application [ 83 ]

As can be seen, the United States leads in mindfulness research and higher education students. It is followed by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Spain. Spain is the only Spanish-speaking country on the list.

On the other hand, although the research is carried out in 22 countries, the collaboration networks include 14 countries. Figure  4 shows the collaboration networks detected.

Cross-country collaboration networks based on a VOSviewer version 1.6.20 elaboration

Figure  4 shows a collaborative network of 14 countries composed of four nodes. One is formed by Austria, Belgium, Canada, France and Hungary in red. In green by the United Kingdom, Turkey, South Korea and Ireland. In blue, Germany, Switzerland and Poland and in yellow, Australia and the Netherlands.

What are the benefits of mindfulness practice for higher education students’ mental health?

Mindfulness practice reduces stress [ 21 , 25 , 28 , 33 , 38 , 59 , 63 , 66 , 80 , 84 ] anxiety [ 21 , 25 , 26 , 33 , 37 , 38 , 61 , 63 , 66 , 69 ] and depression [ 21 , 25 , 33 , 34 , 66 ].

Mindfulness reduces negative mood [ 21 , 22 , 61 ]. As well as increasing positive mood [ 31 , 33 , 35 , 68 ]. In research by Bernárdez et al. [ 9 ], mindfulness was found to reduce emotional exhaustion and depersonalization burnout. While Van D’Ijk et al. [ 61 ], that it improves mental health. Schwind et al. [ 37 ] found that it increases the feeling of calm.

3.8 Stress reduction

In the case of Devillers-Réolon et al. [ 66 ] and Spadaro & Hunker [ 38 ] the mindfulness practice was conducted online and lasted for 17 days and 8 weeks respectively. Greeson et al. [ 59 ] study was also practiced online using the Koru program. Although the duration of this is not specified.

In Lynch et al. [ 25 ] research, the MBSR program was used for 8 weeks. While Stiwell et al. [ 80 ] the same program was used, although the duration of time is not specified. Of the five studies in which mindfulness is practiced traditionally through guided meditations, only one, that of Lemay et al. [ 63 ] indicates that the program lasted 6 weeks in 60-min sessions. The other investigations do not indicate weeks or practice sessions.

According to Yogeswaran and Morr [ 16 ] online mindfulness practice can be effective in addressing stress. However, at least for medical students, the evidence was not sufficient to prove its efficacy in decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety. In contrast, the study by Ahmad et al. [ 12 ] found that, among university students in Toronto, Canada, internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Mindfulness Therapy interventions could reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress after 8 weeks.

What are the benefits of mindfulness practice on higher education students’ academic performance?

Mindfulness increases clinical performance [ 28 ] and academic performance [ 8 , 27 , 28 ]. Stimulates exploratory thinking [ 4 ], creative thinking [ 4 , 31 ] and critical thinking [ 2 ].

It increases productivity, task quality and academic speed [ 8 ]. As well, it also increases academic self-efficacy [ 9 , 32 , 33 ], improves the learning experience [ 31 , 37 , 39 , 40 , 41 ], and improves observation skills [ 39 ].

Coupled with the above, it improves information retention [ 35 ], increases concentration [ 22 , 26 , 36 , 37 ], and attention self-regulation skills [ 32 , 37 , 38 ]. Another finding in relation to academic performance is that mindfulness can increase persistence in people with a strong disposition toward mindfulness or a growth mindset [ 70 ].

3.9 What benefits does mindfulness practice have on higher education students?

Mindfulness practice increased perceived social support [ 31 , 40 ], improves well-being [ 3 , 22 , 26 , 31 , 40 , 66 ] and improve dietary decision-making [ 84 ]. It also increases sense of belonging [ 32 ], life satisfaction [ 61 , 85 ], physical activity [ 69 ]; and improves sleep quality [ 22 , 59 , 69 ]. Damião´s et al. [ 65 ] research showed no improvements in quality of life after the intervention.

Mindfulness allows increasing self-compassion [ 31 , 59 ], sense of personal achievement [ 34 ], self-regulation of thoughts, feelings and behaviors [ 3 , 26 , 27 ]. It stimulates the development of resilience for stress and anxiety management [ 36 , 39 , 68 ]; and it helps to manage the judgmental voice. That is, it facilitates non-judgmental acceptance [ 4 , 31 , 36 , 39 ].

What are the benefits of mindfulness practice on mindfulness and prosocial behavior in higher education students?

Mindfulness allows for increases in self-awareness [ 27 , 28 , 31 ], sensory and spatial awareness [ 4 ], mindfulness skills [ 25 , 33 , 39 , 40 , 59 , 61 , 63 ] and disposition toward mindfulness [ 3 , 26 , 39 , 68 ].

It also stimulates prosocial behavior [ 40 ], collectivism [ 31 , 57 ]. It increases empathy [ 4 , 31 , 33 , 39 , 40 ] and benevolence [ 57 ]. It improves interpersonal relationships [ 31 , 39 , 40 ], clarity of thought [ 22 ]; and increases the sense of universalism and transcendence [ 57 ].

Is virtual reality the most effective way to promote mindfulness among higher education students?

Virtual reality could facilitate mindfulness habituation. In the study by Navarrete et al. [ 86 ] conducted with university medical students in Valencia, Spain, it was found that those who participated in the virtual reality program meditated twice as long as those who only practiced through regular guided meditation. Along these lines, Pascual et al. [ 48 ] found that health professionals who practiced meditation completed more sessions than those who did not use VR.

Likewise, in the study by Modrego-Alarcón et al. [ 15 ] and Miller et al. [ 49 ] it was found that VR students acquired greater immersion and mindfulness practice. Therefore, immersive virtual reality environments favor habituation toward mindfulness practice.

4 Discussion

The benefits of mindfulness in higher education students at the psychoemotional level have been widely documented [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 87 ]. One of the most frequently highlighted benefits of mindfulness in higher education students is the positive effect on self-esteem, as evidenced by the findings of several studies [ 88 , 89 ]. Additionally, mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress levels [ 25 , 33 , 39 , 40 , 59 , 61 , 63 , 90 ]. These types of benefits have also been observed in other demographic groups. For example, a study conducted by Chandna et al. [ 91 ] with an adult population demonstrated that mindfulness practice was associated with significant improvements in self-esteem and self-efficacy.

As previously stated, mindfulness practice has been identified as a potential solution to the emotional difficulties experienced by higher education students in the current context [ 12 ]. The positive effects of mindfulness on students’ psychoemotional well-being have been demonstrated in numerous studies [ 66 , 67 , 85 ]. It can thus be inferred that these benefits will also affect other areas of students’ lives, reducing their difficulties both psychoemotionally and academically, for example.

In terms of academic performance, the findings of Bóo et al. [ 27 ], Bernárdez et al. [ 8 ] and McVeigh et al. [ 28 ] are worthy of note. This is not exclusive to students in higher education. A study by Artika et al. [ 92 ] with a sample of 469 secondary school students indicates that mindfulness is a significant predictor of student participation in the school context, with an associated increase in participation through improved self-esteem. In contrast, Cordeiro et al. [ 93 ] conducted an experimental study with a control group of third-grade students and found that mindfulness significantly enhanced cognitive flexibility and handwriting fluency.

Prosocial behaviour has been identified as another key area of interest by a number of studies [ 4 , 22 , 31 , 33 , 39 , 40 , 57 ]. A study by Akhavan et al. [ 90 ] demonstrates the efficacy of mindfulness practice in a sample of teachers, including enhanced relationships with students and reduced stress.

With regard to the manner in which these mindfulness programmes can be supported, the utilisation of VR has been found to confer considerable benefits [ 15 , 48 , 49 , 86 ]. This is primarily attributable to the degree of adherence to the programme. In their seminal work, Friedlander et al. [ 94 ] introduced the concept of the ‘therapeutic alliance’ to describe this phenomenon of patient adherence in a therapeutic context. They posited that it represents a crucial factor in the efficacy of any therapeutic intervention. In this case, although it is an educational context, the effects of such adherence are similar; therefore, it is worthwhile to explore the potential of the VR format as a key factor for the success of mindfulness.

5 Conclusions

In response to the research questions initially posed, it can be stated that they have been addressed, resulting in comprehensive data pertaining to the volume, language and year of publication of the various research projects. It is notable that there has been a significant increase in publications over the past four years, as well as the prevalence of the article format. As is to be expected, the majority of publications have been in English. It is also evident that universities in countries with an Anglo-Saxon tradition have published the most research on this topic, with the USA being the country with the highest volume of studies.

In answer to questions 6, 7, 8 and 9, it might be stated that mindfulness practice has been shown to promote mental health, academic performance, awareness, prosocial behaviour and well-being in student populations. Mindfulness practice might promote mental health, and well-being in the student population. The positive impact of this practice is not limited to how it is performed. That is, whether it is through traditional guided meditations, mobile applications, videos, online exercises or virtual reality.

However, according to the available literature, habituation is easier to acquire. Therefore, additional benefits can be obtained by increasing the number of sessions completed or minutes of practice. In answer to question 10, in studies where VR was effective for mindfulness practice, students practiced longer than those in the control group. Therefore, VR could be a more effective way to introduce contemplative science by introducing meditation techniques in higher education.

The objective has been fulfilled by analysing the benefits of mindfulness on mental health, academic performance, well-being, mindfulness and prosocial behaviour of university students, as well as identifying the most effective way to achieve habituation to the practice. It is also noteworthy that these benefits are highly relevant, and it would be beneficial to introduce mindfulness practice in the context of higher education.

6 Limitation and implication

One of the issues highlighted is the lack of comprehensive data that would allow for a more thorough comparison. For example, aspects such as the geographical location of the study subjects or the duration of the mindfulness programme applied mean that there are a large number of studies whose effectiveness is not entirely clear. At the same time, this is a topic that is becoming increasingly relevant, but there is still no consensus among researchers.

With regard to prospective implications, it is evident that the implementation of mindfulness in educational settings offers substantial advantages. Consequently, higher education institutions should facilitate the availability of structured mindfulness programmes for students. Undoubtedly, this would prove to be a valuable addition to their psycho-emotional and academic development.

Data availability

The author confirms that all data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article.

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C.L.R.M., S.M.C. and E. L. M have designed the study. C.L.R.M. and S.M.C. carried out the methodology and results sections. V. D. B. and C.L.R.M have written the Introduction C.L.R.M. and E.L.M. have written the Discussion, Conclusions and Limitations. All authors wrote and reviewed the manuscript.

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Ramos-Monsivais, C.L., Rodríguez-Cano, S., Lema-Moreira, E. et al. Relationship between mental health and students’ academic performance through a literature review. Discov Psychol 4 , 119 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44202-024-00240-4

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