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    Banners in the Mud: War, Chivalry, and Myth in the Hundred Years’ War
    In-person Program

    Banners in the Mud: War, Chivalry, and Myth in the Hundred Years’ War

    by Vanderbilt Summer Academy

    A medieval history summer course in Nashville exploring warfare, chivalry, and myth through primary texts, literary analysis, and a collaborative war council simulation.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Banners in the Mud at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    Academically advanced students

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 12-16

    Location / Region

    Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States

    Cost

    $2,150; $2,850

    Duration

    1 week

    Format

    In-person

    Application deadline

    Rolling · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

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    HistoryLiteraturePolitics
    Accommodation: Ingram Commons residence halls
    Meals: All meals provided
    Outcome: Written feedback and performance evaluation
    Campus experience: Classes and organized residential activities
    Tutors / faculty: Jesse McCarthy, Ph.D.
    Academic schedule: Approximately 6 hours each weekday

    Banners in the Mud summary

    Vanderbilt’s course connects medieval warfare with literature and political strategy, asking how difficult campaigns became legends of honor and heroism.

    Students compare chronicles, royal letters, Shakespeare, and modern portrayals, then make collaborative strategic decisions in a war council simulation.

    It suits curious readers who enjoy questioning historical narratives and discussing how power, propaganda, and practical constraints shape events.

    What is Banners in the Mud: War, Chivalry, and Myth in the Hundred Years’ War?

    Banners in the Mud: War, Chivalry, and Myth in the Hundred Years’ War is an interdisciplinary course within Vanderbilt Summer Academy, organized by Vanderbilt University’s Programs for Talented Youth. It combines historical inquiry, literary analysis, and strategic simulation to investigate warfare, chivalry, and the stories societies tell about their past.

    Students examine Froissart’s chronicles, Edward III’s letters, and Shakespeare’s Henry V alongside modern film and popular culture. A collaborative war council puts alliances, supply lines, and morale into play on a live Google Earth map. The residential setting combines focused classroom study with organized social activities.

    Why Succeed highlights Banners in the Mud

    • Named medieval texts and Shakespeare give students concrete material for comparing historical accounts with later storytelling.

    • The war council simulation connects interpretation with decisions about alliances, supply lines, and morale.

    • Jesse McCarthy brings a history doctorate and experience teaching at Vanderbilt and Harpeth Hall.

    • Written instructor feedback offers a useful record of academic engagement and growth.

    • Dedicated classroom and residential staff provide structured support throughout the experience.

    Who is Banners in the Mud for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy history, literature, and strategy and want to question the relationship between heroic stories and battlefield realities.

    Not ideal if

    You want a relaxed sightseeing camp or substantial unsupervised time; VSA combines accelerated study with a closely supervised residential schedule.

    Is Banners in the Mud worth it?

    This course offers a strong fit for students who want to investigate medieval history through texts, discussion, and practical strategic choices. Comparing chronicles with Shakespeare and modern portrayals gives the subject more depth than a sequence of battles and dates. Instructor feedback can help students identify strengths and useful next steps.

    The main trade-off is the intensity of the residential experience: academic work occupies approximately six hours each weekday, alongside scheduled activities. VSA provides neither grades nor academic credit, and attendance does not signal an advantage in Vanderbilt undergraduate admissions. Its value rests on subject exploration and learning rather than a promised admissions benefit.

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $2,150; $2,850; includes Course instruction and materials., Residential housing., Meals., Residential outings and activities..

    Accommodation

    Ingram Commons residence halls

    Meals

    All meals provided

    Provider details

    Review the Vanderbilt Summer Academy provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    1 week; Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Banners in the Mud need?

    Effort level

    High, with accelerated study and a full residential schedule.

    Best started

    Allow four to six weeks before the next published priority window to gather documents and arrange recommendations.

    Main challenge

    Connecting contrasting historical accounts with strategic decisions.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose the test-score or portfolio application route and gather the relevant academic records.

    • If using the portfolio route, draft the essay about your commitment and first-choice course interest.

    • If requesting aid, prepare the required tax documents with Social Security numbers removed.

    • Before arrival, review the student handbook and plan travel, packing, and dietary or medical arrangements.

    Useful if

    You enjoy close reading, discussion, and collaborative problem-solving.

    What do students do on Banners in the Mud?

    You investigate how the Hundred Years’ War shaped political power, warfare, and cultural memory. Reading and comparison feed into collaborative simulations and tactical exercises that test assumptions about knights, armor, and honor.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Examine political intrigue, battlefield realities, and chivalric ideals.

    2. 2

      Analyze Froissart’s chronicles, Edward III’s letters, and excerpts from Henry V.

    3. 3

      Compare medieval accounts with digital battle recreations, film, and popular culture.

    4. 4

      Take a commander’s role in a collaborative war council on a live Google Earth map.

    5. 5

      Manage alliances, supply lines, and morale as simulated campaigns unfold.

    6. 6

      Use tactical exercises and myth-busting clips to reconsider ideas about medieval heroism.

    Banners in the Mud dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Applications

    Rolling admissions

    Reference date

    Application deadline

    14 January 2026

    Reference date

    Banners in the Mud: War, Chivalry, and Myth in the Hundred Years’ War — Rising Grades 7-8, Session 2

    14-19 June 2026

    Rising Grades 7-8 residential session.

    Reference date

    Banners in the Mud: War, Chivalry, and Myth in the Hundred Years’ War — Rising Grades 9-10, Session 2

    5-11 July 2026

    Rising Grades 9-10 residential session.

    Reference date

    Banners in the Mud: War, Chivalry, and Myth in the Hundred Years’ War — Rising Grades 9-10, Session 3

    12-18 July 2026

    Rising Grades 9-10 residential session.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Rising Grades 7-8 for the June session.

    • Rising Grades 9-10 for the July sessions.

    • Apply only within your rising-grade session.

    • Submit qualifying test scores and a transcript, or portfolio documentation.

    • Portfolio applicants provide academic records, recommendations, and an essay.

    • Demonstrate English proficiency when required.

    • Have health insurance and complete required participation forms.

    • Domestic and international students may apply.

    How much does Banners in the Mud cost?

    Domestic application fee

    $50 — Nonrefundable.

    Funding or discounts

    • International application fee: $100 — Nonrefundable.
    • Need-based financial aid: For eligible families with adjusted gross income of $105,000 or less, or severe hardship.
    • International financial aid: PTY financial assistance is restricted to domestic applicants.
    • Tuition deposit: 20% — Nonrefundable, credited toward tuition; follow the admission notice for payment terms.
    • Airport shuttle: $75 — Round trip; required for students flying alone.

    What's included

    Course instruction and materials., Residential housing., Meals., Residential outings and activities.

    How to apply to Banners in the Mud

    1. 1

      Review VSA eligibility and choose the session matching your rising grade.

    2. 2

      Use the VSA admissions page to access the SchoolDoc application.

    3. 3

      Rank up to four courses that you would be willing to take.

    4. 4

      Upload your transcript and test scores, or the required portfolio documentation.

    5. 5

      Complete English proficiency and financial aid documentation when applicable.

    6. 6

      Pay the nonrefundable application fee and submit the complete application.

    7. 7

      After placement, follow the admission notice for payment and required health and permission forms.

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    What does Banners in the Mud cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Warfare and chivalry

    Examine how ideals of honor clashed with the political and practical realities of medieval campaigns.

    Medieval voices

    Analyze Froissart’s chronicles and Edward III’s letters as accounts of warfare and political power.

    Literature and popular culture

    Compare Shakespeare’s Henry V and modern portrayals with medieval accounts to investigate historical mythmaking.

    War council strategy

    Practice collaborative command decisions about alliances, supply lines, and morale on a live Google Earth map.

    Propaganda and memory

    Investigate how the war continues to influence ideas about heroism and national identity.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Banners in the Mud?

    A typical day during the program.

    Academic study

    Approximately six hours of classes each weekday focus on one subject.

    Residential activities

    Organized recreational and social activities are supervised by PTY staff.

    Residence hall

    Grades 7-10 students remain in their residential hall after evening activities until traveling to breakfast.

    Who teaches on Banners in the Mud?

    Jesse McCarthy holds a Ph.D. in History and previously worked as a Vanderbilt lecturer and postdoctoral fellow. He teaches history at Harpeth Hall and with Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth, with interests spanning culture, politics, myth, and historical imagination.

    Each VSA course has a dedicated instructor and teaching assistant.

    Where do students stay on Banners in the Mud?

    Residential plan

    • Ingram Commons housing: Students live in Vanderbilt’s first-year residence halls at the Martha Rivers Ingram Commons.
    • Campus meals: All meals are provided from arrival dinner through departure breakfast, primarily in campus dining halls.
    • Supervision and security: Grades 7-10 activities are staff-supervised, with residential proctors, controlled hall access, and overnight security.
    • Community activities: Proctors organize recreational and social activities, and students are expected to participate unless accommodations are approved.

    Rooms are usually doubles, with some triples; roommate assignments are provided at arrival.

    What happens after Banners in the Mud?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Use written instructor feedback to guide future academic study.

    Build understanding of the relationship between chivalry and warfare.

    Develop historical inquiry and literary analysis skills.

    Explore further questions about propaganda, heroism, and national identity.

    Recommendation letters are at the instructor’s discretion and fall outside the standard VSA experience.

    Where does Banners in the Mud take place?

    The course takes place at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, with residential life centered on the Martha Rivers Ingram Commons. Nashville International Airport is approximately 20 minutes from campus, and PTY arranges supervised shuttle travel for students flying alone.

    Students flying alone must be able to travel without airline Unaccompanied Minor Service.

    Banners in the Mud FAQs

    Students explore the Hundred Years’ War through history, literature, and political strategy. They examine chivalry, battlefield realities, propaganda, and the making of medieval legends.

    Students work collaboratively as commanders, managing alliances, supply lines, and morale while campaigns unfold on a live Google Earth map.

    Jesse McCarthy holds a Ph.D. in History. He is a former Vanderbilt lecturer and postdoctoral fellow and teaches history at Harpeth Hall and with Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth.

    VSA classes meet approximately six hours each weekday. Courses provide accelerated, in-depth study of one topic.

    Students live at the Martha Rivers Ingram Commons, usually in double rooms, with some triple rooms. All meals are provided, primarily in campus dining halls.

    Grades 7-10 students are accompanied by PTY staff during the academic day and afternoon and evening activities. Each student has a classroom assistant and a residential proctor.

    VSA awards neither grades nor academic credit. Instructors instead provide written feedback and a performance evaluation.

    Need-based assistance is available to eligible families with adjusted gross income of $105,000 or less, or severe hardship. International students are not eligible for PTY financial assistance.

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Vanderbilt Summer Academy - Program for Talented Youth | Program for Talented Youth | Vanderbilt University
    • Apply to a PTY Program | Program for Talented Youth | Vanderbilt University
    • PTY Precollege Admitted Students - Program for Talented Youth | Program for Talented Youth | Vanderbilt University
    • VSA Frequently Asked Questions - Program for Talented Youth | Program for Talented Youth | Vanderbilt University
    • Apply to VSA! - Program for Talented Youth | Program for Talented Youth | Vanderbilt University
    • VSA Tuition & Financial Assistance - Program for Talented Youth | Program for Talented Youth | Vanderbilt University
    • Eligibility & Session Dates - Program for Talented Youth | Program for Talented Youth | Vanderbilt University
    • Vanderbilt Summer Academy Summer 2026 Precollege Courses | Program for Talented Youth | Vanderbilt University

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Course identity checked

    • Session dates checked

    • Grade requirements reviewed

    • Application routes reviewed

    • Fee policies reviewed

    • Residential arrangements reviewed

    • Assessment outcomes checked

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.