The European Studies minor integrates course work from several fields into an interdisciplinary program of study. The minor allows students to engage in a critical examination of European society and the cultural, economic, and political issues of historical and contemporary interest. This includes a definition of Europe and the meaning of “Europeanness” that transcends geopolitical borders.

The aims of the program are twofold:

1. To provide students with a multidisciplinary approach to the study of Europe. Through the elective component, students have the opportunity to craft a unique approach that allows maximum agency and flexibility to design a course of study that is their own. These elective courses are drawn from both on- and off-campus study. The language requirement, though modest, provides students the opportunity to understand and articulate through the voices of the Other and, however briefly, experience the world differently.
2. To encourage students to interrogate “Europe” as the “gold standard.” The SYE component of the minor is designed as a major independent research project that asks students to draw on experiences across the curriculum and to critically reflect and integrate their knowledge and experiences. It is through the SYE that all students, regardless of their elective choices, engage a critical perspective on European identity.

The program offers a context for those who wish to understand the relationship of Europe to the rest of the world. Many fields, from education and the arts to government, business, and scientific research, have increasing interactions with European communities. Because of this, and because of the wide range of course and research options offered, the minor in European studies provides an opportunity to create an individualized course of study and contributes to the preparation for a career in a variety of fields.

Study abroad

Participation in study abroad programs in Spain, London, France, Austria, Denmark and Italy provides an excellent opportunity to design a minor that combines on-campus courses with courses and grant-funded research undertaken abroad and with the immersion in European society offered by study abroad opportunities. Many courses offered on these programs can be applied to the minor. Research undertaken abroad can form the basis of the capstone requirement.

Global Studies

Students interested in pursuing a Global Studies major may include European Studies as one of their area studies elective requirements.