European Studies

Europe today is a region of paradoxes. The flashpoint of both world wars, Europe has, since 1945, made strides unparalleled in any other part of the world, towards economic and political unity. Yet, even today, parts of Europe remain torn by separatist pressures and even violence- witness the recent bloody conflicts in the Balkans. Divided for decades by a so-called "Iron Curtain", Europe has, since 1989 and the collapse of the Berlin Wall, achieved a remarkable degree of political consensus. Just beneath the surface of political tranquility, however, are fears of a revival of extremist political philosophies reminiscent of the totalitarianisms that plagued Europe for much of the 20th Century. Furthermore, a true European "identity" remains elusive given, not only continued assertions of national sovereignty by some European states, but also trends toward the globalization of international society and the erasure of regional differences.

The European Studies Minor Program is an inter-disciplinary approach towards achieving a better understanding of today's Europe and its place in the world. The program, designed to accompany virtually any major, consists of 18 units of coursework and a European language requirement. In addition, the program strongly encourages students to enroll in a semester abroad program, study tour, or internship program in Europe to acquire experience and knowledge of European society.