European Studies Minor
Course CatalogEuropean Studies
The United States has political, economic, and cultural ties with all regions of the world but none of longer standing and, arguably, of more importance than those with Europe. European intellectual and social traditions are the foundation of many aspects of American life. During the past decade, relations between Europe and the United States have begun to evolve and to move in dramatically new directions, challenging us to understand the unique phenomenon that is Europe. The end of the Cold War has broken down the East-West divide, and the European Union promises to alter in significant ways the international landscape of the future.
Currently we offer a minor in European studies which integrates course work from several fields into a broad yet coherent 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. The program offers a context for DePauw's study-abroad programs located throughout the continent and for those who wish to understand the relationship of Europe to the rest of the world. Many fields, from the humanities to government, business, and scientific research, have increasing interactions with the European Union. The minor in European studies thus contributes to the preparation for a career in a wide variety of professions.
The goal of the program is to produce graduates who have the linguistic competence, the cultural comprehension, and the specialized knowledge to operate effectively on the European scene - either in one of the countries of Europe or within a US-based organization dealing with them.
Requirements for a minor
European Studies
| Total courses required | Five |
|---|---|
| Core courses | A fourth-semester proficiency in a modern Western European language other than English that suits the logical and coherent grouping of the five courses that form the minor. This requirement can be fulfilled by coursework, placement tests, or approved off-campus study programs. At least two transnational courses focusing on more than one European nation from the following courses: Art History: 131, 132, 201 |
| Other required courses | Also required are three elective courses to be selected in consultation with the coordinator of European Studies from the approved list of core and cross-listed courses. The electives must include at least two different disciplines and have a thematic link, developed by the student, that ties them together. The elective courses required for the minor generally provide more in-depth study of specific European cultures/nations or time periods. Any university topics course, first-year seminar, senior seminar, or reading course may count towards the minor when appropriate and approved by the European Studies Director. In addition to the core courses listed above, students may choose their elective courses from the following list of courses: Art History: 142, 218, 225, 235, 302, 310, 330, 336, 340 |
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | One |