Foreign Languages and Literatures

European Studies

Why European Studies?

For over a decade radical cultural and geopolitical changes have been transforming the face of Europe. Forces in favor of continental unification have been undermined by nationalist conflicts and by economic and racial divisions. The European Studies concentration is designed to provide Liberal Studies undergraduate majors with coursework (principally in the humanities and social sciences) along with the critical apparatus to interpret and evaluate the contradictory facets of the New Europe. The program also gives students practical knowledge of European affairs and institutions.

A Multidisciplinary Concentration

Founded on coursework in different disciplines, the European Studies concentration examines Europe.s historical role in generating and disseminating traditions of thought and culture. It will offer students a broad understanding of problems associated with cultural pluralism in Europe. The intention of the concentration is also to emphasize the historical development of the European Union and the New European identity.

Students wishing to complete a Liberal Studies degree with a European Studies concentration are expected to fulfill the core and elective requirements listed below. Experience abroad is also an integral component of the European Studies concentration. Students may elect to participate in a foreign study program in Europe or in a European internship. The European Studies concentration can, in addition, serve as an important component of OSU's International Degree.