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The Program in Comparative European Studies seeks to enrich
The Comparative European Studies faculty supports the idea that different disciplinary approaches to European studies complement each other and enable students to examine the complexity and variety of ways that Europe can be understood. For this reason, students are required to fulfill core course requirements in several liberal arts disciplines. Students are required to be in close contact with a Program advisor while designing their course of study.
Disciplinary Tracks
The curriculum offers a choice among three general tracks. The European Environment and Geography and European Culture tracks reflect orientations to inquiry that have traditionally been associated with the (natural and social) sciences and the humanities respectively. The European Politics, Economics and Society track emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary public issues.
Students with interests in the evolution, transformation or management of Europe' s physical environments or the role of science and technology in European affairs should choose the European Environment and Geography track. Within this track it is possible to choose either an earth and atmospheric science focus or a bioscience-ecological (including human ecological) science focus. Students with interests in the development of distinctive European ideas, identities and cultural achievements should choose the European Culture tract. Within this track it is possible to specialize in the study of belief systems or creative expression and communication systems. Students with interests in contemporary processes of European social, political and economic restructuring should choose the Politics, Economics and Society track. Within this track it is possible to specialize in sociological, anthropological, economic, political, institutional and spatial dimensions of contemporary change in the context of an expanding Europe and its evolving role in global affairs.
Major Requirements
The major consists of 36 credits. Except for the Core Courses, all courses chosen including electives must first be approved by an advisor. See complete list of European Studies courses [not yet available]. Core Courses: |
18 credits |
Focus: |
12 credits within a chosen track. [Credit from approved study abroad courses may be applied to fulfill the focus or elective requirements] |
Electives: |
6 credits (May include up to 3 credits for language instruction). In addition to 510:101, students are encouraged to take an elective course that covers a period earlier than 1700. |
A grade of C or better in all courses credited toward the major is required for graduation.
See a complete list of courses here
Core Courses: In addition to fulfilling the language requirement, all majors are required to take the following courses (18 cr):
01:510:101-102 Development of Europe (6 cr)
01:360:301 The Construction of Contemporary Europe (3 cr)
01:450:332-334 Newly Independent States and Eastern Europe, and Western Europe (6 cr)
01:360:401 The Idea of Europe (3 cr)
Focus: Students, with the help and approval of an advisor, will develop an idea or theme of special interest, which they will explore in four courses (12 credits) within their chosen track. At least two courses must be at the 300 level or above. Special Topics courses in different disciplines may be used to satisfy these requirements with the prior permission of the Program Director. One independent study course may be used to satisfy part of these requirements. Students may develop an individualized concentration that focuses on a period before the eighteenth century.
The following table suggests possible foci within tracks. It is offered as a suggestion.
| Track | Disciplinary Themes | Focus (examples) |
| European Environment and Geography | Science, technology and material innovations; Contemporary environmental issues |
The Disappearing European Wilderness European Environmental Surprises |
| European Culture | Philosophy, religion and ethics; Art, literature, film, history; Language and communication | Literature and Revolution Cityscapes in European Literature, Art and/or Film Literature/Art/Film and European Identity |
| Politics, Economics and Society | Mobility, migration and demographics; Group identities and communities; Restructured livelihoods and political economies; Institutional arrangements; Human rights | European Enlargement Transatlantic Relations European Identity Formation The Future of the Welfare State Economics of the EU |
Foreign Language Requirement: All majors are required to demonstrate proficiency in at least one European language other than English. The minimum requirement is fulfilled by demonstrated proficiency equivalent to four semesters of college level study with a grade point average of B or better. A standardized test can be used to satisfy this requirement
Study Abroad Requirement: All students are required to complete an approved study abroad program in Europe of at least six weeks in duration. Students are strongly encouraged to spend a semester or junior year abroad. Courses taught by Rutgers faculty in Europe can be used to fulfill this requirement. Under special circumstances this requirement may be waived.
Minor Requirements
Students must complete 18 credits with a grade of C or better in the following courses:01:510:101-102, Development of Europe (6 cr)
01:360:301 The Construction of Contemporary Europe (3 cr)
01:450:332-334 Newly Independent States and Eastern Europe, and Western Europe (6 cr)
01:360:401 The Idea of Europe (3 cr) [with permission of instructor] or an elective course approved by an advisor.
There is no foreign language or study abroad requirement for the minor.
Honors
Eligible candidates may pursue honors in one of two ways:
- The first is a 6 credit senior thesis option in which students are expected to conduct original research and prepare an original piece of scholarship as their senior thesis. It involves enrollment in two semesters of Honors in Comparative European Studies (360:495 and 360:496) in the senior year. Both semesters must be completed in order to receive credit. Students are responsible for recruiting an appropriate faculty member to supervise their research and thesis. Interested students should draft a thesis proposal and consult with faculty members whose expertise lies in an appropriate area. During the second semester of work, a faculty committee will conduct an oral examination in which the honors candidate will defend his or her findings and demonstrate a grasp of the literature in the area encompassed by the research undertaken.
- Alternatively, students may elect to achieve honors through one of the College Honors Programs, eg. Paul Robeson Scholar, Henry Rutgers Scholar, or Mabel Smith Douglass Scholar. Successful completion of any of these college honors programs under the supervision of a faculty member in the European Studies Program will automatically result in the award of Departmental Honors.
Belinda Davis, History
Seth Gopin, Global Studies
James Mitchell, Geography
Fatima Naqvi, Germanic Languages and Literatures
Gerald Pirog, Russian and East European Languages and Literatures
Alessandro Vettori, Italian
New Courses
01:360:301 The Construction of Contemporary Europe (3)
Description: Survey of the politics, history, economics, geography, economy and culture of the European Union.
Prerequisite: 01:510:101-102, or permission of instructor.
01:360:401 The Idea of Europe : 18th Century to the Present (3)
Description: Philosophical-historical dimensions of European identity and unity. Readings of primary sources central to the invention and ongoing redefinitions of the concept of Europe . Focuses on European identity, boundaries, and "otherness" in their historical development.
Prerequisite: 01:510:101-102 or permission of instructor. 01:360:301 recommended.