European Studies

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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.