European Studies, Minor
The European Studies program focuses on the study of Europe from the vantage points of several disciplines in the humanities and social sciences, such as history, art, cultural studies, and political science. Because Europe is both a geographical place and an idea that changes throughout history, it has had different meanings at different times and in different places. The study of Europe thus requires an open, pluralistic, and interdisciplinary curriculum that takes a critical approach to the idea (or ideas) of Europe.
The program provides a multidisciplinary view of Europe as a whole and of its historical, political, and cultural formation and global implications and encounters with the non-European world. It also provides a focus on specific areas of European experience that cut across traditional disciplinary and national boundaries. Participation in the UC Education Abroad Program in a European country is strongly recommended for all European Studies majors.
| A. Select two of the following: | |
| Topics in Europe in the Middle Ages | |
| Topics in Historical Foundations (1500-1800) | |
| Historical Foundations: Europe and the Foundations of the Modern World | |
| Issues and Institutions in Modern Europe (1789-1945) | |
| Europe's Futures: 1755-Present | |
| What is the Origin of Language? | |
| Topics in Contemporary Europe (1945 – Today) | |
| B. Select two of the following: | |
| Topics in European Literatures and Visual Cultures | |
| Topics in European Identities: Race, Nation, Religion, Migration | |
| Topics in European Thought, Culture, and Society | |
| C. Select three of the following: | |
| One course from C (above) | |
| Topics in European Culture and Society | |
| Topics in French Literature and Culture | |
| German Literature and Culture in Translation | |
| Topics in Italian Literature and Culture | |
| Topics in Russian Literature | |
| Other upper-division courses in European Studies, French, German, Italian, and Russian may be substituted for courses listed in requirement C. Courses on relevant topics from other departments may be substituted with approval by petition. | |
Residence Requirement for the Minor: At least four upper-division courses required for the minor must be completed successfully at UCI. By petition, two of the four may be taken through the UC Education Abroad Program, provided course content is approved by the appropriate department Undergraduate Director.
The strong academic skills and professional orientation acquired by European Studies minors make it possible to pursue successful careers in such fields as international banking, law, journalism, management, public relations, publishing, and government service, as well as social justice and non-governmental organization (NGO) work both in the United States and abroad. Moreover, with its strong emphasis on developing critical skills in writing, speaking, and analysis, European Studies graduates learn to express ideas clearly, do independent research, and think analytically and imaginatively—the required tools for success beyond the undergraduate career. A minor in European Studies also prepares its graduates to enter advanced degree programs in international business, history, law, political science, and cultural studies.