European Studies BA
Program Purpose
European Studies is an interdisciplinary major that focuses on Europe's rich cultural tradition and its ongoing contributions to the modern world. Designed for students with a passion for European politics, history, humanities, and languages, this highly flexible degree allows students to take courses in everything from Greek art and Shakespearean literature to European Union politics and contemporary business culture. By receiving training in a range of disciplines, students develop in-depth understanding of European history, culture, current affairs, and the importance of global citizenship. They also acquire advanced and transferable skills in research, analysis, communication, networking and collaboration.
Curricular Structure
Major Academic Plan (MAP 2018-19)
Program Requirements (2019-20)
Learning Outcomes
Information Literacy: Foundations & Frameworks in European Studies
Students will demonstrate advanced factual knowledge of European geographies, histories, politics, and cultures, and show proficiency in analyzing and interpreting specific European topics using major theories and concepts from the core European Studies disciplines (history, political science, and the humanities).
Students will acquire and refine an intellectual curiosity and habits of thought that will lead to life-long learning and continued engagement with European history, literature, culture, languages, and current affairs in various realms (personal, professional, church, civic).
Students will acquire advanced international and intercultural competencies through coursework in international studies, habitual reading of European and global news, regular attendance at Kennedy Center lectures, as well as mentored learning experiences, including study abroad, internship, etc.
Students will cultivate advanced skills in critical reading, thinking, and communication in a variety of disciplinary traditions (history, humanities, political science, etc.). Students will learn how to locate, use, and cite high-quality and reliable resources from the library and online and use that research in the creation of a substantive research paper. They will also demonstrate a proficiency in communicating in a European language other than English.
Evidence of Learning
Direct Measures
- Reports from supporting faculty on the performance of European Studies majors relative to other students in their courses. [Learning Outcomes #1 and #2]
- Hold biennial assessment retreats in which a faculty committee analyzes papers and exams from EUROP 200, EUROP 320, EUROP 490R, and other frequently taken courses for evidence of developing competence and knowledge over the course of the major. [Learning Outcomes #1 and #2]
- Collect and analyze students' grades in upper-division language classes and their performance on oral proficiency exams. [Learning Outcome #3]
- Continue to survey alumni about their ongoing engagement with European cultures and issues and their utilization of their degree. [Learning Outcome #4]
- Track graduating students' participation rates in study abroad and internship programs and their non-curricular (missions, etc.) experiences in European countries. [Learning Outcome #5]
Indirect Measures
- Exit interviews and focus groups for graduating seniors.
- Alumni surveys.
- Reports from international internship providers, direct enrollment programs, and employers about our students' academic and professional competencies.
Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement
The European Studies program is coordinated by a faculty member from the College of Humanities, who works with an Executive Committee of 1-12 Europeanists from across campus to review curriculum, assessment, and other initiatives. Most of the assessment of individual courses occurs at the department level since the program has no faculty and few courses of its own. Program-level assessment is largely the responsibility of the faculty coordinator.