Interdisciplinary Minor

Europe’s historical importance is undeniable: Many of the ideas and inventions that have shaped our world originate in Europe—from capitalism and parliamentary democracy to the printing press, Christianity, the railroad, or industrialization. Studying Europe’s diverse past therefore is essential to understanding the world we live in.

Europe continues to play a central role in the globalized world of the twenty-first century: The European Union is a key actor on the political and economic world stage and an important stakeholder in topics of global concern, such as worldwide migration, environmental stewardship, or global security. Understanding Europe in its cultural, political, economic, and ethnic diversity is thus critical to shaping the future and developing solutions for such global challenges, as well as developing an insight into different cultures in their own right.

European Studies at Washington College provides an excellent complement to multiple majors, offering an interdisciplinary focus on the study of Europe through fields such as political science, foreign languages, history, and literature, as well as a semester (or winter/summer) of studying in Europe.

European Studies Minor Requirements

1. Completion of two introductory courses, preferably taken during the first two years at the college

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
ANT 105	Introduction to Anthropology
ECN 111	Principles of Macroeconomics
HIS 203	Modern World History I
or HIS 204	Modern World History II
or HIS 205	Early Origins of Western Civilization I
or HIS 206	Early Origins of Western Civilization II
POL 104	Introduction to World Politics
Students may substitute other introductory level courses that pertain to Europe with approval from the minor director.
Total Credits		8

2. Study of a European language

This can be achieved by fulfilling of the college-wide language requirement or beyond in French, German, or Spanish (or another European language abroad).

3. Study abroad for at least one semester (preferred) or in an approved short-term abroad program in Europe. 

The options for semester-long study include Washington College-approved programs in England, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Scotland, and Spain.

4. Completion of four upper-level (300 and 400) courses related to Europe, beyond the study of language.

Two courses must be completed at Washington College (see list below), and two courses abroad. Alternatively, participation in non-Washington College programs or a Washington College short-term abroad program (such as a summer or winter break program) plus one additional course European Studies Minor may substitute for two courses abroad, with approval from the minor director.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Select 4 European-Related Courses From Below		16
ART 310	Art & Nature in Med & Early Modern Eur.
ART 312	Depicting Difference in Med&earl Mod Art
ART 318	Romanticism to Post-Impressionism
ENG 300	Global Middle Ages
ENG 301	Chaucer
ENG 321	Romanticism
ENG 322	The Victorian Age
ENG 323	The 19th Century English Novel
ENG 332	Modern & Contemporary British Literature
HIS 350	Empire and Papacy
HIS 351	Ancient Rome
HIS 352	Castles, Cloisters, Cathedrals, Mosques
HIS 354	Renaissance & Reformation
HIS 355	Women in Medieval Europe
HIS 360	Modern Germany
HIS 391	Russia and the Soviet Union
or HIS 392	Russia and the Soviet Union
FRS/ILC 311	Contemporary France
GRS 317	German Cinema (English)
MUS 327	Music, Ritual and Early Christianity
POL 344	Comparative Government: Western Europe
By the middle of the final semester, students must provide evidence of a research-based paper on a topic relating to Europe, to be approved by the minor director. Students are free to use a paper written for one of the courses taken for the minor or their SCE to fulfill this requirement.
Total Credits		24

Nicole Grewling, Director
T. Clayton Black
Karen Manna
Cristina Casado Presa

Majors

• French Studies Major
• German Major
• International Literatures and Cultures Major

Minors

• French Minor
• German Minor