European Studies Minor

Cornell Institute for European Studies
120 Uris Hall
(607) 255–7592
cies.einaudi.cornell.edu
Aleksandra Perelman, CIES Program Manager & European Studies Minor Coordinator
aef228@cornell.edu

Students from any college may choose an undergraduate minor in European studies to complement any major. The purpose of the minor is to provide a coherent structure for students with an interest in interdisciplinary study in the field of European studies. The requirements for the minor range from five to seven courses depending on the level of language proficiency already achieved:

1. Completion of the minor’s core course, GOVT 2553 : Inside Europe, which is an introduction to contemporary political, social, and economic issues facing Europe.
2. Competence can be demonstrated by completing a third-semester course (even if you have tested out of the first two) or by being a native speaker of a European language (although native speakers will have to substitute one additional course to reach the minimum five-course requirement).
3. Three additional courses in any of the three areas, which may include a senior seminar (4000-level).
   1. Courses in European and comparative politics; options include GOVT 3323  (Cornell in Turin Program) and a range of courses offered in government, sociology, and the School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
   2. Courses in modern European history (post-1789).
   3. Courses in (post-1789) English and European literatures, comparative literature, semiotics, FGSS, fine arts, architecture, music, philosophy, and film and theatre arts.

Under certain conditions, students may be permitted to substitute other courses for those listed above.  Only two courses may be used to satisfy requirements for both the major and the minor. Courses satisfying the breadth and distribution requirements in the College of Arts and Sciences, however, may be applied to the minor. Students interested in conducting research in Europe may apply for the Frederic Conger Wood or Susan R. Tarrow Undergraduate Research Fellowship in their junior year. All minors are encouraged to participate in the Cornell in Turin summer study abroad program. Courses taken abroad may be applied to the minor if they are approved for Cornell credit. Undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences can major in European Studies through the independent major or the College Scholar Program.

For a complete list of relevant courses and seminars, departmental advisors, and any further information, contact Aleksandra Perelman (aef228@cornell.edu).