What is the European Studies minor?
The European Studies minor is a multidisciplinary program in European history, politics, and culture designed to provide undergraduate students with a broad understanding of European ideas and institutions over time.
Why learn about Europe?
Europe is intrinsically connected to important concepts and historical developments such as revolution, religion, imperialism, capitalism, industrialization, individualism, democracy, communism, human rights, and welfare states. These concepts, formative for Western society, have had global significance as well. Though no longer dominant, Europe today remains a complex, fascinating, and vital region of the world, and one grappling with an array of fundamental political, socioeconomic, and cultural challenges, from enlarging the European Union to determining the future of the welfare state to integrating former colonial subjects into European societies as full citizens.
Who should declare a minor in European Studies?
Students interested in European society, culture, art, history, and politics in any time period.
Students who have studied in Europe or want to study in Europe.
Students preparing for careers in the arts, international politics, international business, teaching, or the foreign service.
Students who wish to show employers or graduate schools their expertise in a region outside of the United States.
Students who want to become global citizens.
How many courses do I need to take for the European Studies minor?
Seven courses (21-24 units), of which three (9-10 units) form a required core curriculum and four (12-14 units) are electives in humanities and literature, social sciences, and art history or the performing arts. Students can design an elective program that reflects their particular interests in a time period, country, or other specific focus.
Students must also complete one year of college-level study (or its equivalent) in a European language other than English.
At the discretion of the European Studies Director, courses taken in certified SFSU Study Abroad programs may be substituted for the minor requirements.
For a complete list of requirements, click here.
For an advising worksheet (in PDF), click here.
How do I find out more?
For additional information or advising, contact:
Prof. Sarah Curtis, European Studies Director
Science 267
(415) 338-2250
scurtis@sfsu.edu
For advising in Fall 2009, contact:
Prof. Benjamin Martin, Acting Director
Science 224
(415) 338-6184
bgmartin@sfsu.edu
Last updated November 20, 2009
UPCOMING EVENTS
In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, November 9, 1989
Tuesday., December 1
Science 270
12:30-2:00 p.m.
talks by David Fischer, SFSU Diplomat-in-Residence and Michael Ahrens, Cultural Attaché, German Consulate, San Francisco, followed by a reception
2:30-4:00 p.m.
"Sonnenallee," the already classic film about coming of age on the wrong side of the wall