European Studies

 

EuropeanStudies

Program Overview

With their highly advanced industrial base and skilled workforce, the industrialized countries of Europe have long been major trading and strategic partners for the United States, or to the east of the continent competitors and adversaries, at times. But since the end of the Cold War, the European Union has received a massive transfusion of new energy and human capital with the inclusion of historic countries of Central and Eastern Europe like Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic, while Russia and other countries further to the east continue to reshape their identities in the aftermath of the Soviet Union. Whatever the resolution of Europe’s financial, institutional, and political crises, the countries of Europe will continue to play a major role in the world economy, international politics and world culture. Central Connecticut State University offers a B.A. and M.S. degrees in International Studies with regional specialization in European Studies, allowing exploration of the EU, the Russian Federation, and any region in between.

Students are invited to combine a wide range of methodological approaches to the area of Europe. In consultation with their adviser, students design an interdisciplinary plan of study that best fits their interests in the area. Students write theses on a wide range of topics in politics and culture.

Lecture series offered by diplomats, corporate and non-profit executives, activists, and internationally recognized scholars enrich the program. Students can participate in overseas experiences, choose the country or countries they want to study, and select a relevant foreign language(s) among French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, or Spanish. Graduates may be able to find work with international marketing firms, international organizations, international communications, multicultural institutions, European companies or U.S.-based companies with European operations.

Polish language courses are offered by the Modern Language department in support of the undergraduate and graduate programs. It should be noted that Russian language courses are no longer offered at CCSU, but could be taken through the university’s Consortium agreements, if coordinated through out Modern Language Department. Additionally, several opportunities for international exchanges and courses abroad make further language learning, cultural immersion, and special projects possible.

Coordinator:

Dr. Cameron Brewer
Department of Philosophy
Willard-DiLoreto Hall W 30409
Central Connecticut State University
1615 Stanley Street
New Britain, CT 06050
Phone: (860) 832-2918

Major in International Studies with a Concentration in European Studies - 39 Credits

Minor in European Studies - 18 Credits

Graduate (MS) in International Studies with a Specialization in European Studies - 30 Credits

Undergraduate Student Contact Information

Brian Sommers
Professor, Department Chair
Geography, Anthropology, & Tourism
Professor
Geography
Co-Director
International Studies
Ebenezer D. Bassett Hall
417-01

Graduate Student Contact Information

Paul Petterson
Professor
Political Science
Co-Director
International Studies
Ebenezer D. Bassett Hall
316-01