European Studies

European Studies at Hofstra University is an interdisciplinary program currently available as a minor to undergraduate students. Courses in European Studies would benefit students preparing to pursue careers in government, foreign affairs, international business, education, and translation, as well as students planning to earn advanced degrees in European Studies, and European Union Studies and Law.

Europe is understood in a broad context, including West, East, Central, and Southern Europe, as well as Russia and the Confederation of Independent States. Studying European politics, history, languages, economics, and culture gives students a better understanding of the foundations of Western civilization and the linkage Europe has with the rest of the world. European economic and political integration, the expansion of NATO, and new forms of globalization reshaped the role of Europe on the world stage, making it an arena of particular current interest.

In addition to the wide variety of courses available on campus for European Studies, students may also participate in Hofstra's European study abroad offerings, which include opportunities to spend January or part of the summer in Greece, United Kingdom, Italy (two programs — Venice and Sorrento), Germany, France, Ireland, and Spain. Additionally, Hofstra offers a unique program called the European Odyssey, which allows students to travel for 10 weeks throughout Western and Eastern Europe.

Program Requirements

The European Studies minor consists of the successful completion of 18 semester hours, under advisement, with at least 6 hours in residence as follows: 9 semester hours of Pan-European courses and 9 semester hours of electives, as outlined below. Students must take one Pan European course from each of the three areas and at least one elective in both Humanities and Social Sciences as outlined below. Students may not take more than 6 s.h. in a single discipline. Courses in foreign languages above level 4, provided the instructor confirms European content, may be used to satisfy the Humanities requirement. Language requirement: In addition to the 18 semester hours cited above, students must also satisfy the following language requirements: completion of level 4 or placement beyond level 4 of a European language other than English. Language courses applied toward the language requirement do not count toward the 18 semester hours needed to complete the minor.