European Studies

The B.A. in European Studies blends the humanities and the social sciences. Offered jointly by the Departments of Foreign Languages and Literatures, History, and Political Science, this interdisciplinary major combines language training with courses in history, politics, and literature. Accordingly, it offers students a comprehensive knowledge of a particular European country and culture (e.g. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia) within a broader European context. Elective courses can be taken in art history, philosophy, music, or any other subject germane to the students' chosen focus. Students are guided in designing a curriculum that will strengthen knowledge of both their target area and Europe as a whole. They are also encouraged to study abroad in Europe on a winter session or semester program.

The European Studies major provides students with skills they will need in endeavors such as graduate school, careers in government or other international agencies, international law, or commercial enterprises with an international orientation.

Requirements for the B.A. and Honors B.A. in European Studies can be found in the UD Academic Catalog.

Joining the Major

Students in other majors who wish to change their major to European Studies must have a minimum grade point average of 2.3. Students transferring into the major from outside the University of Delaware will have their transcripts evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The European Studies minor was newly approved in 2014.  This 18-credit minor incorporates core coursework in History and Political Science with electives available in Art History and Foreign Languages & Literatures.  Students in the minor must also complete at least 3 credits at 200-level or above in a European foreign language (French, Spanish, Russian, German, or Italian.)

Full requirements for the minor can be found in the UD Online Catalog.

European Studies majors are strongly encouraged to spend a semester, winter, or summer session immersed in the language and culture of their country of specialization.

UD students have studied in diverse locations across the continent, including:

• Salzburg, Austria
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Paris, France
• Lyon, France
• Leipzig, Germany
• Athens, Greece
• Sienna, Italy
• Rome, Italy
• Salamanca, Spain
• Granada, Spain
• London, United Kingdom

Upcoming opportunities to study European histories, languages and cultures can be found at the Institute for Global Studies website.

Dr. Daniel Kinderman
Director, European Studies
Department of Political Science & International Relations
University of Delaware​
304 Smith Hall
Newark, DE 19716​
302-831-2355
kindermd@udel.edu​