Program in Contemporary European Politics and Society

The Program in Contemporary European Politics and Society was created in 2002 in order to respond to a strong interest among undergraduates in contemporary Europe. This program encourages the interdisciplinary study of modern Europe, with a particular focus on politics, economics, history, and sociology. The geographic focus is western and central Europe since World War I.

In addition to the certificate that is offered, the program also organizes conferences, sponsors lectures and seminars, and offers grants to students doing work in the European area. The program is also responsible for coordinating student exchanges with European universities and for coordinating European-related activities on campus.

The faculty involved in this program is drawn from several departments and includes, among others, Nancy Bermeo, Maurizio Viroli, and Ezra Suleiman (politics); Jan Gross, Harold James, Stephen Kotkin, and Philip Nord (history); Sandra Bermann (comparative literature); Walter Hinderer (German); John Borneman (anthropology); Marie-Héléne Huet, (French and Italian); and Wolfgang Danspeckgruber, (Woodrow Wilson School).

Students who will receive a certificate in Contemporary European Politics and Society must meet the following requirements:

1. Take the core course EPS 300: European Politics and Society in the 20th century.

2. Take at least four other courses from the list of core courses that have an emphasis on European politics and society. Other courses may be approved by the director.

3. Of the four courses, at least two must be chosen from among offerings in history and at least two must be chosen from among offerings in the other social sciences.

4. Fulfill a language requirement by doing one of the following: Any national language used in a European country may be used to satisfy the requirement. The expectation is that students will have sufficient linguistic competence to use research materials in the foreign language for their senior thesis research.

a. Take a 200- or 300-level course in a European language.

b. Demonstrate fluency in a European language by taking a test administered by the program.

5. Participate in a senior thesis colloquium sponsored by the program.

6. Write a senior thesis on a subject related to contemporary European politics and society. Students majoring in departments where a senior thesis on modern Europe is not possible may petition the director to have another piece of independent research meet this requirement.

Study Abroad

Studying abroad at a European university is very strongly encouraged by the program. Living overseas is a critical part of gaining a perspective on a foreign society and in developing language fluency. Princeton participates in the Berlin Consortium, has linkages with the Fondation Nationale des Sciences Politiques - Institut d’études (Sciences Po) and Oxford University, and also allows students to study at many other European universities. The program allows students to count up to two of the courses they take at a European university toward their course requirement, if those courses pertain to modern European politics, economics, sociology, or 20th-century history.

Certificate of Proficiency

A student who has met the requirements of the program and of his or her home department and has maintained satisfactory standing will receive a certificate of proficiency in addition to the A.B. or B.S.E. degree.

For specific course offerings, please see the Undergraduate Announcement.