Throughout all of modern centuries, Europe has been central to the cultural, economic, and politcal development of the entire West as well as a major force in the shaping of events and patterns of change in the world beyond the West. Today there are numerous signs to indicate that it will continue as one of the world's several most significant areas far into the future. For a comprehensive understanding of Europe, it is necessary to study it in terms of time and space and to inquire into the major currents detectable in its cultural, economic, and political life, past and present. The Modern European Studies program at Valpo affords an opportunity for this broad study.

¥What kind of a program is Modern European Studies?

Modern European Studies is an interdisciplinary program that may be taken either as a complementary academic major or as an academic minor in parital fulfillment of the major field requirements for the Bacgelor of Arts degree. Students in the program must meet the general education requirements in a European language. Students with majors in Art, Art History, Economics, English, Foriegn Languages, History, International Economics and Cultural Affairs (IECA), Political Science, or Theology may find an MES minor of great relevance to their studies and career plans. They may wish to major in MES by combining courses from Art, Economics, History, Political Science, Foreign Langauges, and English. Since there are restrictions on the number of courses from the program that may be applied to another university requirement, students are urged to consult with the program chair as easrly as possible.

¥Why should you consider it?

The importance of Europe for historical, cultural, economic, and political developments in the west since the sixteenth century is undisputed. Students who plan to work in education, civil service, business, political or cultural affairs, law, international relations, or journalism involving Europe will receive essential preparation in the MES major or minor. Students who would like to deepen their understanding of any aspect of European life or history will find the program very rewarding. Finally, students who plan an overseas semester in Europe will benefit importantly from work in the MES program.

¥What can I do to prepare?

* Suggested courses for Exploratory Freshmen: (Freshmen must take Valpo CORE 110/115 or Christ College equivalent.)

Fall: Art 102: Rennaissance to Mod. Art History 3 cr.

Spring: POLS 130: Comparative Politics 3 cr.

* Courses Required to Prepare for this Major: Other than fulfilling prerequisite requirements for advanced level courses (especially foreign language electives) in the program, no specific prepatory courses are required. However, since most courses in the program are 300 level courses or above, students normally should achieve sophomore status before beginning the coursework for this program.

* Additional Information Important to New Students: The Modern European Studies program is a complementary major designed to be taken in conjuction with a regular department major. It may be taken either as a major or as a minor in partial fulfillment of the major field requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree. Students in the program must meet the general education requirement in a European language. Since there are restrictions on the number of courses from the program that ma be applied to another university requirement, students are urged to consult with the program chair as early as possible.

¥Where can you get more information?

Contact Dr. Marian Rubchak, Chair, Modern European Studies, 219-464-5175 (marian.rubchak@valpo.edu).

See the current catalog, "Modern European Studies" or click here for the online version.

Also visit Valparaiso University's Overseas Studies Opportunites by clicking here.