Bachelor of Arts - European Studies (Including Placement Year) (R002)

Students will examine Europe’s economic, legal, and sociological context, as well as its historical origins whilst acquiring an understanding of Europe’s rich cultural traditions. The artists, writers, musicians, composers and film-makers of Europe have exerted a cultural influence that even now is not eclipsed by the dominance of America on the world’s stage. Based within the Interdisciplinary Studies Centre (ISC), European studies is a subject that approaches the complex idea of Europevia a wide range of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. The School has expertise in modern languages, literature, film, history of art, history, politics and sociology, with experienced staff in all disciplines. Their four-year course means that students can spend their third year in Europe, learning a second language and immersing themselves in European cultures.

At Essex, their teaching and research in European studies offers maximum flexibility for students to study areas that interest them, so they can pursue a wide range of topics including:

• European identity and the development of the EU • Representations of non-Europeans in art • Europe’s colonial history • Religion in Europe • EU law

The study of Europe is vital for ongoing discussion of what Europe’s future ought to be; a discussion that will profoundly affect every European citizen. Through a course in European studies, students can acquire the knowledge, skills and experience to make an active contribution to one of the most important political and cultural processes of the century.