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University of Pittsburgh    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
 
  Dec 04, 2024
 
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

European Union Studies Certificate


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University of Pittsburgh
University Center for International Studies
European Studies Center
Stephen Lund, Assistant Director
4216 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Phone: 412-648-7422
slund@pitt.edu
http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/esc/

The European Union (EU) Studies Certificate provides an introduction to the history of European integration, working knowledge of the EU’s laws and administrative bodies, economics and the Euro Area, and (depending on the classes chosen) an overview of specific policy areas (defense and security, immigration, economic, international relations, etc.). The certificate provides a multidisciplinary and cross-regional (east-west) perspective, and it is perfect preparation for students who want to pursue careers in both public and private international organizations and to continue the study of Europe and the EU at the graduate level.

The University of Pittsburgh is an internationally recognized center for European Union studies. Selected in 1998, the university is one of 7 European Union Centers of Excellence in the United States (as chosen by the EU itself). The EU certificate has a high visibility that will assist students as they apply to competitive graduate programs in a number of disciplines and to corporations and organizations that interact with the European Union.

Certificate Requirements


  • Six EU studies courses: (18 credits) from at least three different departments are required. These courses will include PS 1317 - POLITICS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION PS 1330 - EUROPEAN UNION SEMINAR , one course on the historical foundation of the EU, and three courses on the EU or with significant EU content. Students must earn a C or better in the classes counting towards the certificate.
  • Approved courses are posted online at http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/euce/node/142.
  • Language proficiency: Two years of college-level study of an official European Union foreign language (excluding English). Languages currently available include: Spanish, German, French, Italian, Swedish, Modern Greek, Portuguese, Hungarian, Polish and Slovak. Students may request placement tests through the language department.
  • Digital Portfolio: This is the culmination of the student’s learning experience and demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the West European studies theme the student has chosen. Details will be discussed with the advisor.

 

Related Concentration in European & Eurasian Studies


The Related Concentration in European & Eurasian Studies is crafted to offer comparative study opportunities for students in a pre-professional field - pre-medicine, pre-law, business, engineering, and health and rehab sciences - while capitalizing on existing European language credits. This individualized, interdisciplinary credential provides a context for studying abroad and complements most academic plans and majors. For the Related Concentration, we define Eurasia as the Russian Federation, Turkey, Mongolia, and the former Soviet republics. For a list of approved courses, please click here.

Requirements


  • A minimum of four (12 credits) content courses is required. The courses must come from at least two different departments and none of the courses can overlap with a student’s other credentials. These courses are allowed to overlap, however, with general education requirements. Students must earn a C or better in classes counting towards the certificate.
  • Language proficiency: one year (two semesters) of college-level study of an official European (excluding English) or Eurasian language, or demonstration of equivalent proficiency. The same language classes (or AP credits) used to fulfill the general education requirement may be used here as well.
  • Digital Portfolio: This is the culmination of the student’s learning experience and demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the West European studies theme the student has chosen. Details will be discussed with the advisor.

Special Academic Opportunities


In addition to the certificate itself, the European Studies Center also offers its students a number of valuable resources, including scholarships for study abroad, directed research opportunities, research assistance, and a full calendar of events and visits from politicians and practitioners from across Europe.

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