European studies is a field of study offered by many academic colleges and universities that focuses on current developments in European integration.
Some programmes offer a social science or public administration curriculum focusing on developments in the European Union. These programmes usually include a combination of political science, EU public policy, European history, European law, economics and sociology. Other universities approach the subject in a broader manner, including topics like European culture, European literature and European languages. While all programmes focus on the study of the European Union, they often cover national topics (in a comparative perspective) as well.
The subject combines humanities and social sciences. Disciplines that are involved in European studies include:
- Anthropology
- Cultural studies
- Economics
- European languages
- Geography
- History
- International relations
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Political science
- Public administration
- Sociology
While European studies departments are obviously more common in Europe than elsewhere, there are departments dedicated to its study further afield, including in North America, Asia and Australasia.
Famous quotes containing the words european and/or studies:
“The time to enjoy a European tour is about three weeks after you unpack.”
—George Ade (1866–1944)
“The best laws cannot make a constitution work in spite of morals; morals can turn the worst laws to advantage. That is a commonplace truth, but one to which my studies are always bringing me back. It is the central point in my conception. I see it at the end of all my reflections.”
—Alexis de Tocqueville (1805–1859)