European Politics
The European Politics program is home for a broad array of unique courses in the field of political science. You will acquire an in-depth understanding of international affairs and enhance your intercultural skills though the mix of classroom theory and experiential field observations.
Student Profile
Your major is political science, international relations, government and/or you are fascinated by the interplay between nation-states and the various group identities that define Europe and the contemporary world.
Core Course
The EU is a powerful international organization. Through the core course, you will gain a much better understanding of the political and institutional fabric of Europe. The semester culminates with groups of students “playing” the European Council in a Simulation Game – using knowledge and experiences gained in class throughout the semester.
Prerequisites: Two university courses in political science, including one in international relations or comparative politics.
Study Tour
- A short regional study tour in Denmark and Northern Germany
You will examine the tumultuous history of the Schleswig-Holstein region. We look at the ramifications of connecting Northern Germany and Denmark with bridges and how successful– or unsuccessful– the European Union has been in breaking down the borders of countries and uniting Europe as a whole. A visit to Kiel Parliament allows you to understand how federal states in Germany lobby and interact with the EU.
- A longer European study tour to Brussels and the Hague
This tour will allow you to visit and experience first-hand the political institutions that you learn about in class. You will meet with politicians who work in all branches of the EU. Past tours included visits to EU Parliament, EU Commission, and the EU Council, NATO, the US Mission to the EU and the ICTY. In order to develop your independence and critical analysis skills, we set up political actor interviews throughout Brussels. The EP study tour is also meant to enable you to immerse yourself in the Belgian culture. In the past we have traveled to a chocolate making factory, a beer factory, and we have completed an urban awareness exercise in Brussels.
Elective Courses
In addition to the required core course, you are free to select any combination of courses from the DIS curriculum. If you want to take some of your electives in the field of politics, check out courses listed under Political Science and International Relations, which you can find by clicking "courses by major," under the courses tab.
