European Studies Major
Designed for students with an interest in European culture, politics, and society, the major in European studies offers a comprehensive range of survey and in-depth courses that examine Europe's global impact and contemporary challenges. The 30 credit-hour major prepares students for careers in international law, politics, and diplomacy. Students are expected to attend campus events and activities, such as guest lectures, symposia, and luncheons. Most students participate in approved study abroad programs in Europe.
Major Requirements
German Studies Major
A major in German studies offers deep engagement with the language, history, and culture of Germany and other German-speaking cultures. Majors gain advanced proficiency in speaking and writing German, a detailed understanding of the complex and often haunting history of modern Germany, and rich insights into the unique work of German writers, filmmakers, artists, musicians, and thinkers.
Major Requirements
Students are required to complete a total of 30 credit hours of coursework beyond GER 1102. The distribution of credit in each category varies depending on the student's level of German upon entering the program. This allows students to either begin their German study at Vanderbilt or enter at a higher level with pre-existing German skills. Read more about language placement.
Students majoring in German will be assessed for language proficiency during their senior year and will be required to submit a paper written for one of their courses due the semester prior to graduation.
Russian Studies Major
A major in Russian studies entails deep and sustained engagement with the language, history, and culture of Russia and Russian-speaking communities around the world. As one of the most dynamic actors on the world stage, Russian culture has been at the forefront of the history of literature, film, and visual arts; has produced some of the world’s deepest aesthetic engagements with the human condition; and has been at the vanguard of politics—both repressive and progressive.
Major Requirements
Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework. AP and IB exam credit will not count toward credit hours required for the major, but placement exams will be offered for RUSS 1101 and/or 1102. A maximum of 6 credit hours toward the language or elective requirements may be earned from Vanderbilt-approved courses taken from other U.S. institutions or through study abroad programs.
European Studies Minor
The European studies minor is a good complement to a major in anthropology, economics, history, literary studies, philosophy, and political science, among others.
A minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework is required. A background in a modern foreign language is highly recommended.
Required courses (9 credit hours)
- EUS 2201: European Society and Culture or EUS 2203: The Idea of Europe
- EUS 2202: European Politics
- EUS 2204: European Cultural History
Electives (9 credit hours)
Three courses from the EUS course catalog and related fields such as political science, economics, history, and the humanities. One of the electives may be replaced by a course from another department or program with the prior approval of the director of advising in European studies.
German Studies Minor
A minor in German documents a student’s basic competence in the German language as well as familiarity with German-speaking culture.
A minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework is required.
Required courses (3 credit hours)
- GER 2440: History of German Thought, GER 2441: Great German Works in English, or GER 2443: History of German Film
Electives (15 credit hours)
15 credit hours in coursework in the GER subject area, of which 6 credit hours must be earned in courses taught in the German language
Russian Studies Minor
A minimum of 15 credit hours of coursework is required.
Required courses (9 credit hours)
- RUSS 1101: First-Year Russian I
- RUSS 1102: First-Year Russian II
- One English-language course from the list of qualifying courses below, or other relevant courses with approval of the director of undergraduate studies.
Electives (6 credit hours)
Two Russian- and English-language courses (see the list of qualifying courses below), or other relevant courses with approval of the director of undergraduate studies.
Courses
To view a full listing of courses and descriptions, see the Undergraduate Course Catalog, specifically for European studies, German studies, and Russian studies. For full descriptions of topics courses being offered each semester, please see YES.
To see which language course to begin with in German and Russian, see language placement information.
Honors
Honors in European Studies
Qualified majors can complete a portion of their major requirements for Honors. Students engage in interdisciplinary reading, consultations with faculty, and research on the overarching theme of their program of concentration.
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA; minimum 3.3 GPA in all EUS courses
- Selection of an adviser for your Honors thesis
- Submission of a detailed description of your proposed program of study for approval by the director of undergraduate studies
Program Requirements:
- 3 credit hours of independent research (normally EUS 3850)
- EUS 4998: Independent Readings and Research (writing a senior Honors thesis)
- Defending your senior Honors thesis before a committee
Honors in German Studies
Candidates for honors in German who meet College of Arts and Science and departmental requirements must complete all requirements for the concentration in German. In addition, students must:
- Study a minimum of one semester at a German-speaking university (or gain the equivalent experience)
- Complete 3 credit hours beyond the basic course requirements, in the form of a course taught in German or a German section of a German studies course that is typically only offered in English
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in courses that count toward the German major and a minimum 3.30 cumulative GPA
- Complete 3 credit hours of GER 4999: Honors Research. Write an Honors thesis and pass an oral examination during their final semester.
Honors in Russian Studies
Majors with a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher may apply to the Honors Program prior to registration of second semester junior year. Students submit a 6 credit hour program of study that couples a RUSS-designated course above 2202 in the first semester of senior year with RUSS 4999: Senior Honors Thesis in the second semester of the senior year.
This program must have the approval of the departmental faculty member who will serve as the senior thesis adviser. The senior thesis is defended in the second semester of the senior year before a faculty committee, which may award Honors or High Honors in Russian to the baccalaureate degree.
Declaring a Major or Minor
- Visit the University Registrar’s website.
- Click on “Major/Minor Declaration/Change.”
- Sign in and follow the prompts to select your major(s)/minor(s).
- Once you have completed all of the required documentation, click submit.
Once you have officially declared, you will hear from your faculty adviser as the registration period approaches to set up a meeting to discuss courses and lift the registration hold.