The European Studies program focuses on the study of Europe from the vantage points of several disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. Because Europe is both a geographical place and an idea that changes throughout history, it has had different meanings at different times and in different places. The study of Europe thus requires an open, pluralistic, and interdisciplinary curriculum that takes a critical approach to the idea (or ideas) of Europe.
The program provides a multidisciplinary view of Europe as a whole and of its historical, political, and cultural formation and global implications and encounters with the non-European world. It also provides a focus on a specific area of European experience that cuts across traditional disciplinary and national boundaries. Participation in the UC Education Abroad Program in a European country is strongly recommended for all European Studies majors.

