Future Students

European Studies

Since then, relations among the European nations have changed dramatically. There is a new awareness of the political, social, cultural and linguistic interrelationships among the nations which make up Europe as we enter the new millennium.

Why study Europe?
The New Europe involves not only business, manufacturing, investment, trade, and commerce, but all of the areas which contribute to international links: communications and media, education and training, art, music and culture, technological, scientific and intellectual interchange, and law and international relations. It is essential for Australian business-people, journalists, lawyers, teachers, technicians, musicians, academics and others to have an understanding of Europe.

European Studies is an ''area studies'' program using an inter-disciplinary approach to develop an understanding of the societies and cultures of Europe. In the first level in particular, emphasis is placed on contemporary Europe.

European Studies may be studied as a major within a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies), including combined courses which include these degrees. This is a good option for students who do not wish to study a European Language. You may also be able to study individual European Studies units within other degrees.

You can also study a Bachelor of Arts (European Studies). This degree requires you to also learn a European Language - either French, German or Italian.

Level 1
Within the Bachelor of Arts, you may choose to study Level 1 European Studies units for one semester or for the whole year. To complete a major in European Studies, you must complete the full year of Level 1. You must also complete the full year of Level 1 European Studies units to complete the Bachelor of Arts (European Studies).

In the first semester Level 1 unit you will explore the concept of "Europe" and the European regions, to long-term historical patterns of development, the European Community, and other central topics of contemporary European politics, society and culture.

The second semester level one unit focuses on case studies in contemporary European culture and society such as social change and development of civil society, multiculturalism, the legacy of the past, including the Holocaust and the European dictatorships, post-communism, neo-Nazism and the far right, the media, contemporary film and literature, Australia and contemporary Europe.

Levels 2 and 3
Upper level units European Studies cover central aspects of European civilisation and culture, primarily since the Renaissance, and with a focus on issues of relevance to contemporary Europe. The major sequence in European Studies offers you the opportunity to study the main themes of European literature and civilisation under the supervision of experts in the literature, history and culture of the European nations. Texts are drawn from European literature, philosophy, social theory, film and other sources.

Career opportunities

Contemporary Australia has close links to Europe in the areas of society, culture and history. We also have close and increasingly important trade links with the European Union and individual European nations. In the current context Europe has gained a new relevance for Australia as a dependable and reliable partner in trade and industry, educational and cultural exchange and as an environment for Australians seeking work experience. Geo-politically Australia is part of Asia. It is widely acknowledged both by government and the Australia is in a unique position to mediate between Europe and Asia. European Studies units are designed to help students orientate themselves intellectually and for their professional careers in Australia between Europe and Asia.