Chair(s): 
Sigmund Barber

In this concentration, understanding a culture so rich and complex as that of Western Europe requires interdisciplinary study of its histories, languages, and cultures. Carefully selected courses in the Humanities and Social Studies can provide access to methods and fields basic to such knowledge. In order to assure that courses in the concentration are indeed carefully selected, students consult with their academic adviser and the program chair (the concentration adviser should not be from the major department). Together, student, adviser, and chair work out a course of study for the final four semesters that also must have the approval of the committee. Because of the great variety of courses taught about Western European society and culture, students may opt for any of three possibilities for this concentration: the Classical Heritage, Medieval and Renaissance Studies, or Modern Europe. Independent work in the third and senior years provides an opportunity to complete and unify the concentration; it may not be used to fulfill any departmental major requirements. Participation in approved off-campus study programs is strongly encouraged; up to 8 credits in such a program may, with approval of the committee, count toward satisfying the requirements as listed below. All relevant coursework completed in Grinnell-in-London can be used to satisfy concentration requirements.

Concentration Requirements: 

Track I: The Classical Heritage

Required: Language competence in Greek or Latin, as certified by the Department of Classics (equivalent to completion of Greek 222 or Latin 222), and 22 credits distributed as follows:

  1. Literary Study, 8 credits, such as:
    • Classics 242 Classical Mythology
    • Humanities 101 The Ancient Greek World
    • Humanities 102 Roman and Early Christian Culture
    • Or any 300-level course in Greek or Latin literature
  2. Special Field, 8 credits, such as:
    • Classics/Philosophy 231 History of Ancient Philosophy
    • Classics/Art 248 Greek Archaeology and Art
    • Classics/Art 250 Roman Archaeology and Art
    • Classics/History 255 History of Ancient Greece
    • Classics/History 256 History of Rome
    • Political Science/Philosophy 263 Political Theory I
  3. 6 credits in 297 and 397, independent work.

Track II: Medieval and Renaissance Studies, c. 1100–1700

Required: Language competence, as certified by the relevant department (equivalent, for example, to Latin 222, French 222, German 222, or Spanish 285), and 22 credits distributed as follows:

  1. Social Studies, 8 credits, such as:
    • History 233 Medieval Europe
    • History 234 Europe in Renaissance and Reformation
    • History 235 Britain in the Modern World I
    • Humanities/Social Studies 140 Medieval and Renaissance Culture
    • Political Science/Philosophy 264 Political Theory II
  2. Humanities, 8 credits that deal with the art, literature, philosophy, or music of Western Europe in the period from c. 1100 to 1700
  3. 6 credits in 297 and 397, independent work.

Track III: Modern Europe, c. 1750–Present

Required: Language competence, as certified by the relevant department (equivalent, for example, to French 222, German 222, or Spanish 285), and 22 credits distributed as follows:

  1. Social Studies, 8 credits, such as:
    • Anthropology 247 Contemporary Europe
    • History 101 Making History
    • History 236 Britain in the Modern World II
    • History 238 The Making of Modern Germany
    • History 239 Tyrants and Tunesmiths: Opera, Politics, and Society in Modern Europe
    • Political Science 255 Pluralist Systems: Comparative Politics of European Government
  2. Humanities, 8 credits that deal with the art, literature, philosophy, or music of Western Europe since 1750
  3. 6 credits in 297 and 397, independent work.
Courses:

297 Guided Reading Project Fall or Spring
Credits: 2
Instructor(s): Staff

To be taken in the semester preceding that in which the student will take the 397 course, this project is designed as preparation for Senior Independent Study. The student may request to work with any instructor currently teaching in the program who will also be teaching on the Grinnell campus during the following semester.

397 Senior Independent Study Fall or Spring
Credits: 4
Instructor(s): Staff

The subject must be arranged with a faculty adviser (preferably the instructor of the Guided Reading Project 297, above) before the end of the semester preceding the independent study. The study should result in either a substantial essay (about 25–30 pages) or a creative accomplishment such as a photographic essay, film, dramatic production, paintings, etc. of similar magnitude. The latter will require some written explication as well. Occasional colloquia consisting of all students and faculty engaged in these projects will be held to exchange ideas and methods.

* Indicates courses not offered every year.