Undergraduate Certificate

Undergraduate students can take advantage of the many Europeanists on campus and the many courses available that focus on aspects of the region’s culture, history, politics and society by participating in the undergraduate certificate program. The interdisciplinary Program in Contemporary European Politics and Society (EPS) aims to show how some of these varied aspects fit together, and how a long history and variety of cultural traditions still shape many European responses to modern predicaments.

For a student to earn a certificate from the Program in Contemporary European Politics and Society, he or she must successfully complete only one of the following gateway courses: EPS 301, EPS 302, or HIS 212/EPS 212.

Along with the required gateway course, an additional four courses which cover contemporary topics in Europe must be completed. More details about the certificate can be found on the application.

Please note: the gateway course must be taken for a letter grade, P/D/F is not allowed. Of the four course electives needed, only one may be taken as P/D/F.

Courses taken abroad may also count towards the certificate, please contact Nikki Woolward for pre-approval.

Senior Thesis/Independent Work

When feasible, students will submit senior theses on a contemporary European politics and society topic within their departmental concentration using foreign language materials. Students majoring in departments where a senior thesis on modern Europe is not possible may petition the director to have another piece of independent research meet this requirement.

Language Requirements

Expertise in a national language used in any European country is an important component of this program. Students are expected to have sufficient linguistic competence to use research materials in the foreign language for their senior thesis research. Native speakers and students with previous training in any of the languages of Europe can fulfill the language requirement by passing a placement test.

Study Abroad

Study abroad at a European university is strongly encouraged by the program. Living overseas is a critical part of gaining a perspective on a foreign society and in developing language fluency. Princeton participates in the Berlin Consortium, has linkages with the Fondation Nationale des Sciences Politiques-Institut d’études (Sciences Po) and Oxford University, and also allows students to study at many other European universities. 

The program allows students to count up to two of the courses they take at a European university toward the certificate requirement if those courses pertain to modern European politics, economics, sociology or twentieth century history. 

For more information on study abroad and internship abroad programs visit the Office of International Programs.

Course Information

Below is a list of courses that fulfill certificate requirements and reflect the breadth of disciplines that correspond with the study of Contemporary European Politics and Society. Not every course is offered every year; some may be one-time-only offerings. In addition, there may be courses not listed below which qualify toward the certificate. Please consult with the program director or program manager.

Spring 2023

HIS 212 / EPS 212 - Europe in the World: From 1776 to the Present Day

HIS 445 / EPS 445 / POL 487: Winston Churchill, Anglo-America and the 'Special Relationship' in the Twentieth Century

SPA 227 / EPS 227 / URB 237: Contemporary Issues in Spain