Master's Degree
The European Studies Council formulates and implements new curricular and research programs reflective of current developments in Europe. The geographical scope of the council’s activities extends from Ireland to the lands of the former Soviet Union. Its concept of Europe transcends the conventional divisions into Western, Central, and Eastern Europe, and includes the Balkans and Russia. In 2006 the U.S. Department of Education again designated the Council a National Resource Center under its HEA Title VI program. Further information on the Council and the Graduate Certificate of Concentration in European Studies is provided under Non-Degree-Granting Programs, Councils, and Research Institutes in this bulletin.
The Council administers an M.A. program in European and Russian Studies. This M.A. program is unusual in its embrace of the entire spectrum of European nations and cultures. The requirements permit students to choose a particular national or thematic focus, geared to their individual interests and language skills, while demanding that they acquaint themselves with the traditions and issues associated with the other parts of Europe. Students specializing in Russia and Eastern Europe, for example, will concentrate their efforts in that area, but will also take courses that may concern Europe-wide problems or the countries of Central or Western Europe. In this way, the program translates the political realities and challenges of the post-Cold War era into a flexible and challenging academic opportunity.
Fields of Study
European languages and literatures; economics; history; political science; law; music; sociology.
Special Requirements for the M.A. Degree
When applying to the program, students will specify as an area of primary concentration either (1) Russia and Eastern Europe, or (2) Central and Western Europe. All students must complete sixteen term courses (or their equivalent) in the various fields related to European and Russian studies. Students are required to take courses in at least three of the major disciplines relevant to the program (history, literature, social sciences, and law). For the purposes of this program, history includes history of art, history of science, and history of music. One of the sixteen term courses may be taken for audit. For students focusing on Russia and Eastern Europe, two of the sixteen required courses (excluding language courses) must concern the nations of Central and Western Europe. For those focusing on Central and Western Europe, two courses must concern Russia and Eastern Europe.
For the purposes of this program, language courses in European languages count toward the sixteen required courses, even though they have undergraduate course numbers. If students take a course of language study to fulfill degree requirements, the language course may not be taken for audit. Students with previous language preparation may in certain cases receive documentation of their language proficiency on the basis of this work. By the time the degree is completed, all students must demonstrate proficiency in two European languages besides English. Those wishing to focus on Russia and Eastern Europe will need to demonstrate knowledge of Russian or an Eastern European language; those focusing on Central and Western Europe will need to demonstrate knowledge of one of the appropriate languages. In all cases, students are required to demonstrate proficiency in two European languages by the end of the third term at Yale. The only exception to this rule is completion of the appropriate full sequence of Yale language classes, certified by the Yale instructor or the director of graduate studies. Students who wish to take examinations in French, German, Italian, Spanish, or other West European languages should register for a placement examination (with reading, oral, and grammar portions) with the appropriate Yale department. Students with Russian competence must receive the grade of 1+ or higher on the ACTFL/ETS Rating Scale as administered by the Slavic Languages and Literatures department at Yale, including reading, oral, and grammar portions. Students with competence in an East European language (such as Polish, Czech, Ukrainian, Hungarian, and others by special arrangement) or other European languages must take Yale department-administered examinations.
Through agreements the MacMillan Center has negotiated with the professional schools, CES now offers joint master’s degrees with the following: the Law School, the School of Management, the School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, and the School of Public Health. Application for admission must be made both to the Graduate School and to the appropriate professional school, with notation made on each application that this is to be considered for the joint-degree program. Contact the European Studies director of graduate studies for up-to-date information.
The Master’s Thesis
The master’s thesis is based on research in a topic approved by the director of graduate studies and advised by a faculty member with specialized competence in the chosen topic. The thesis is normally written in conjunction with E&RS 950. Students may register for an independent study to prepare topics and begin research. The master’s thesis is due in two copies no later than April 10 of the student’s second year.
Program materials are available upon request to the Council on European Studies, Yale University, PO Box 208206, New Haven CT 06520-8206.
Courses
E&RS 642, Title TBA, Rita Hernon-Bélot
Each year, this course focuses on the specialty of the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (France) visiting professor. The most recent course was Plurality of the Past: Between Biography and History.
E&RS 652b/INRL 549b, The European Union’s Contemporary Challenges
Wolfgang Plasa
Each year, this course addresses a different set of issues facing the EU. Recent issues have included trade policy, regulation policy, building European monetary power, international trade policy and the WTO, and science, precaution, and policy making. The course is taught by the EU fellow visiting the MacMillan Center.
E&RS 940a or b, Independent Study
By arrangement with faculty.
E&RS 950a or b, Master’s Thesis
By arrangement with faculty.
Complete application information, forms, and deadlines are found at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website.