The Center for West European Studies (CWES) is an administrative unit with University-wide responsibility for the coordination and development of scholarship and teaching related to Western Europe. Situated within the University Center for International Studies, CWES works closely with other international programs at the University, in particular with the Center for Russian and East European Studies. The Center for West European Studies works with more than 100 faculty involved in research, teaching, and exchange relationships focused on Western Europe. These faculty represent the humanities and social sciences as well as the University's schools of Business, Education, Engineering, Information Sciences, Law, Public and International Affairs, and Social Work.

The intellectual profile of West European Studies at the University of Pittsburgh reflects the diverse processes currently shaping the region. European Union Studies constitutes a particular program research focus and draws on the exceptionally rich resources of Hillman Library, a European Union Document Repository; other strengths include comparative public policy (political economy, regulatory policy, and the environment), social and intellectual history, and science and technology. Foci of collaboration with the humanities include the University's Cultural Studies Program and the Medieval and Renaissance Studies Program.

Students may obtain a certificate in West European Studies (described below) at both the graduate and undergraduate level as a complement to studies in a major discipline. Additionally, the program makes its resources available to assist students in developing their own research agenda. It organizes research groups and student research forums to allow students to gain experience presenting their research to fellow students and faculty.

Certificate Requirements
Language: Three years of college-level language, or the equivalent proficiency, in one relevant language other than English.

Courses: Six courses or seminars from a list approved by the advisory committee, in two departments outside the student's degree department. Each term, a list of West European Studies courses can be found in the Schedule of Classes under the heading "Special Programs."

Research: An interdisciplinary research paper of 15 to 25 pages which must show the use of materials in a foreign language. This could be prepared for a course, but students are urged to design it with the certificate demands in mind and to consult with West European Studies advisors while writing it. The paper will be evaluated by at least two faculty members from two departments.

Special Option for Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
Language: Three years of college-level language, or the equivalent proficiency, in one relevant language other than English.

Courses: At least two West European Studies courses or seminars outside of GSPIA from a list approved by the advisory committee. Each term, a list of courses designated as West European Studies courses offered throughout the University can be found in the Schedule of Classes under the heading "Special Programs."

At least two GSPIA courses or seminars designated as West European Studies courses for which the student prepares a research paper with a West European focus. The paper must be submitted to the West European Studies certificate program advisor for approval.

Research: An interdisciplinary research paper of 15 to 25 pages which must show the use of materials in a foreign language. This could be prepared for a course, but students are urged to design it with the certificate demands in mind and to consult with CWES advisors while writing it. The paper will be evaluated by at least two faculty members from two departments.

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