Students receive interdisciplinary training with both a country and transregional focus.
Completion of the degree also demands advanced proficiency in one Eurasian or East European language. This program is designed to provide intensive exposure to the politics, international relations, economics, modern history and cultural and social formations of the region for students entering the professions, mid-career professionals, and as preparation for entry into doctoral programs. Students are expected to have a high degree of proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking German and English, and a general knowledge of German literature. The Program in Modern European Studies focuses on the history, thought, literature, art, politics, and cultures of Europe from the 18th century to the present to enable students to develop a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the modern period. Each candidate in Modern European Studies chooses an individual course of study in consultation with the program adviser, taking into account both personal interests and distribution requirements.