The Program in European Studies is an interdisciplinary program that draws on the humanities and social sciences to broaden understanding of the European region.
Offering a flexible framework, the program allows students to pursue their own interests in the histories, cultures, geographies, peoples, and languages of Europe. The curriculum spans a remarkable range, from the punks, pioneers, and protestors of Eastern Europe to the legacies of World War I and the Cold War. Students study up to two modern European languages — French, German, Russian, or Spanish — enabling in-depth scholarly work.
Indya Childs, Academic Administrative Assistant
9 Andrews Road
Roger Williams Hall
ichilds@bates.edu
European studies graduates often continue their studies at prestigious post-graduate programs, pursuing politics, art, or foreign languages, sometimes abroad. Others embark on successful careers in government, law, public policy, museums, and more.
of 2020-2024 Bates graduates are employed and/or attending graduate school — settled into their next opportunity within 6 months of graduation.
European studies at Bates is for the curious — students who want to understand how the past shapes the present, how cultures interact across borders, and how one region’s complexities connect to global challenges. The program’s design allows students to create a plan of study that reflects their interests while expanding their horizons. Students can study abroad in a number of European locations and engage with prominent guest speakers who visit campus to present on contemporary European issues.
Drawing from multiple departments at Bates, the European studies faculty has a wide array of expertise across various disciplines. With professors from the departments of German, French, music, history, politics, and more, they together bring a vast breadth of knowledge on topics as diverse as the gendered politics of war and peace, German and East-Central European literature, and explorations of race.
Each year the graduating class at Bates picks a faculty or staff person to offer the Baccalaureate Address. The Class of 2026 selected Professor of Rhetoric, Film, and Screen Studies Stephanie Kelley-Romano.
On Sunday, May 31, 2026, 480 Bates students became Bates alumni, ready to face uncertainty with the support of the lessons they’ve learned at Bates, both in and out of the classroom.
The skies were changeable but the mood was resoundingly upbeat on Sunday, May 31, as 480 members of the Class of 2026 celebrated their Bates graduation surrounded by family and friends, and bolstered by speeches that dwelled on bright promises, both those already delivered and those to come.
