Graduate Certificate Of Concentration
Special Requirements for the Graduate Certificate of Concentration in European Studies
Students may pursue the graduate Certificate of Concentration in European Studies in conjunction with graduate-degree programs in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the professional schools. Candidates will specify as an area of primary focus either (1) Russia and Eastern Europe, or (2) Central and Western Europe. Admission is contingent upon the candidate’s acceptance into a Yale graduate-degree program. To complete the certificate, candidates must demonstrate expertise in the area through their major graduate or professional field, as well as show command of the diverse interdisciplinary, geographic, and cultural-linguistic approaches associated with expertise in the area of concentration. Award of the certificate, beyond fulfilling the relevant requirements, is contingent on successful completion of the candidate’s Yale University degree program. For general certificate guidelines, see the MacMillan Center section (under Research Institutes) in the Bulletin of Yale University.
Specific Requirements
1. Language proficiency in two modern European languages, in addition to English. For each language students must demonstrate the equivalent ability of two years of language study at Yale with a grade of HP or better. Language proficiency must encompass reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills plus grammar. Students may demonstrate proficiency through completing course work, by testing at Yale, or by other means as approved by the council adviser. 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.
2. Six courses in the area of concentration, of which:
a. three courses must offer transnational approaches to Europe-related issues, and
b. of the remaining three courses, students focusing on Russia and Eastern Europe, must take at least one course concerning the nations of Central and Western Europe. For those focusing on Central and Western Europe, at least one course must concern Russia and Eastern Europe.
The courses should also include a variety of disciplines, and only two courses may be “directed readings” or “independent study.” No more than four of the six courses may count from any one discipline or school. Courses may count toward the student’s degree, as well as toward the certificate. A minimum grade of HP must be obtained for the course to be counted toward the certificate. Courses from the student’s home department are eligible.
3. Interdisciplinary research paper written either:
a. in the context of one of the six courses in the are of concentration, or
b. as independent work under faculty supervision, replacing one of the six courses.
A qualifying research paper is required to demonstrate field-specific research ability focused on the area of concentration. After they have completed substantial course work in the area, students must seek approval from the council faculty adviser for the research project they propose as the qualifying paper. Normally, students will submit their proposals no later than the fourth week of the term in which they plan to submit the qualifying paper.
The paper will be read by two faculty members selected by the council adviser. The readers will evaluate the paper for the quality of research, knowledge of the relevant literature, and the depth of analysis of the topic. The qualifying paper must be fully footnoted and have a complete bibliography.
Progress Reports and Filing for the Award of the Graduate Certificate of Concentration
Students should submit a progress report along with a copy of their unofficial transcript to the council faculty adviser at the end of each term.
A student who intends to file for the final award of the certificate should contact the council no later than the end of the term prior to award. No later than the fourth week of the term of the expected award, the candidate should demonstrate how he/she has or will have completed all the requirements in a timely fashion.
At the end of the term as grades are finalized, the council will confirm that the candidate is cleared to receive the home degree and has fulfilled all the requirements of the certificate. Students may elect to retrieve the certificate award in person from the council after commencement. Otherwise, the council will send the certificate award to the student by mail after commencement.
Program materials are available upon request to the Council on European Studies, Yale University, PO Box 208206, New Haven, CT 06520-8206.