The Department of Political Science offers a five-week summer program on European Politics, beginning in Madrid and traveling to Barcelona and Berlin. Participation in the program offers students the opportunity to observe firsthand and immerse themselves in important issues that lay at the heart of politics in these countries today. Students consider the challenges of building and maintaining democratic states as well as a union of these states across a diverse continent – the fundamental project of the European Union. Students also consider Europe's experience with authoritarianism, transitions to democracy, democratic governance, and democratic backsliding – and the links between these experiences and the rise of political polarization and populism in Europe and around the world.

In Madrid and Berlin, students attend courses that emphasize our theoretical understanding of these topics. Complimenting their coursework are guest lectures by activists, academics, and policymakers and site visits to various historical monuments and political institutions in Spain and Germany. The visits outside the classroom provide students with a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of what they learn in the classroom, including a trip to Barcelona. For the program’s duration, students are able to “live” and experience the politics of Spain and Germany – two states with fascinating histories that have a direct bearing on critical issues facing citizens around the world today.

All applicants must have a current passport (that is valid until at least December 31, 2020) in their possession by absolutely no later than March 1, 2020.

• Visit the “Golden Triangle” - The Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Reina Sofia are three art institutions on one of the main boulevards of Madrid, the Paseo del Prado
• Berlin boasts 12 distinct boroughs, each with their own character and charm
• Madrid population: 3.2 million;
  Berlin population: 3.5 million