WEST EUROPEAN STUDIES AT THE NEW UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER, COLERAINE

Abstract

SUMMARYBy their very nature, area studies are not easy to devise or to carry out in practice. They are still experimental and developing and the need the full support of the institution where they are taught and that of the subjects which contribute to the programme. West European Studies in Coleraine has been fortunate in many respects. The university appointed staff specifically for the core units and encouraged them to experiment. The staff appointed, although themselves products of language and literary courses, were eager to extend their range of interest into history and the social sciences and to experiment with new teaching methods. All subjects contributing options have made at least one staff appointment who has a strong interest in Western Europe and wishes to contribute to the programme. A number of those appointed have a good knowledge of French or German and have spent long periods in Western Europe. The staff from the optional and the core units are working closely together and some joint seminars and lectures are given so that there can be cross‐fertilization between the disciplines and, in particular, through this the West European staff can seriously learn the techniques of the social sciences and history. This latter aspect is further strengthened by staff from different disciplines working together on common research projects. Staff involved in West European Studies, whether in the core or the options, seem to feel increasingly that they represent a new ‘discipline’, albeit one which is not yet ready for formal definition, but which is as real to them as a social science, history or literature discipline. Similarly, the students identify strongly with West European Studies rather than with its individual components.Some of the most positive aspects are the enthusiasm expressed by the students for the programme, the high level of linguistic attainment achieved, even in the second language, and the high standards attained in the history, economics and social science options where the students are in direct competition with students whose main studies are in those disciplines. The flexibility given by the student having eight optional units allows him to plan a coherent, integrated course which meets his individual interests and needs. Finally, the experiences of the first four years of graduates show that the West Euroan Studies degree is a good qualification for posts in industry and commerce, the Civil Service, the social services, teaching and post‐graduate research work.