The SAIS Bologna Center is a unique institution and a major reason for SAIS's strong European program over several decades. Bologna is one of the most flourishing and politically vibrant cities in Italy -- indeed, in Europe -- and, in addition, is the home of Europe's oldest university. Instruction at the Center is in English, and its curriculum and examinations are integrated with those of SAIS as a whole. The Center enrolls some 150 students -- more than half of whom are non-Americans, from a dozen or so European countries and several other parts of the world. The majority of the faculty at Bologna are Europeans. A distinguished full time faculty is supplemented by a notable group of visiting and adjunct professors from several European and American universities. Over the decades, several of Europe's leading scholars have taught at Bologna, as have several distinguished Americans. Alumni of the Bologna Center are well-established throughout Europe. European Studies at the Bologna Center M.A. candidates in European Studies attend the Bologna Center in their first year. In addition to the obvious advantages of studying Europe in Europe, Bologna courses in European Studies are closely coordinated with the program in Washington. Comprehensive examinations are identical in both places. European Studies is organized around two comprehensive examinations – each given three times a year (September, January and April/May.) In addition, there are two required courses, Europe in the Cold War (Bologna) and Europe since the Cold War (Washington), and two further required courses from among those listed as regional/country courses.
Courses for the Comps No courses are formally required for taking the Comps, certain courses are specially tailored to help prepare for them. In Bologna, these courses are as follows: For 1. Modern European History and Ideas (1618-1945) The Core course Evolution of the International System, 1618 –1945, is offered the first semester in Bologna. A comparable Core course is also offered in the first semester in Washington. Those with a strong background in history may wish to opt for a more advanced or specialized course in history or political ideas, and prepare for the Comprehensive using the European Studies Syllabus, preferably also auditing the Core course. Candidates should attempt COMP I at the end of their first semester. For 2. Pan European Political Economies COMP III encompasses the domestic political economies of the four major West European nation states, the European Union and European integration generally, the problems of transition in Central and Eastern Europe – including Russia, and Europe’s relations with the American and global economies. Two Bologna courses, West European Political Economies and The Political Economy of Transition and Enlargement, cover the broad subject. Both are offered only in Bologna, although there are Washington equivalents. Normally, candidates attempt this Comprehensive in the spring of their first year or the fall of their second year. Additional Courses The Bologna Center offers a number of courses on Europe’s history, foreign policy, political culture, political economy, demography and environment. Normally, these are open to all students. Advisers European Studies majors in Bologna should consult Professors Jones or Harper about their programs.
| 
