Area studies typically examine the development of a particular population or region. While other, similar interdisciplinary studies, such as gender, disability, and ethnic, may have some part in course discussions, these are not considered area studies.

Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the western most point of Eurasia, Europe is usually divided from Asia by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting the Black and Aegean Seas.

Summer courses are often an avenue used by students to attain additional certificates or qualifications outside of the normal school year. Whether they are bridging the gap between levels of study or adding to a career knowledge base, these courses can be found in almost any area of study.