EUR2080 - The identity of Europe today

Leader(s): Dr Natalie Doyle

Offered

Not offered in 2009

Synopsis

This unit inquires into the values and ideas that underpin the process of European integration and the shaping of a contemporary European identity. It seeks to analyse the institutions, as well as the political and social forces that favour or hinder integration. The core areas of focus include: governmental structures; party systems and social movements; determining the validity of a single European experience; the process of European Integration; issues of identity and nationalism; the emergence of the far right; the expansion of the European Union and NATO and German reunification.

Objectives

On completion of this subject students should:

1. Have a familiarity with, and an understanding of, the values and ideas that inform European integration and the shaping of a contemporary European identity.
2. Have a knowledge of significant institutions of the European Union, as well as governmental structures, party systems and social movements in several European countries.
3. Have an understanding of, and an ability to apply, key terms and concepts relevant to contemporary European debates.
4. Be familiar with, and able to discuss, relevant documents, including expository and theoretical texts.
5. Be able to demonstrate competence in the following skills:
   1. obtaining access to source materials and secondary writings through the library and other resources;
   2. writing (including planning, arguing on the basis of evidence, and documenting);
   3. analysis and interpretation of texts, including the application of appropriate terms and concepts for the discussion of content and form;
   4. oral presentation of information and argument based on guided and independent reading;
   5. discussion of texts and oral presentations;
   6. assimilation of information and opinion from various sources for purposes of forming independent judgments;
   7. team work. In addition, students taking the subject at third-year level should:
6. Have some knowledge of different schools of thought concerning the ideas and processes treated in the subject.

Assessment

Tutorial leadership (equivalent to 250 words): 6%; Class paper (equivalent to 250 words): 6%; Essay (2000 words): 44%; Exam (2 hour, 2000 words): 44%.

Contact hours

One 1-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prohibitions

EUR3080