Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

The unit investigates the intellectual debates that have accompanied the idea of European unity since the 1980s, paying attention to the cultural traditions that shaped these views. We consider the notion of the intellectual and examine intellectuals' responses to the major political (but also social and cultural) issues affecting Europe after the Second World War and especially from the 1990s to the present: the end of the Cold War division of Europe, the nature of Europe's cultural cohesion, the relationship between the new and old member states of the European Union, the justification and nature of any possible European citizenship. We reflect on aspects of Europe's historical heritage, including Europe's religious traditions and the legacy of the Enlightenment.

Objectives

On completion of this subject students should:

1. Have a familiarity with, and an understanding of, the positions of contemporary intellectuals with respect to the ideas of Europe and European unity.
2. Have a knowledge of the history of the idea of, and political moves toward, European unity, especially after 1945.
3. Be familiar with the relevant debates and able to discuss contributions to them, whether scholarly, journalistic or essayistic.
4. 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.

5. Be familiar with different theoretical perspectives on the ideas and processes treated in the subject.

Assessment

Two essays (7000 words): 85%
Class project (2000 words): 15%

Contact hours

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

Prohibitions

ATS3525