Introduction to European Studies: History, Politics and Society

Course objective:
The course introduces the students to the main issues of the European
Union. It gives a broad overview of some current and classical themes of
European integration. The objective of this course is to get knowledge on
the main European policies, how the Member States deal with them and
how the EU interacts with the rest of the world. At the end of the course,
the students should be capable of naming the various institutions and competences
of the European Union as well as the current challenges faced by
the E.U. both within its State members and in the world.
Through different topics, we reflect on how the European Union and the
Member States interact and what part should play the EU in Europe and
worldwide. Although since its creation the EU has undoubtedly achieved
success and recognition, it faces today serious and complex challenges such
as migration, policy coherence, terrorism, social problems, democratic deficit,
extremism, economic difficulties, enlargement, to name a few.
This course is then a unique opportunities to discuss with students about
these successes and challenges.

Assessment:
Continuous assessment (percentage break down 20%)
Final Exam (percentage break down 60%)
> Take-home exam questions and essay -1h
> 2 exams Questions and Essays - 1h30
Others (student participation…) (percentage break down 20%)
> Participation and contribution to group discussion
Case-studies
Fieldtrips
Presentations
Lectures
Group Work

Content:
Session 1 European History: Is Europe a so new
idea?
I. From the Greek Antiquity to the 21th century: a
warlike History
II. The European Idea through centuries
Session 2 The European Union: over 60 years of
construction
I. From the European Coal and Steel Community
(ECSC) to the Treaty of Lisbon
II. EU governance
Session 3 The European Neighborhood Policy (ENP):
What’s at stake?
I. Joining the European Union
II. Success and challenges of ENP implementation
Session 4 European Economy: Is there good news
ahead?
I. EU competences in economic matters
II. Facing the economic crisis in Europe
Session 5 The European Social Model: Still alive?
I. Diversity and commonalities of European social policies
II. The EU social policy
Session 6 Human rights and protection of the minorities
I. The protection of Human Rights through European
institutions
II. EU competences in Human Rights matters
Session 7 Populism in Europe: A common phenomenon
in the EU?
I. Political statement on populism in Europe
II. Populist problematic at the EU level
Session 8 Europe of the regions, a paradox?
I. Map of the regions of Europe: A Typology.
II. EU’s regional policy
Session 9 Environment, a positive action of the EU
I. The EU facing environmental challenges
II. The EU and global environment governance
Session 10 Is the EU a global actor?
I. Governance of the EU external action
II. External action of the EU: Case studies
Part 3: European Societies
Session 1 and 2. Education, training and youth:
toward a multiculturalism society and beyond
I. Erasmus program: what next?
II. European cultures: is there a path to an inter-cultural
society?
III. European criticism
Session 3 and 4. Building an Open Society, actual
concerns
I. European cooperation: the way forward
II. Democracy and citizenship: the European concept
of power
III. Minorities: places, right and expects
IV. Religion and faith: are European societies so open
as they pretend
V. Migrations
Session 5. European Way of Life: Two topics
I. Enterprises and competition in a globalized market
II. Consumers safety
2. Content:
- Back to summary -

Resources:
- Consolidated versions of the Treaty on the European Union and the
Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (OJ C115, 9.5.2008):
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cmsUpload/st06655-re01.
en08.pdf
- European Council: http://www.consilium.europa.eu
- European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu
- European Parliament: http://www.europarl.europa.eu
- Committee of the regions: www.cor.europa.eu
- Court of Justice of the European Union: http://curia.europa.eu
- Law of the European Union: http://eur-lex.europa.eu
- European Navigator: http://ena.lu
EU’s integration and regional policies
D.Leonard, R. Taylor, The Routledge Guide to European Union, London,
Routledge, 2016
I Berend, The History of European Integration, London, Routledge,
2016.
Europa Publication, EU Encyclopedia and Directory 2017, London,
Routledge, 2016
M. Cini and N. Perez-Solorzano (eds), European Union Politics, Oxford,
Oxford University Press, 2015
J. Bilbao-Ubillos, The Economic Crisis and Governance in the EU, London,
Routledge, 2014
Jeffrey T. Checkel and Peter J. Katzenstein (eds) , European Identity,
Cambridge University Press, 2009.
EU’s external action
Routledge Handbook on the EU and International Institutions, London,
Routledge, 2013
J-U Wunderlich, D. Bailey (eds) , The European Union and global governance,
London : Routledge, 2010
C. Mude, On Extremism and Democracy in Europe, London, Routledge,
2016
M. Schmith and al., The Diplomatic System of the EU, London Routledge,
2015
L.Brenan, P. Murray, Drivers of Integration and Regionalism in Europe
and Asia, London, Routledge, 2015.