Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to to provide basics in understanding how Europe is a construction and a constant process.
The course gives an historically oriented perspective to the present. The approach of the course is to demonstrate how the past is in the present and present makes the future.

Contents

Constructivism as a theoretical approach for the course; Different ways of understanding Europe; Where is Europe and its borders; European identity – is it to be found and common European myths; Alternatives to what we have had – moments of alternatives in the European history; Dreams about peace in Europe; The construction of Europe – the Northern European case; Disintegration in integration – regionalism in Europe, Conclusion.
Concentrated overviews of the topics will be given in lectures and in the course material provided on the course website. Students will deepen their own understanding by writing an essay on a chosen topic. The essay can be based on lectures and on provided course material but additional material can also be used.

Teaching language

English

Evaluation

Numeric 1-5.

Recommended year of study

Autumn 2009.

Study materials

 

- Elbe, Stefan: Europe. A Nietschean Perspective. Routledge 2003. (168pp)

- Cederman, Lars-Erik (ed.): Constructing Europe’s Identity. The External Dimension. Lynne Rienner Publisher 2001. (Chapters 2 (35-56); 6 (141-164) and 10 (233-256)

- Dunkerley, David, Lesley Hodgson, Stanislaw Konopacki, Tony Spybey, Andrew Thompson: Changing Europe. Identities, Nations and Citizens. Routledge 2002. Chapters 3 (23-41); 5 (65-79); 8 (109-125) and 11 (157-169)

Belongs to following study modules