European Debate 2105-EPE-L-D6EUDE
The course intends to show how the contemporary debates on Europe and European integration relate to the different theoretical approaches and concepts for the future of Europe rather than being strictly focused on political competition and rhetoric. Students gain a well-established knowledge of the socio-political and economic challenges of contemporary Europe seen though the lens of the theories of European integration. They learn to diagnose contemporary problems faced by European states and institutions and discuss their solution and are able to reference relevant theoretical perspectives. They are ready to discuss the most important aspects of the functioning of contemporary European states and EU institutions.
List of topics (the exact distribution of topics among classes will be announced at the beginning of semester):
1. Introduction.
2. Is “an ever closer union” the right objective?
3. Who makes the big decisions in the EU?
4. Why are there so many crises?
5. Is the EU in disequilibrium?
6. Why is European integration differentiated?
7. Will the EU disintegrate?
8. Can the past help explain the present?
9. What is “good governance”?
10. Is there a European identity?
11. What kind of power can the EU be in world politics?
12. What is the future of the EU?
13. Contemporary European political debates. (Presentations).
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
On completion of this course, student should be able to:
• understand what the different concepts of the future of the EU;
• sum up main features of the European model of political system;
• evaluate the role of the EU as a normative power;
• asses the impact of further enlargement of the EU;
• explain the process of radicalization and point out main actions of the EU to combat extremism;
• show the role of the EU policy-making;
• compare main challenges in the relations of the EU with China and US with China;
• develop own knowledge and competences;
• improve ability to work in groups;
• engage in expressing thoughts clearly, orally and through written work.
Assessment criteria
1. Attendance is mandatory, but two absences during semester are allowed.
2. The final grade will result from:
a. 30% – active participation during classes,
b. 35% – presentation on contemporary European political debates (prepared in teams of two students),
c. 35% – test results.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: