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).
Information on the use of artificial intelligence tools
In the preparation of the semester project or other assigned work, level 2 of the scale of the use of artificial intelligence tools is permitted, i.e. artificial intelligence may be used to, among other things, brainstorm, structure and generate ideas for improving the project. However, the final version of the project/presentation must not include any content generated by artificial intelligence.
Course coordinators
Term 2025L: | Term 2024L: |
Type of course
Learning outcomes
On completion of this course, student should be able to:
- understand the different concepts of the future of the EU (W11, W12)
- asses the benefits and costs of different policy options, including the depth of integration and the extent of EU enlargement (W11, U05, K05)
- use the conceptual and theoretical tools of EU studies to understand, explain and propose solutions to the issues and challenges facing European integration (W12, U05, K02)
- efficiently work in groups of varied size (K01)
- form, evaluate and express arguments and counterarguments in a discussion (K01, K02, K05)
Assessment criteria
1. Attendance is mandatory, but two absences during semester are allowed.
2. The final grade will result from:
a. active participation during classes,
b. presentation on contemporary European political debates,
c. test results.