History of European integration 2900-4EU-MK1-HEI-KL

The theme of the course is European integration history writ large, encompassing not only the history of the European Union and of its forerunner since 1950, but also all forms of European cooperation with an element of institutional formalization, from 1919 onwards. The course includes in depth sessions on the history of the League of Nations and the post war process of European integration. However, the history of other international and European organisations can also be explored such as the Council of Europe, OEEC/OECD, NATO, the Comecon (the organisation of economic cooperation of the Eastern bloc) and the OSCE (the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe created in 1975).
The course explores the social and political forces that gave rise to European cooperation. It includes analyses of the societal actors that either underpinned or opposed closer European integration, ranging from non-state actors such as transnational political party organizations, professional associations and stable cartels among companies. Hence the course touches on a wide variety of sub-disciplines, including political, economic, social, cultural, legal, diplomatic and military history.
The course also includes training in archival methodology.
This is a challenging course that is taught in English and requires serious preparation in order benefit from the field trip to Florence and the accessibility of archival documentation from international archives. However, it is also a unique opportunity to participate in an international learning environment alongside French and Polish master students. The end of the course is a paper seminar in Copenhagen on 27-28 May 2024, which will function as an academic conference where students can present examen papers in progress and receive commentary and advice from their co-students and the teachers.