This course will introduce you to four major issues that shape European social and political life today: 1) the struggle over what makes for a national/European identity, and how contested national identities matter to European democratic politics; 2) the role of institutions in shaping popular representation; 3) dealing with immigration and the single currency; 4) foreign and security policy especially in regard to Eastern/Central Europe and Russia. Each section will conclude with a comparative class discussion on the way such issues matter also to US political and civic life.
This is an writing intensive course and you will be asked to write a 12-15 page research essay on a European country of your choice. Several assignments, preceded by a writing workshop, will help you complete your final essay. The course will consist of lectures with PPTs, class discussions and group work, and at least one guest lecturer working in a local business connected with Europe. Indeed this course aims at preparing you to live and work in a deeply interconnected world, with special attention to the historical, social, political and economic ties between the US and Europe.
Small changes will be made to the draft syllabus posted here, but the main themes, most readings and the assignments will remain as indicated in the draft syllabus.
25%: Participation (attendance and engagement in class discussions, in-class quizzes)
10%: 2 posts on Canvas (one news story with comment, one post preparing one of the three class debates based on readings5%: Final in-class short paper (reflections on the course, you show up, you write, you get your 5%)
60% research paper (divided in five assignments, which will help you choose your topic, find references, develop research question and write the paper, see draft syllabus for details).