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FUBiS Term III: The European Union in the 21st Century - Internal & External Challenges
(Course # 2.4)
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Type: |
A Track |
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Instructor(s): |
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Language: |
English |
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Contact hours: |
48 (6 contact hours per day) |
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Credit Points: |
4 Credit Points |
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Capacity: |
18 |
Course description
In the first two weeks this course will provide an introduction to the European Union. Starting with the basics of the European integration process, i.e. the historical origin and evolution of the EU and its institutional structures up to today, the second week will deal with the basics of the Union`s external relations and specifically with the evolution of the common foreign and security policy.
In the third and fourth week current internal and external challenges for the European Union will be analyzed and discussed with experts.
The sessions dealing with internal questions concentrate on the reform of the institutional setting after the enlargement rounds in 2004 and 2007 and on the background of the new reform treaty, the Treaty of Lisbon. Furthermore, issues of identity, citizenship and democracy will be discussed. The evolution of economic integration up to the currency union, the consequences of Eastward enlargement are also on the agenda.
The ‘external dimension’ of the integration process analyzes the EU’s relations to other areas of the world. e.g. North America and specifically to the US. Moreover, the potential of the European Union as an ‘emerging power’ on a regional as well as a global scale will be discussed. The Union’s role in regional conflicts, e.g. its involvement in the Bosnian or Kosovo conflict, its role in multilateral negotiations as the CSCE/ OSCE and its position within the European network of ‘interlocking institutions’ will also be on the agenda. If students express specific interests in other topics or case studies sessions can be adjusted.
Morning sessions take place in class room with lectures, student presentations and discussions. After lunch we go to the city and discuss the topics from the morning sessions with international experts in the German capital.
Grading:
Participation: 40 %
Oral presentations: 30%
Final paper: 30%
Student profile
Students from different countries, academic levels and backgrounds, who are generally interested in European integration will benefit from each other in an intercultural and interdisciplinary learning process.
Former classes consisted of regular students and practitioners such as civil servants, communication experts, young politicians and even members of parliaments.
The course does not require special knowledge about European politics, law, history or culture, but participants should be interested in more than just their field of specialization.
In class participation, especially in the discussions with experts, is essential for the course success and plays an important role in grading.
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