Université catholique de Louvain
Interdisciplinary seminar 'Thinking Europe' [LEUSL2051]
The interdisciplinary seminar 'Thinking Europe' aims to propose a comprehensive perspective on Europe as simultaneously a geographic space, a diplomatic organisation of States, a civilizational and cultural entity, as well as a programme of legal and political unification embodied by the European Union.
These different categories cannot be reduced one to another and must be seen in interaction, as examples taken from current events will show (Ukraine and the EU's enlargement; the case of the United Kingdom). In the context of the 2016 commemoration at the UCL of the 500 years of Thomas More's Utopia, this year a number of sessions in the seminar will address the relationship between European integration, utopic thinking and the promise of 'eternal peace'.
This is a course given in the 2-year Master “European studies”
Pluralism and cultural diversity in Europe [LEURO1304]
The history of the states and peoples on the European continent can be understood through a basic tension between unity and diversity. This perspective also applies to post-war European integration. This course aims to understand recent and current events from a long-term perspective. After analyzing some key political and cultural movements from European history (Antiquity, Christianity, Enlightenment, nationalism), this course will focus on European integration as such. Particular attention will be given to the European Council of Heads of State or Government as a theatre of confrontation and unity, as a very specific place where the Twenty-Eight swing between unavoidable conflicts and need of compromise. Other topics include the borders of Europe (United Kingdom, Turkey, Russia); European symbols, heritage, representation; and European peoples' imaginary spheres.
This is a course given in the Minor in European Studies for Bachelor students
Universiteit Antwerpen
Introduction to the foundations of the European values: a general exploration [Bachelor]
XXXXXX
European values in transforming societies: theories and insights [Master]
The goal of this course is to broader the knowledge and understanding of ‘European values’ provided in the bachelor course. This is primarily done by discussing several specific theories that focus on the fundamental transformations that European societies are experiencing and how they are engaging with these phenomena. Students are supposed to be able to discuss these issues from a variety of standpoints and to apply these insights and the methodologies discussed in their own research.
The first part of the course focuses on specific theories that address the issue of values, democracy, social cohesion and equality in diversifying societies. More in particular, questions on the differences and similarities between value orientations, life goals and aspirations and strategies between various social groups will be discussed.
The second part of the course focuses on specific case studies that address these issues in the realms of political cooperation (rainbow theory; the EU project), radicalization and nationalism.