| Main themes |
This course will cover topics related to Europe's heritages, identity and cultural diversity. Whilst pluralism can be presented as an asset which takes diverse threads and brings them together into a place of exchange, a starting point on the road towards unity (cf. the Union's motto, 'United in diversity'), individual States, almost by definition, do not open up to others, since they are an established, set, institutionalised quantity in society. Nationality stamps the mark of a State on individuals, and geographical borders define its legal limits. In terms of openness, States make concessions only in the area of sovereignty. The course will look at the language aspect, showing how languages define the territory of a culture, and can be regional, national or international. It will cover the religious aspects of culture, emphasising how religions have become a rich source of anthropological values, and the geographical dimension, examining the borders of Europe, particularly those to the East. It will be important to show how the unifying restructuring of the concept of a 'defined space' has had certain consequences, including the free movement of citizens and goods within the territory of the Union, as well as the single currency - an expression of economic union within this 'defined space'. In short, a direct link will be made between cultural diversity within a defined space and the European project. Particular attention will also be given to the geopolitical consequences, particularly in Eastern Europe.
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