5 credits
30.0 h
Q2
Teacher(s)
Gijs Anne-Sophie; Weymans Wim;
Language
French
Prerequisites
None.
Main themes
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 time perspective. After analysing 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 constantly 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. The course also intends to go beyond a euro-centric framework to explore how other civilisations and continents perceive Europe.
The second part of the course will focus on the study of relations between Europe and Africa from the point of view of mentality and connected histories. The objective will be, first of all, to identify the political, economic and social features of each continent and to analyse the motives for and consequences of their mutual contact and exchanges, by looking back throughout history. We will then analyse relations between the European Union and Africa in the modern era, comparing rhetorical ideals and legal standards with the real-life situation. To do this, we will use case studies on development cooperation, trade, conflict prevention/management and migration. We will also look more widely at the symbolic and identity-related aspects of Euro-African relations, conditioned by the images and roles assumed by the continents "within themselves", "with regard to each other" and "in relation to the rest of the world".
The second part of the course will focus on the study of relations between Europe and Africa from the point of view of mentality and connected histories. The objective will be, first of all, to identify the political, economic and social features of each continent and to analyse the motives for and consequences of their mutual contact and exchanges, by looking back throughout history. We will then analyse relations between the European Union and Africa in the modern era, comparing rhetorical ideals and legal standards with the real-life situation. To do this, we will use case studies on development cooperation, trade, conflict prevention/management and migration. We will also look more widely at the symbolic and identity-related aspects of Euro-African relations, conditioned by the images and roles assumed by the continents "within themselves", "with regard to each other" and "in relation to the rest of the world".
Aims
At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to : | |
| 1 | Introducing students to the tension between unity and diversity through the European cultural and political long-term history but also in the light of the more recent challenges specific to European integration, since the beginning of the 1950s until today. Then, by encouraging them to look at things from different angles and use comparative methods, the objective is to develop students' critical thinking and make them aware of the issues that arise in historiographical and even modern political discussions. |
The contribution of this Teaching Unit to the development and command of the skills and learning outcomes of the programme(s) can be accessed at the end of this sheet, in the section entitled “Programmes/courses offering this Teaching Unit”.
Content
Europe’s history over the past 25 centuries can be viewed in terms of a fundamental tension between unity and diversity. The development of the European Union can also be seen from this angle.
The first part of this course will aim to study the historical development and political, economic and cultural specificities of the countries of Europe and Africa, highlighting the tensions between ‘unity’ and ‘diversity’. We will consider, in particular, ‘regional’ integration models, the challenges generated by these, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the challenges engendered in Africa. Taking topical examples from current affairs, we will identify the specific obstacles to interregional cooperation between the European Union and the African Union. These topical cases will raise issues of political governance, development cooperation, trade, migration, and conflict prevention and/or management.
The second part of the course will link long and short-term issues, up to the present day. Having shown how challenging diversity has proven to be in the modern era (wars of religion, discovery of the ‘New World’), students will examine the various mechanisms established over time to manage this diversity (such as the creation of the modern State, the market and the law), at both national and European levels (e.g. the European Council of Heads of State or Government as an arena for confrontation and unity, opposition and permanent consensus-seeking between the EU28). We will also consider the collective shared European memory, as enshrined in the new ‘House of European History’.
The first part of this course will aim to study the historical development and political, economic and cultural specificities of the countries of Europe and Africa, highlighting the tensions between ‘unity’ and ‘diversity’. We will consider, in particular, ‘regional’ integration models, the challenges generated by these, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the challenges engendered in Africa. Taking topical examples from current affairs, we will identify the specific obstacles to interregional cooperation between the European Union and the African Union. These topical cases will raise issues of political governance, development cooperation, trade, migration, and conflict prevention and/or management.
The second part of the course will link long and short-term issues, up to the present day. Having shown how challenging diversity has proven to be in the modern era (wars of religion, discovery of the ‘New World’), students will examine the various mechanisms established over time to manage this diversity (such as the creation of the modern State, the market and the law), at both national and European levels (e.g. the European Council of Heads of State or Government as an arena for confrontation and unity, opposition and permanent consensus-seeking between the EU28). We will also consider the collective shared European memory, as enshrined in the new ‘House of European History’.
Teaching methods
Initially, by encouraging students to look outwards and use a comparative methodology, they should develop a critical appreciation of the role and actions of the EU and European States in the world, from the colonial period until the current system of global governance. They will then be helped to discern tensions between unity and diversity in the cultural and political history of Europe, in the modern era and in the light of the challenges involved in European integration.
Evaluation methods
The written examination will test students on the material covered in the course. It may include essay-type questions requiring the ability to summarise and argue cogently, as well as ‘current affairs’ questions, which require the student to make sensible links between particular data/concepts/ideas addressed in the course and issues currently in the news.
Online resources
The PowerPoints from the classes, the bibliography and practical information are all available and can be downloaded from the course Moodle platform.
Bibliography
- Les powerpoints des séances, la bibliographie et les informations d'ordre pratique sont disponibles et téléchargeables sur la plateforme Moodle du cours.
Teaching materials
- Les powerpoints des séances, la bibliographie et les informations d'ordre pratique sont disponibles et téléchargeables sur la plateforme Moodle du cours.
Faculty or entity
EURO
