Links:
[1] http://www.iesabroad.org/study-abroad/programs/european-union
[2] http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/index_en.htm
[3] http://www.europarl.eu.int
[4] http://www.cor.europa.eu/
[5] http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/eurostat/
[6] http://www.iue.it
[7] http://www.euractiv.com
[8] http://www.eubusiness.com
[9] http://www.are-regions-europe.org
Regions in the European Union
This course focuses on the various regions of the European Union and their role in EU polity and politics. It explores the histories, politics and economics of certain economically successful EU regions such as Baden-Württemberg, but also explains the historical background, current conflicts and possible solutions in politically troubled EU regions such as the Basque Country and Northern Ireland. After an analysis of the European Union’s involvement in regional affairs, the seminar concludes with reflections about the future of regions and nations in the European Union and eventual lessons to be learned from Europe’s integration example.
The class topic “EU and its regions” will be presented from five major angles:
Introduction: Concepts and definitions
Case Studies: Federalism, Regionalism and Nationalism – The Regional Question in Selected European
Regions and Countries
Violent Conflicts about regional identities in the EU
The European Union’s Regional Policy and Regions as actors in EU politics
Conclusions: Europe of the regions – myth or model?
Course in Political Science or post World War II European history
Students will be introduced to the concepts of regions and regionalization in the context of the European Union and Europe. They should develop an understanding of the role and importance of regional politics and polities in a globalizing world and in the EU. In addition, questions of identity construction and competing histories should be investigated in the context of European nations without a state (e.g. the Basque country). Moreover, through field studies students can experience the dynamics of regionalization in Europe and witness the concrete work done by regional actors in Europe. Finally, students will gain a deeper understanding of those European regions that the course discusses in detail. (3 credits)
Lectures, group work, seminar discussions, field study
Reading and written assignments, active participation in seminar discussions and classroom work, final exam, semester research project
Assignment % of Grade
Participation (Reading and written assignments 60%, in-class participation 40%) 25%
2-3 page response essay to Goodbye Lenin 05% Semester research project consisting of … 45%
05% 2-3 page project outline
15% 8-10 page draft paper
25% 13-15 page final paper
Final exam 25%
Seminar discussions are based upon the compulsory readings, the written assignments accompanying the readings and the teaching introductions to the subject given in each session. Moreover, students have to participate in various forms of group work during the sessions. The participation grade is made up of two components: the reading and written assignments (60%) and in-class participation (40%). Students have to complete all required readings. This is checked by the written assignments accompanying the readings. All assignments refer to the readings listed for the respective classes. They are designed to guide students’ reading of the text, to facilitate productive discussion in class and to prepare classroom / field trip work - in
short they should help enhance the learning experience. Written assignments not handed in on time or not fulfilled in a satisfactory manner will lead to a 3 point deduction of a total of 60 points (60% of participation
grade). If students miss a class they will have to hand in the written assignment via e-mail 11:59 pm on the
day it was due to avoid a late penalty (unless providing a doctor’s notice, which postpones the deadline to the next class). In class participation is graded on quantity and quality of participation in all class activities.
The response essay (2-3 pages) should present students’ reactions and responses to the movie Goodbye Lenin, which is watched the session before the essay is due. Students should reflect upon the issue of the “German divide” and about how the movie represents this divide. Students should also integrate the reading for the class (by Roger Hillman) in the essay. Essays also form the basis for class discussion on the movie.
The semester research project is a comprehensive term paper and the preliminary work required for an academic research paper. Therefore it should be started early on in the semester. It consists of three parts: a project outline (2-3 pages), a draft version of the paper (8-10 pages) and a final paper (13-15 pages). The project outline needs to provide the topic, the thesis and a draft of the argumentative structure. Moreover, students need to list sources you plan to use or have already consulted. The draft version of the paper is a first attempt at realizing your outline. In essence is should be written and structured like any research paper, but it can still include certain “holes.” The term paper must meet high standards in terms of writing, argumentation and research as its construction is thoroughly prepared with assistance from the instructor. Students who try to write this paper during one afternoon might be unpleasantly surprised by their grade. Generally, the paper must meet the academic standards set by the IES Abroad EU Center and the course instructor. Students can find a more detailed description of the various tasks, expectations and formal criteria on a separate handout (distributed in class). Moreover, this handout and the projects will be the topic of a preparatory class. There will be suggested topics. However, students may write about other topics but should verify these with the instructor.
The Final exam consists of essay questions dealing with the broad issues discussed in class and with specific regions.
I. GEOGRAPHY, HISTORY AND CONCEPTS OF REGIONS IN EUROPE
1. Regions in Europe – An Overview and an Example
What are regions? / What are European regions? / European vs. American regions / German Federalism and the role of the Bundesrat
2. Field Trip Meeting: The Workings of German Federalism and the Bundesrat
N.N. Briefing at the Bundesrat, Berlin
Readings: Konrad Reuter, The Bundesrat. The Federal Council of the Federal Republic of Germany.
3. Regions, Regionalism and the EU – Concepts and Definitions
The idea of the region / Top-down regionalism / Bottom-up regionalism / Regional space / Regions as institutions / Regional autonomy and power / The regions in the EU: Competency problems, ‘Let us In!’ or
‘Leave us Alone!’ and the future
Readings: Michael Keating, “Is There a Regional Level of Government in Europe?”; Charlie Jeffery, “Regions and the European Union: Letting them In, and Leaving them Alone.”
II. CASE STUDIES: FEDERALISM, REGIONALISM AND NATIONALISM – THE REGIONAL QUESTION IN SELECTED EUROPEAN REGIONS AND COUNTRIES
4. German Federalism – For Example Baden-Württemberg
German federalism revisited – Insights from the field trips briefing / Baden-Württemberg as a leading region in Europe and Germany / Baden vs. Württemberg
Reading: Reinhold Weber and Iris Häuser (eds.), Baden-Württemberg – A Portrait of the German
Southwest (excerpts)
5. 20 Years of German (Re-)Unification I: The Continued German Divide?
History and organization of German federalism / Issues of German federalism: Political blockage and the
East-West divide
Readings: Economist, “Getting back together is so hard;” David P. Conradt, “Political Culture in Unified
Germany. The First Ten Years.”
6. 20 Years of German (Re-)Unification II: Movie Session - Goodbye Lenin
The German Divide / Past, Present and Future
7. 20 Years of German (Re-)Unification III: Representing the German Divide - Goodbye Lenin
Reflection Session
Discussion of the movie on the basis of reaction essays
Readings: Roger Hillman, “Goodbye Lenin (2003): History in the Subjunctive.”
8. Belgium – Wallonia and Flanders: Centrifugal Federalism and Consociational Democracy
Development of Belgian Federalism / Consociational Democracy / Centrifugal Federalism
Readings: Jaak Billiet et al, “Does Belgium (still) exist? Differences in political culture between Flemings and Walloons;” Wilfried Swenden et al, “The politics of Belgium: Institutions and policy under bipolar and centrifugal federalism” (excerpts); Wilfried Swenden and Maarten Theo Jans, “’Will it stay or will it go?’ Federalism and the sustainability of Belgium” (excerpts); BBC News, “Viewers fooled by ‘Belgium Split’”
9. Field Trip Meeting II: The Belgian Nation and Flanders between Europeanization and
Regionalization
Axel Buyse, General Representative of the Flemish Government to the EU, Briefing at the Permanent
Representation of Belgium to the EU
10.Semester Project Preparation Session / Reflection on Field Trip Meeting
Finding a topic / How to write a research paper / Purpose and content of the outline / The draft paper / The final paper
Readings: How to write a research paper (handout)
11.France – Alsace: A historic cultural region in a centralized state
Alsace’s role and position in France / Alsatian history between Germany and France / Alsace as a cultural region in France today
Readings: Kate Glazier, “Alsace – A Sartrean-Eye View of the Region”
12.Field Trip to the Zeller Abtsberg Winzer eG (regional vinery)
Briefing and discussion of regional winemaking and EU agricultural politics with regards to the wine industry; Tour of the vineyard (weather permitting); wine tasting
Readings: Reinhold Weber and Iris Häuser (eds.), Baden-Württemberg – A Portrait of the German
Southwest (p.88-89)
13.United Kingdom – Devolving a State of Unions
Democratizing the state of unions / Asymmetrical Devolution
Readings: Charlie Jeffery and Daniel Wincott, “Devolution in the United Kingdom: Statehood and Citizenship in Transition;” Economist, “A question that can no longer be avoided;” Economist, “County Pride”; R.D. Kernohan, “Scotland on the Brink?”
14.Italy – Political Regionalism and the North-South Divide
Italy’s North-South Divide / The Lega Nord and “northern identity” in Padania
Readings: Daniele Albertazzi, “’Back to our roots’ or self-confessed manipulation? The uses of the past in the Lega Nord’s positing of Padania”
15.Spain – Catalonia: A Historic Nation in a Centrifugal System
Regional Autonomy in Spain / Catalonia between nationalism and regional autonomy
Readings: Kathryn Crameri, “Banal Catalanism?”; John Carlin, “An ethical nation, full of bluster.”
III. VIOLENT REGIONALISM – EUROPE’S MOST TROUBLED REGIONS, THE CONSTRUCTION OF IDENTITY AND THE ”SOLUTIONS” TO THEIR PROBLEMS
16.The Basque Country in Spain – Nationalist Separatism
History, Politics and EU affairs in the Basque Country / Economy and Society in the Basque Country / Separatism and ETA Terrorism
Readings: Diego Muro, “Nationalism and Nostalgia: The Case of Radical Basque Nationalism.”
17.The Balkans – From Regions in a Multi-ethnic State to Nation States in Ethnic Conflict
Yugoslavia as a Multi-ethnic State / The Balkan Wars / The Balkans Today / EU Perspectives
Readings: Fatos Tarifa and Peter Lucas, “The End of Balkan History.”; Respective “national” reading for expert groups
18.Northern Ireland - United to the Kingdom?
History, Politics and EU affairs in Northern Ireland / Economy, Religion and Society in Northern Ireland / EU role in Northern Ireland Peace efforts
Readings: Thomas Hennessey, The Northern Ireland Peace Process (excerpts); Inforegio Panorama, “In aid of peace and reconciliation”
IV. THE EUROPEAN UNION’S REGIONAL POLICY AND THE ROLE OF THE REGIONS IN THE EU
19.EU Regional Policy – Institutions, implementation and activities
EU Regional Policy – basic facts and developments over time / Decision-making, implementation and programs / EU Regional Development and Cohesion Funds
Readings: David Allen, “Cohesion and the Structural Funds.”
20.Representing the regions at EU level: The Committee of the Regions (CoR) and Regional liaison offices in Brussels
CoR - Composition and competences / Regional liaison offices in Brussels / Limits and Deficits of Regional
EU lobbying
Readings: Charlie Jeffery, “Social and Regional Interests – The Economic and Social Committee and Committee of the Regions” (excerpts); Joakim Nergelius, “The Committee of the Regions Today and in the Future – A Critical Overview”
V. EUROPE AND ITS REGIONS – CONSEQUENCES AND CONCLUSIONS FOR THE EU AND NATION STATES
21.Outlook: The Constitution and the European Regions
Europe and its regions – final assessment / Settling regional conflicts, managing regional diversities in the
EU – Pros and cons of a Europe of the Regions
Readings: John Loughlin, “The Regional Question, Subsidiarity and the Future of Europe.”
22.Final exam on sessions 1-21
Albertazzi, Daniele. “’Back to our Roots’ or Self-confessed Manipulation? The Uses of the Past in the Lega
Nord’s Positing of Padania.” National Identities 8 (2006): 21-39.
Allen, David. “Cohesion and the Structural Funds – Transfers and Trade-Offs.” Policy-Making in the European
Union Wallace. Eds. Helen & William Wallace. Oxford/New York: Oxford UP, 2005 (5th edition). 243-263. “A Question that can no longer be avoided.” Economist (08 July 2006): 52.
Billiet, Jaak, Bart Maddens and André-Paul Frognier. “Does Belgium (still) Exist? Differences in Political Culture between Flemings and Walloons.” West European Politics 29 (2006): 912 – 932.
Carlin, John. “An Ethical Nation, Full of Bluster.” New Statesman (16 June 2003): 22.
Conradt, David P. “Political Culture in Unified Germany. The First Ten Years.” German Politics and Society 63 (2002): 43-74.
Crameri, Kathryn. “Banal Catalanism?” National Identities 2 (2000): 145-157. “County Pride.” Economist (30 Sep. 2006): 66.
“Getting back together is so hard.” Economist (18 Sep. 2004): 58.
Glazier, Kate. “Alsace – A Sartrean-Eye View of the Region.” France: Nation and Regions. Eds. Michael Kelly and Rosemary Böck. Southampton: University of Southampton, 1993. 198-206.
Hennessey, Thomas. The Northern Ireland Peace Process. Dublin: Gill & Macmillan, 2000. (excerpts)
Hillman, Roger. “Goodbye Lenin (2003): History in the Subjunctive.” Rethinking History 10 (2006): 221-237. Jeffery, Charlie. “Social and Regional Interests: ESC and the Committee of the Regions.” The Institutions of
the European Union. Eds. John Peterson and Michael Shackleton. Oxford/New York: Oxford UP, 2006 (2nd
edition). 326-346.
Jeffery, Charlie. “Regions and the European Union: Letting them In, and Leaving them Alone.” The Role of
Regions and Sub-national Actors in Europe. Eds. Stephen Weatherill and Ulf Bernitz. Oxford: Hart
Publishing, 2005. 33-45.
Jeffery, Charlie and Daniel Wincott. “Devolution in the United Kingdom: Statehood and Citizenship in
Transition.” Publius: The Journal of Federalism 36 (2006): 3-18.
Keating, Michael. “Is There a Regional Level of Government in Europe?” Regions in Europe. Ed. Patrick Le
Galés. London: Routledge, 1998. 11-29.
Kernohan, R.D. “Scotland on the Brink?” Contemporary Review 289 (2007): 156-160.
Loughlin, John. “The Regional Question, Subsidiarity and the Future of Europe.” The Role of Regions and Sub- national Actors in Europe. Eds. Stephen Weatherill & Ulf Bernitz. Oxford: Hart Publishing, 2005. 157-170.
Muro, Diego. “Nationalism and Nostalgia: The Case of Radical Basque Nationalism.” Nations and Nationalism
11 (2005): 571-590.
Nergelius, Joakim. “The Committee of the Regions Today and in the Future – A Critical Overview.” The Role of Regions and Sub-national Actors in Europe. Eds. Stephen Weatherill and Ulf Bernitz. Oxford: Hart Publishing, 2005. 119-130.
Konrad Reuter, The Bundesrat. The Federal Council of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Swenden, Wilfried and Theo Maarten. “’Will it Stay or Will it Go?’ Federalism and the Sustainability of
Belgium.” West European Politics 29 (2006): 888-894.
Swenden, Wilfried, Marleen Brans and Lieven De Winter. “The Politics of Belgium: Institutions and Policy under Bipolar and Centrifugal Federalism.” West European Politics 29 (2006): 863-869.
Weber, Reinhold & Iris Häuser (eds.). Baden-Württemberg – A Portrait of the German South West. Stuttgart: Landeszentrale für Politische Bildung Baden-Württemberg, 20086. 1-7, 9-23, 28-49, 54-59, 62-69 82-89.
Further Information Sources on EU Affairs: Academic Journals (specialized on EU affairs):
InfoRegio News (European Commission Newsletter on Regional Policy), Journal of Common Market Studies, European Foreign Affairs Review; integration (in German); West European Politics; Nations and Nationalism
Newspapers:
Financial Times (daily), International Herald Tribune (daily), European Voice (weekly)
EU-related Websites:
European Commission DG Regional Policy http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/index_en.htm [2]
European Parliament www.europarl.eu.int [3]
Committee of the Regions http://www.cor.europa.eu/ [4]
Eurostat EU Statistical Office www.europa.eu.int/comm/eurostat/ [5]
European University Institute (Florence) www.iue.it [6]
EurActiv.com www.euractiv.com [7] EUBusiness.com www.eubusiness.com [8] Assembly of the European Regions www.are-regions-europe.org [9]
Hubertus Zander is a PhD candidate at the Institute for North American Studies at the Albert-Ludwigs- University Freiburg. He earned a Magister Artium (Master of Arts) in Political Science, English Philology and Economics at Freiburg University with a thesis on the regional effects of electoral systems in Germany and Canada. Moreover, he studied International and Canadian Politics at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Aside from teaching at the IES EU Center he has taught seminars on the European Union for the Landeszentrale fuer Politische Bildung, Freiburg. As a real Freiburger he has experienced the regional aspects of European integration since childhood, benefiting from the city’s proximity to France and the culinary pleasures it has to offer.