This course is a study of the various aspects, policies and levels of the political structures, formation, and development of the European Union, as well as of Germany’s role in the process of the European Integration. Special emphasis will be put on the analysis of the political challenges that lie ahead. Why is Germany an essential part of the equation? Why is the rest of Europe looking towards Germany for leadership? Students will be introduced to key players like the European Council, European Parliament, other EU institutions and their German equivalents. With the newfound insight into these institutions the students will be able to investigate the European Integration Process from different angles: the German, European and also the transatlantic perspective.
In general, students will develop both intercultural awareness and competencies, including a fresh perspective on the students’ home country, as well as a deeper understanding of the history and the political processes of the European Integration Process plus future challenges.
The course wants to encourage the participants to think “out of the box” and to analyse on their own the substance, the background and the future of the complex European Integration Process, basing their judgments on academic debate, key documents, basic facts and first-hand reliable information sources.
The above objectives will be achieved by an effective mixture of teaching and learning techniques, including class room lectures and discussions, role play, independent study, and first-hand experience on a field trip (including personal encounters with EU officials).
Attendance policy:
Tests missed during unexcused absences cannot be made up!
The use of laptop computers (or iPads) during class is not permitted. Cell phones are to be switched off.
Learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Analyze the historical background and the political development of the EU.
Explain the political structure and the institutions of the EU, its competencies and tasks.
Understand, analyze and discuss Germany’s role in the EU.
Better understand and analyze different approaches to common and future European challenges.
Differentiate German and European perspectives through a growth in intercultural understanding.
Method of presentation:
Lectures, student summaries, seminar discussions, group work, and role play.
Most of the course material will be presented in class by the professor in lecture form. However, students are expected to discuss the readings for each class with their fellow students and their professor. Additional material comes from Moodle. This platform is also the place to share assignments and to follow recent developments in the EU. Participation is part of the student’s grade, therefore it is expected that all students contribute during classes.
Field study:
“Germany and the EU – A view from within” Meeting with German MEP at the European Parliament in Strasbourg
Required work and form of assessment:
The final grade will be based on reading assignments, oral presentation, active participation and small homework assignments (30%), term paper (25%) midterm (20%) and final exam (25%). Class attendance is mandatory.
Oral Presentations, Participation, and Homework Assignments
Seminar discussions are based upon the compulsory readings and teaching introductions to the subject given at each session. The students are expected to join the debate with (prepared) questions and points related to the readings and with new ideas related to the course topic in general. If needed, tests on readings will be held, depending on students’ engagement and cooperation.
Who is who? - Team Presentation (slideshow, 15 minutes presentation, Moodle-Thread) of the European Institutions and their key players. Preparation: European Union (2012) websites.
The strategy paper (2-3 pages) should present your countries’ positions and actions in the political debate the class is discussing as a case study. You should reflect upon the issue of a common European Energy Policy and how your side sees the current state of the debate. You might also describe how the debate in your country represents different approaches within the EU on this subject. The strategy paper also forms the basis for our class discussion (mock debate) on the topic.
Midterm and Final Exam
The midterm and final exam consist of a number of (shorter) questions on different aspects of the topics discussed in class (main facts and dates, political assessment of certain aspects of the European Integration Process, proposals and ideas for the future development) and an essay question.
Term Paper
The term paper (10-12 pages; cover page, tables, figures, and references excluded) will be written on a seminar-related topic and has to meet specific standards for font, spacing, and sources (a 2-page handout with these specifications and anti-plagiarism warnings will be handed out in class). Each student must turn in an outline of the term paper including a list of at least five bibliographical sources by a specific date given in class.
content:
Session 1 Introduction: Where is Europe? What is Europe? And what about Germany?
Session 2 “27 minus 1 or 17 plus x”? The Current situation of the EU.
Reading: Weidenfeld, Die Bilanz der Europäischen Integration 2011, pp. 1-22.
Session 3 Europe after World War II – First attempts at a Western European Union:
The Schuman Plan and the early years: European Integration 1950 - 1989
Readings: Brunn, pp. 34-51, 70-87, Mai Projekt Europa, pp. 174 - 201.
Session 4 Overcoming the Division of Europe and the Integration of Eastern European countries: European Integration 1989-2009
Reading: Judt, Das alte Europa – und das neue Europa, pp. 811-869, Berliner Erklärung 2007.
Session 4 "Carl Schurz Lecture": Perspektiven der transatlantischen Beziehungen
Session 6 Institutions of the EU I: The European Council and the European Parliament
Readings: Weidenfeld, Die Organe der EU, pp. 108 – 120, Europa 2012 pp. tbc
Session 7 Institutions of the EU II: EU Commission, the Council of Ministers and the EEAS
Readings: Weidenfeld, Die Organe der EU, pp. 121 – 145, Europa 2012 pp.
Session 8 Germany's political and economic position within the EU
Reading: Ley, pp .92-120, Grosser, pp. 99-133.
Session 9 The political importance of the European Monetary Union: The introduction of the Euro and its consequences for Germany.
Reading: IzPB Europa 2012, The EU and the €uro chapter
Session 10 Change or more of the same? The outcome of the US presidential election and its effect on Europe
Readings on Moodle
Session 11 Midterm
Session 12 The German Energiewende – A blueprint for the future of European Energy?
Reading on Moodle
Session 13 + 14 Germany and the EU
Local Fieldtrip – Plenary debate and meeting with a German MEP at the European Parliament in Strasbourg
Session 15 Here comes the sun – Simulation of a European Council meeting debate
Reading: Mai, pp. 201-229, EU members states profiles, student strategy paper.
Session 16 Germany within the EU and its position in the world I: What do we think of each other? Transatlantic Trends Survey 2012
Readings: German Marshall Fund Transatlantic Trends 2012
Session 17 German within the EU and its position in the world II: The Translatlantic Relationship
Readings: Yearbook of European Integration 2012
Session 18 Germany within the EU and its position in the world III: The reaction after 9/11 and the fight against new threats:
Readings: Greiner pp. 221-250, Heydemann, pp. 11-30, Rifkin, Frieden Schaffen, pp. 305-338.
Session 19 The European Union as a role model?
Readings: Rifkin, Das neue Land der unbegrenzten Möglichkeiten pp. 47-71, Posener pp. 208-218.
Session 20 Conclusion: Could the historical experiment of uniting the European continent fail?
The United States of Europe – utopia or realizable future?
Readings: Garton Ash, Was Europa sein kann, pp. 252-268,
Sheehan, Warum Europa keine Supermacht werden wird, pp. 241-267.
Das neue Land der unbegrenzten Möglichkeiten pp. 47-71.
Frieden schaffen, pp.305-338.
Sheehan, James J.: Kontinent der Gewalt – Europa langer Weg zum Frieden. Bonn 2008.
Warum Europa keine Supermacht werden wird, pp. 241-267.
Weidenfeld, Werner: Die Europäische Union. Paderborn. 2011.
Die Organe der EU, pp. 108 – 145.
Weidenfeld, Werner und Wolfgang Wessels (Hrsg.).
Jahrbuch der Europäischen Integration 2011. Baden-Baden. 2012 Die Bilanz der Europäischen Integration, pp. 1-22.
Die EU und der €uro chapter
Additional required reading consists of articles from current newspapers, political magazines and journals (like Der Spiegel, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Die Zeit and others), that will be distributed in class.
Recommended readings:
Gasteyger, Curt: Europa von der Spaltung zur Einigung. Bonn. 2001.
Mak, Geert: In Europa – Eine Reise durch das 20. Jahrhundert. München 2007.
Weidenfeld, Werner und Wolfgang Wessels (Hrsg.): Europa von A bis Z. Bonn. 2011.
Eric R. Schüler earned a master’s degree in European Law, Political Sciences and Modern History at the Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg with a thesis on the European Security and Defense Policy. Between 2002 and 2009 he worked as deputy chief of staff for a German MEP at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. He is now a lecturer at the University of Freiburg and is currently working on his dissertation. His focus lies on the European integration process, the future development of the EU and the German Political System.
This course is a study of the various aspects, policies and levels of the political structures, formation, and development of the European Union, as well as of Germany’s role in the process of the European Integration. Special emphasis will be put on the analysis of the political challenges that lie ahead. Why is Germany an essential part of the equation? Why is the rest of Europe looking towards Germany for leadership? Students will be introduced to key players like the European Council, European Parliament, other EU institutions and their German equivalents. With the newfound insight into these institutions the students will be able to investigate the European Integration Process from different angles: the German, European and also the transatlantic perspective.
In general, students will develop both intercultural awareness and competencies, including a fresh perspective on the students’ home country, as well as a deeper understanding of the history and the political processes of the European Integration Process plus future challenges.
The course wants to encourage the participants to think “out of the box” and to analyse on their own the substance, the background and the future of the complex European Integration Process, basing their judgments on academic debate, key documents, basic facts and first-hand reliable information sources.
The above objectives will be achieved by an effective mixture of teaching and learning techniques, including class room lectures and discussions, role play, independent study, and first-hand experience on a field trip (including personal encounters with EU officials).
Tests missed during unexcused absences cannot be made up!
The use of laptop computers (or iPads) during class is not permitted. Cell phones are to be switched off.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Lectures, student summaries, seminar discussions, group work, and role play.
Most of the course material will be presented in class by the professor in lecture form. However, students are expected to discuss the readings for each class with their fellow students and their professor. Additional material comes from Moodle. This platform is also the place to share assignments and to follow recent developments in the EU. Participation is part of the student’s grade, therefore it is expected that all students contribute during classes.
“Germany and the EU – A view from within” Meeting with German MEP at the European Parliament in Strasbourg
The final grade will be based on reading assignments, oral presentation, active participation and small homework assignments (30%), term paper (25%) midterm (20%) and final exam (25%). Class attendance is mandatory.
Oral Presentations, Participation, and Homework Assignments
Seminar discussions are based upon the compulsory readings and teaching introductions to the subject given at each session. The students are expected to join the debate with (prepared) questions and points related to the readings and with new ideas related to the course topic in general. If needed, tests on readings will be held, depending on students’ engagement and cooperation.
Who is who? - Team Presentation (slideshow, 15 minutes presentation, Moodle-Thread) of the European Institutions and their key players. Preparation: European Union (2012) websites.
The strategy paper (2-3 pages) should present your countries’ positions and actions in the political debate the class is discussing as a case study. You should reflect upon the issue of a common European Energy Policy and how your side sees the current state of the debate. You might also describe how the debate in your country represents different approaches within the EU on this subject. The strategy paper also forms the basis for our class discussion (mock debate) on the topic.
Midterm and Final Exam
The midterm and final exam consist of a number of (shorter) questions on different aspects of the topics discussed in class (main facts and dates, political assessment of certain aspects of the European Integration Process, proposals and ideas for the future development) and an essay question.
Term Paper
The term paper (10-12 pages; cover page, tables, figures, and references excluded) will be written on a seminar-related topic and has to meet specific standards for font, spacing, and sources (a 2-page handout with these specifications and anti-plagiarism warnings will be handed out in class). Each student must turn in an outline of the term paper including a list of at least five bibliographical sources by a specific date given in class.
Session 1 Introduction: Where is Europe? What is Europe? And what about Germany?
Session 2 “27 minus 1 or 17 plus x”? The Current situation of the EU.
Reading: Weidenfeld, Die Bilanz der Europäischen Integration 2011, pp. 1-22.
Session 3 Europe after World War II – First attempts at a Western European Union:
The Schuman Plan and the early years: European Integration 1950 - 1989
Readings: Brunn, pp. 34-51, 70-87, Mai Projekt Europa, pp. 174 - 201.
Session 4 Overcoming the Division of Europe and the Integration of Eastern European countries: European Integration 1989-2009
Reading: Judt, Das alte Europa – und das neue Europa, pp. 811-869, Berliner Erklärung 2007.
Session 4 "Carl Schurz Lecture": Perspektiven der transatlantischen Beziehungen
Session 6 Institutions of the EU I: The European Council and the European Parliament
Readings: Weidenfeld, Die Organe der EU, pp. 108 – 120, Europa 2012 pp. tbc
Session 7 Institutions of the EU II: EU Commission, the Council of Ministers and the EEAS
Readings: Weidenfeld, Die Organe der EU, pp. 121 – 145, Europa 2012 pp.
Session 8 Germany's political and economic position within the EU
Reading: Ley, pp .92-120, Grosser, pp. 99-133.
Session 9 The political importance of the European Monetary Union: The introduction of the Euro and its consequences for Germany.
Reading: IzPB Europa 2012, The EU and the €uro chapter
Session 10 Change or more of the same? The outcome of the US presidential election and its effect on Europe
Readings on Moodle
Session 11 Midterm
Session 12 The German Energiewende – A blueprint for the future of European Energy?
Reading on Moodle
Session 13 + 14 Germany and the EU
Local Fieldtrip – Plenary debate and meeting with a German MEP at the European Parliament in Strasbourg
Session 15 Here comes the sun – Simulation of a European Council meeting debate
Reading: Mai, pp. 201-229, EU members states profiles, student strategy paper.
Session 16 Germany within the EU and its position in the world I: What do we think of each other? Transatlantic Trends Survey 2012
Readings: German Marshall Fund Transatlantic Trends 2012
Session 17 German within the EU and its position in the world II: The Translatlantic Relationship
Readings: Yearbook of European Integration 2012
Session 18 Germany within the EU and its position in the world III: The reaction after 9/11 and the fight against new threats:
Readings: Greiner pp. 221-250, Heydemann, pp. 11-30, Rifkin, Frieden Schaffen, pp. 305-338.
Session 19 The European Union as a role model?
Readings: Rifkin, Das neue Land der unbegrenzten Möglichkeiten pp. 47-71, Posener pp. 208-218.
Session 20 Conclusion: Could the historical experiment of uniting the European continent fail?
The United States of Europe – utopia or realizable future?
Readings: Garton Ash, Was Europa sein kann, pp. 252-268,
Sheehan, Warum Europa keine Supermacht werden wird, pp. 241-267.
Session 21 Final Exam (on all sessions)
Introduction: Piplat, Frank: Europa 2012 – Wissen, Verstehen, Mitreden. Berlin. 2012
Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung: Informationen zur politischen Bildung Band 279 Europäische Union. 2012.
Brunn, Gerhard: Die Europäische Einigung von 1945 bis heute. Bonn 2004.
Die Entdeckung Europas durch die USA, pp. 34-51
Die Europäische Gemeinschaft für Kohle und Stahl, pp. 70-87
Garton Ash, Timothy: Freie Welt – Europa, Amerika und die Chance der Krise. Bonn. 2004.
Europa als Nicht-Amerika, pp. 73-119.
Was Europa sein kann, pp. 252-268
German Marshall Fund: Transatlantic Trends Survey. Brüssel. 2012.
http://trends.gmfus.org/transatlantic-trends/key-findings/ [2]
Greiner, Bernd: 11. September – Der Tag, die Angst, die Folgen. Bonn. 2011.
Erbmassen, pp. 221-250.
Grosser, Alfred: Deutschland in Europa. Hamburg 2000.
Europa für Westdeutschland. Die Bundesrepublik für Europa pp. 99-133.
Heydemann, Günther/ Gülzau, Jan (Hrsg.): Konsens, Krise und Konflikt –
Die deutsch-amerikanischen Beziehungen im Zeichen von Terror und Iraq-Krieg. Bonn. 2010.
Der 11. September und seine Auswirkungen auf das deutsch-amerikanische Verhältnis, pp.11-30.
Hofmann, Gunter: Familienbande – Die Politisierung Europas. München. 2005
Atlantic crossings, pp. 186-225.
Judt, Tony: Die Geschichte Europas seit dem Zweiten Weltkrieg. Bonn 2006.
Das alte Europa – und das neue Europa, pp. 811-869.
Mai, Manfred: Europäische Geschichte. Bonn. 2007.
Die Mitglieder der Europäischen Union, pp. 201-229.
Projekt Europa, pp. 174-201.
Ley, Michael/Lohrmann, Klaus: Projekt Europa – Erfolge, Irrtümer, Perspektiven. Düsseldorf. 2007.
Die Bundesrepublik entsteht. Will und darf sie nach Europa? pp .92-120.
Piplat, Frank: Europa 2012 – Wissen, Verstehen, Mitreden. Berlin. 2012.“EU Institutionen” chapters
Posener, Alan: Imperium der Zukunft. Warum Europa Weltmacht werden muss. Bonn. 2007.
Warum Amerika kein Imperium ist, pp. 196-207.
Binnenmarkt und Battlegroups, pp. 208-218.
Rifkin, Jeremy: “Der Europäische Traum”. Frankfurt. 2004.
Das neue Land der unbegrenzten Möglichkeiten pp. 47-71.
Frieden schaffen, pp.305-338.
Sheehan, James J.: Kontinent der Gewalt – Europa langer Weg zum Frieden. Bonn 2008.
Warum Europa keine Supermacht werden wird, pp. 241-267.
Weidenfeld, Werner: Die Europäische Union. Paderborn. 2011.
Die Organe der EU, pp. 108 – 145.
Weidenfeld, Werner und Wolfgang Wessels (Hrsg.).
Jahrbuch der Europäischen Integration 2011. Baden-Baden. 2012 Die Bilanz der Europäischen Integration, pp. 1-22.
Die EU und der €uro chapter
Additional required reading consists of articles from current newspapers, political magazines and journals (like Der Spiegel, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Die Zeit and others), that will be distributed in class.
Gasteyger, Curt: Europa von der Spaltung zur Einigung. Bonn. 2001.
Mak, Geert: In Europa – Eine Reise durch das 20. Jahrhundert. München 2007.
Weidenfeld, Werner und Wolfgang Wessels (Hrsg.): Europa von A bis Z. Bonn. 2011.
Main site: www.europa.eu
European Council: http://www.european-council.europa.eu/home-page.aspx?lang=de
European Parliament: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/intcoop/tld/default_en.htm
EU Commission – US Relations: http://eeas.europa.eu/us/index_en.htm
State of the Union address 2012: http://ec.europa.eu/soteu2012/index_de.htm
Council of the EU: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/
EEAS: http://eeas.europa.eu/index_de.htm
Eurozone: http://www.eurozone.europa.eu
European Parliament in Germany: www.europarl.de
EU Commission in Germany: http://ec.europa.eu/deutschland/index_de.htm
Eric R. Schüler earned a master’s degree in European Law, Political Sciences and Modern History at the Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg with a thesis on the European Security and Defense Policy. Between 2002 and 2009 he worked as deputy chief of staff for a German MEP at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. He is now a lecturer at the University of Freiburg and is currently working on his dissertation. His focus lies on the European integration process, the future development of the EU and the German Political System.