Understanding European integration from below: A human and cultural approach to EU studies (0.5 ects)

1st edition: 3rd to 10th April 2020, Nanchang University, Nanchang (China). Download Module Brochure.

Target: The course would be included as open elective module in the undergraduate and graduate students and staff from three non-European institutions.

Language: Presentations will be in English.

Methodology: In-class teaching; informal learning

Dates and schedule: Events page.

Syllabus: The International Module “European Integration and European Identities: A Human Sciences approach” (8 hours per year) is an intensive course aimed at non-European institutions and students interested in receiving a series of lectures on the general topic of this Jean Monnet Chair. As such, this course is also conceived of as a powerful dissemination tool within this chair, as it will let us propagate the chair contents in new geographical areas. In this sense, we are now in contact with lectures from three different institutions in non-EU countries, all of which are offering degrees in European Studies. .

Contents: The course is divided into the following 5 main parts:

• Module 1 ‘European Cultural Studies: An Introduction’ (2 hours) will be an introductory unit on European cultural history and the origins of the EU.

• Module 2 ‘European multiculturality and the diversity debate’ (2 hours) will focus on European cultural and linguistic diversity as one of the ideological bases for European integration.

• Module 3 ‘European multicultural identity: An added value’ (2 hours).

• Module 4 ‘Towards a political framework for European multiculturality’ (1 hours) will pay special attention to the educational policies of the European Union and the promotion of foreign language learning.

• Module 5 ‘European feelings: Emotions, values and interests’ (1 hours) will focus on the potential existence of a European emotional community, its main features and implications for the process of European integration.

Throughout this course, we will be able to:

• understand a wide range of arguments and issues relating to European ideology, culture and concepts of identities, as illustrated by European cinematographic production;

• evaluate the main issues surrounding national, cultural and political concepts in the search for European identity in this medium;

• develop an awareness of European integration process with a descriptive and artistic picture of European society;

• increase their knowledge and understanding of other EU member societies, languages and cultures.