Understanding and debating the construction of Europe

The EU "Understanding and debating the construction of Europe" is a course reserved for international students, and is therefore suitable for non-specialist audiences from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds. The course covers the major themes in the history of a united Europe, from the beginnings of post-war European organization to the European Union of today. It also deals with current issues from a historical perspective, in an interactive format (role-playing, debates, project simulations): democracy and human rights, the environment, migration policy, energy and security issues (war in Ukraine), culture and European identity...

The course takes place on Wednesdays from 4pm to 7pm in the second semester.

The pedagogical objective of the "Understanding and debating the construction of Europe" course is twofold: to provide knowledge about the European Union and its history, while reinforcing European citizenship through the appropriation of contemporary European debates and issues that shed light on the world in which students evolve. The course also aims to strengthen oral skills, through the organization of debates and discussions.

With a volume of 36 HETD, the course consists of 11 thematic sessions and a written assessment adapted to non-specialist international students:

1. Introduction to the history of European unity
2. The Europe of human rights and democracy, the genesis of European integration
3. Governance of the European Union - Who does what? role-playing
4. Migration and European migration policy
5. Culture and European identity
6. Energy and security in Europe. The impact of the war in Ukraine on Europe
7. Contestation of Europe: what are they saying? From Euroscepticism to Brexit
8. EU enlargement and East-West relations in the construction of Europe
9. Europe and environmental protection
10. The economy and Europe's place in the world
11. Debate with students: what kind of Europe for the future?
12. Exam

• Oral participation
• Homework assignment (report)
• Written examination in the form of course questions