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Andrew Scott
AIP107 or AIP116
Nil
AIP246
1 x 2 hour Class per week
1 x 2 hour Class per week (recordings provided)
The formation of the European Union (EU) in the decades since World War Two has been a remarkable achievement of international cooperation in a continent ravaged by conflicts for centuries. There has been a spread of member states from six to nearly 30; and increased governance of citizens by the Brussels-based, supra-national European parliament and commission. Nations like the Ukraine want to join, to gain democracy. Yet some complain the EU does not have enough democracy. This, the differences between northern and southern European traditions, and tensions between the nations which are in and out of the Euro currency zone, pose threats to the continent’s continued co-operation.
This unit surveys political changes which have swept – and challenges now confronting – Europe, namely: whether it is better to separate the finances including currencies of northern European nations like Germany from southern European nations like Greece; whether Nordic nations’ high welfare states and gender equality are best served by being in the EU; and whether Britain should leave the EU to better preserve its distinctive culture. Political challenges posed to Europe by higher immigration, and greater ethno- religious diversity, will be studied; as will political lessons which Europe may offer the wider world.
Assessment 1 (Individual) - Seminar or online Exercises (2000 words or equivalent) - 50 %
Assessment 2 (Individual) - Essay (2000 words or equivalent) - 50%
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