History of European Unification

Course goals

Learning outcomes: after completing the course, you will have attained the following learning outcomes:

• in-depth knowledge and understanding of historical developments related to the course topic;
• in-depth knowledge of the historiography within the course topic;
• in-depth knowledge of the theoretical discourse about this topic;
• knowledge of a relevant historical case pertaining to the specialised topic.

Learning objectives and skills: after completing the course, you will be able to:  

• critically reflect and actively participate in classroom discussions about the topic;
• apply concepts, historiography and theories connected with the course topic;
• collaborate in reading groups (tutorial groups);
• devise and develop a research question on the basis of an in-depth case study of their choice;
• apply their newly acquired knowledge of the theoretical discourse and historiography to a case study of their choice;
• conduct independent research focusing (mainly) on in-depth secondary literature.

Content

This is the second course of Specialisation 5: Europe in the world: Identity, Power and Networks
(Track International Relations/History).

This course examines the history of European integration. It aims to provide students with a clear overview of the most important historical events and processes and to make them familiar with the main European institutions, such as the European Commission, the European Council, the European Central Bank, etc. The course adopts a combined chronological and theoretical-historiographical approach. One focus area constitutes key historical events, such as the launch of the European Community for Steel and Coal, the failure of the European Defense Community (1954) and the Maastricht Treaty (1991), and historical processes, such as the broadening and deepening of European integration and the continuous tension between intergovernmentalism and supranationalism. In addition to these internal processes, we will also look at the relations of the EC/EU with other parts of the world. Policy areas where external relations played an important role are for instance the common energy and security policies.

A second key emphasis will be placed on the existing historiography and theories on the European integration process. How have scholars interpreted and explained the driving forces, obstacles and nature of European unification since the 1950s? What have been their conclusions with regard to the future of an integrated Europe?
As part of the course we will go on an excursion to Brussels.

Additional information

Early Exit option for international exchange students (5 ECTS)
Exchange students who are required to return to their home university before January, are allowed to choose an Early Exit option for this course. The Early Exit option means that students can finish the course before Christmas break, receiving 5 ECTS for the course. Students must make arrangements with the course coordinator at the start of the course.