Critical Geography of the European UnionLaajuus (5 op)

Osaamistavoitteet

After completing the course, the student - understands the emergence and development of the European Union, from its earliest forms to its current configuration. - is able to critically examine the union’s structures, policies and reactions to crises. - can identify what makes the EU a global region, understands how the EU functions and can consider the prospects for its future development.

Sisältö

In 1995, Finland joined one of the world’s most dynamic experiments in international co-operation – the European Union. Since World War II, the European continent has experienced tremendous change in response to both internal and global political, economic, social, and cultural pressures and this course aims to explore how this supranational organisation has developed as the response to these challenges. Today, the number of member states in the EU has almost doubled to 27, until recently as high as 28, with several other European states at one stage or another of accession. What has made the European Union such a success? In the light of current controversies and debates, has the EU now entered a period of decline and crisis? This course provides an overview of many of the key components of the EU, their development and impact on the changing understanding of the concept of Europe, and discusses several topical themes such as economic slowdown and Eurozone instability, border security and the refugee crisis, Euroscepticism, Brexit and the rise of populism, and many others.

Oppimateriaalit

Readings and audio-visual materials are made available online each week alongside each lecture.

Lisätiedot

Teachers: Adjunct Professor Paul Fryer Time: Spring (on-line) Further information: The lectures and on-line discussions are in English. Groups may submit their final assignment in either English or Finnish. Offering data: The course is available to everyone; however priority is given to 1) geography and environmental policy major students and open university students, 2) students completing a minor in geography, 3) students in the YUFE and Open University. Students are selected in order of registration. Exchange students to the department who have the course accepted in their Learning Agreement will be guaranteed to get on the course. Maximum number of students 70. Campus: Joensuu

Toteutustavat

On-line lectures, discussions

Suoritustavat

Study methods: On-line lectures (11) with discussions, on-line presentation and a final paper (5 credits). Lectures comprising notes, video clips and short articles appear weekly on-line accompanied by a question for discussion within a forum platform. New lectures are put on-line on Mondays and students have 5 days (until Friday at 16:00) to participate in the discussion for that week. Evaluation criteria: Active participation in the on-line forum discussions is required and comprises 20% of the final grade. Students must prove that they can conduct research and have achieved the required level of knowledge from the lectures and assigned materials through a group assignment to be presented on-line and supported by a written group report, comprising 80% of the final grade (5 credits), to be evaluated 0-5.