Course syllabus autumn 2021
Course syllabus autumn 2021
Title
European Studies: Europe as a Field of Knowledge and Europe as an Idea
Swedish title
Europastudier: Europa som kunskapsfält och Europa som idé
Course code
ES110L
Credits
15 credits
Grading scale
UA / Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Culture and Society
Syllabus approval date
2020-05-20
Syllabus valid from
2020-08-31
Entry requirements
General entry requirements + Civics 1b / 1a1 +1a2. Or: Civics A, English B.
General entry requirement (with the exemption of Swedish language) and specific entry requirement of English B from Swedish upper secondary school (Field specific entry requirements A6/6), or equivalent.
Merit rating is calculated based on Swedish upper secondary grades achieved, according to specific entry requirement 6/A6.
Level
Basic level
Main field
European Studies
Progression level
G1N
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
The course is part of the main field of study European studies at the 1-30 credit level and meets the degree requirements for the degree of Bachelor, main field of study European Studies.
Course objectives
The aim of the course is to provide basic knowledge about European studies as a field of knowledge; concepts, theoretical frameworks and history of ideas. A second aim is to provide basic knowledge in academic thinking and writing
Course contents
The course combines an introduction to academic studies and scientifically founded texts with practical exercises in academic writing and oral presentations. Concepts such as ethics in research, source criticism and critical thinking will be introduced. The programme in its entirety, the progression and its place in the university structure will be presented. The course also contains an introduction to information searching and presentation technique.
Further, the course contains a basic introduction to the history of ideas and thoughts on Europe, and Europe as a concept in the history of Western political and societal thinking.
The course is divided into three parts: part 1 gives a thematic and chronological introduction of political thinking in Europe, (5,5 credits); part 2 combines studies on the concept of Europe with training in academic writing (5,5 credits), and part 3 puts the focus on the introduction to scientific thinking and regulations, within the framework of presentations and seminar discussions (4 credits). The different parts are partly intertwined over the course weeks.
Learning outcomes
At the completion of this course, the student shall:
- Show basic knowledge about the development of political thinking and philosophy in Europe, and central themes within the framework for this development
- Show basic knowledge about the origins, history and changes of Europe as an idea and as a concept over time
- Show basic knowledge and understanding about scientific perspectives and ideas
- Be able to reflect upon academic ethics and practice
- Be able to search for literature, work with encyclopedias, and be able to distinguish between scientific material and other text production
- Be able to write shorter texts, based on scientific practice
- Be able to make short presentations, individually and in groups, with the use of digital tools
- Show basic knowledge about and understanding of the program’s multi-disciplinary and international character
- Show understanding for the need of academic rules and practice
- Realise the need for further studies and deepened knowledge
Learning activities
Lectures
Seminars
Group assignments
Individual studies
Assessment
Part 1, 5,5 credits: Individual sit-in exam (Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3).
Part 2, 5,5 credits: Individual portfolio containing written exercises and formative evaluation + a final individual written paper (Learning outcomes 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10).
Part 3, 4 credits: Group portfolio containing preparations, implementations and written refection on seminar assignments (Learning outcomes 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10).
Course literature and other study material
- Booth, Wayne, Gregory Colomb and Joseph Williams, Joseph Bizup and William T. FitzGerald, The Craft of Research, Chicago, 2016, 4th edition (core book for writing processes in the whole program)
- Caine, Barbara and Glenda Sluga, Gendering European History 1780-1920, Sidney (2004), selected chapters
- Lindström, Fredrik, European Studies as a field of knowledge, Malmö University Press 2002 (https://www.mah.se/upload/FAKULTETER/KS/IMER/IMER_mapp1/Program/IPES/04.pdf).
- May, Tim, Social Research – Issues, methods and process, Open University Press: Buckingham, 2011, 4th edition (also used in the second semester). (Available as e-book)
- Morrow, John, History of Western Political Thought - a thematic introduction, Palgrave, 2nd edition 2005.
- Tosh, John, The pursuit of History, latest edition, Longman, (also available as e-book), selected chapters but also used later in the program
- Tägil, Sven (ed.) Europe – The return of History, Lund, 2001. Selected chapters
- Additional articles, chapters, videos and other learning material
Please note additional online resources may supplement/complement the core textbooks.
Course evaluation
The University provides students who participate in or who have completed a course with the opportunity to make known their experiences and viewpoints with regards to the course by completing a course evaluation administered by the University. The University will compile and summarize the results of course evaluations as well as informing participants of the results and any decisions relating to measures initiated in response to the course evaluations. The results will be made available to the students (HF 1:14).
Interim rules
If a course ceases to be available or has undergone any major changes, the students are to be offered two opportunities to retake the examination during the year following the change for re-examination, based on the syllabus which applied at registration.
Additional information
The Language of Instruction is English.