Students will learn about the European idea and the different approaches to European Integration. The course addresses the European Cultural Identity, Cross-Border Cooperation in Europe with the Upper Rhine region with the French-German-Swiss border as a case example, as well as Europe’s history and Challenges for the European Culture in the 21st century.
Learning Objectives:
- Differentiate between the European, national, and regional levels of identity.
- Understand the importance of historical, social, economic and political factors in the forming of a European identity.
- Increase knowledge on European organizations (Council of Europe/European Union).
- Acquire a bottom-up approach to European Integration by examining the cross-border cooperation in the Franco-German-Swiss region.
- Develop professional competencies and skills in intercultural management in a European/cross-border context.
Sample Modules:
- Asynchronous interviews of the European Parliament and Council of Europe on “History and Cross-Cultural Cooperation in Europe”, and “Governing Bodies and Structures of the European Union“
- Live workshop on “EU Mobility” with the Euro-Institute
- Pre-recorded video “A day in the life of a German and French” followed by a live workshop with a cultural ambassador to identify cultural differences and similarities
- Asynchronous lecture “Regional and Local Interests within the European Union” by the Committee of the Regions
- Live presentation “The development of a regional identity“ (case example)
- Asynchronous tour of world war memorials to make Europe’s history visible followed by a live Q&A session with the tour guide
- Synchronous presentation on “Migration and Mobility in Europe” by an UN expert to learn about challenges for the European culture and identity in the 21st century
Participation in a virtual intercultural symposium hosted by the Global Institute for Core Values and Education (G.I.V.E.). Students will listen to presentations from keynote speakers, attend dynamic panel discussions, and can actively participate in dialogues with other students, scholars, politicians, and business leaders from Europe. Symposia focus on Cross-Border Cooperation and Cross-Cultural Relations topics between North America and Europe.