A non-refundable programme fee, in addition to the tuition fee, is applicable. The programme fee, which includes the social programme, is to be paid within one week after registration at the latest, along with the tuition fee.
Students from different countries, academic levels, and backgrounds who are generally interested in European integration will benefit from each other in an intercultural and interdisciplinary learning process. Former classes have consisted of regular students and practitioners such as civil servants, communication experts, young politicians, and even members of parliaments.
The course does not require special knowledge about European politics, law, history, or culture, but participants should be interested in more than just their field of specialisation. In-class participation, especially in the discussions with experts, is essential for achieving success in the course and plays an important role in grading.
Please also visit the FUBiS *free* digital lecture series which offers a broad overview of the programme's academic course offers: http://www.fubis.org/2_prog/online/index.html
including a free session of our instructor Dr Ulrich Brückner for the course "European Studies" on the topic "The European Union - Internal and External Challenges before and after Corona": http://www.fubis.org/2_prog/online/recordings/2020/index.html
Get to know your FUBiS instructor Dr Ulrich Brückner ("European Studies") on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/eiyJ8NaKO_8
About this course
The course will introduce the basics of the European Union and describe and explain the processes of widening and deepening of this unique political entity. It will provide an overview of European Union history, including its evolution in economic and political terms, as well as an examination of its institutional structure up to the present day.
Internal politics and policies, for example the decision-making process, the balance of power, and questions about identity and democracy in this new system of governance will be discussed. We will study the causes and effects of the war in Europe, examining its geopolitical dimensions and how it has affected policies and relations with neighbouring regions and other parts of the world. Particularly important aspects include the discussion on relations with the UK after Brexit, the future of transatlantic relations, and how the EU is dealing with the alternative models of governance presented by China and Russia. We will discuss migration as well as the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. If students express specific interests in other topics or case studies, sessions can be adjusted.
The morning sessions consist of lectures, literature-based discussions, and oral presentations from working groups. After lunch, the course will visit various institutions in Germany`s political centre. Students will have the chance to discuss the topics from the morning sessions with international experts from political institutions, embassies, and think tanks.