This course will explore the changing meaning of Europe, European unity, and European identity over the last century, with an emphasis on the formation of the European Union during the last 65 years and current European Union issues today. After a brief introduction that explores the deeper history behind the geographical and cultural concept of Europe, this course will trace the emergence of a European identity in contrast to national identities, as well as the emergence of a desire to integrate Europe from the late nineteenth century to the present. Class readings and discussion will focus on four main questions. What has Europe meant to intellectuals, politicians, and citizens in the past 100 years, as a concept, as a locus of identity, and as an alternative or counterpart to the nation state? What has been the geography of Europe, and how has this changed over time? How and why have European leaders and citizens fashioned an integrated continent, and how have the obstacles to integration evolved over time? Finally, how have Europe’s recent crises—from refugees to the problems of the Euro—led people to reevaluate European integration, national identities and institutions, and globalization more generally?

European and Mediterranean Studies (Undergraduate)
4 credits – 15 Weeks