course-details-portlet

EUR2102 - European Identity

About

Examination arrangement

Examination arrangement: Home examination
Grade: Letter grades

Evaluation Weighting Duration Grade deviation Examination aids
Home examination 100/100

Course content

Why do some people feel more European than others, and why does this matter? Despite the fact that the majority of European countries are extensively collaborating economically and politically, national identities still dominate, and are complemented by other ways that individuals self-identify. Yet, creating and maintaining a sense of European-ness has never been more important because the success of European integration and the ability of Europe to negotiate globalization effectively hinges on individuals feeling part of an 'imagined community' of Europeans. This course is grounded in social identity theory, a theoretical lens developed in social psychology and widely used in political science, to help us understand how group identities are combined and why they may come into conflict with one another. We begin by examining the motivations for creating a European identity in the post-WW II era, as well as the challenges involved therein. Then, we look at some psychological predispositions that act as barriers to Europeanism, foster welfare chauvinism and xenophobia. Finally, we interrogate how populist and radical parties have rejected and/or embraced various types of European identity in their efforts to gain power in the multilevel governance framework of the EU.

Learning outcome

Successful candidates are expected to have acquired the following knowledge and skills:

Knowledge

Students will

  • understand why a European identity is fundamental to the success and legitimacy of the EU;
  • gain in-depth knowledge of social identity theory and how it applies to the study of Euroscepticism;
  • be familiar with the psychological, socio-demographic, and political factors that challenge European-identity formation.

Skills

Students will be able to:

  • analyze and interpret survey data pertaining to group identities and support for European integration;
  • communicate orally, through class discussions, well-thought out positions on current developments in the field of EU studies;
  • write an empirical paper that examines the policy positions and rhetoric of populist and radical parties, as they relate to European identity and integration

Learning methods and activities

Lectures/seminars with active student participation. Mandatory assignment (approved/not approved).

Compulsory assignments

  • Written assignment

Further on evaluation

The students must pass the mandatory written assignment in order to take the exam. The examination form is a take-home exam.

Course materials

Available at the beginning of the semester

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From To
EUR1201 7.5 AUTUMN 2017
More on the course

No

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  7.5 SP
Study level: Intermediate course, level II

Coursework

Term no.: 1
Teaching semester:  AUTUMN 2023

Language of instruction: English

Location: Trondheim

Subject area(s)
  • European Studies and Foreign Languages
  • European Studies
Contact information
Course coordinator:

Department with academic responsibility
Department of Historical and Classical Studies

Examination

Examination arrangement: Home examination

Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
Autumn ORD Home examination 100/100

Release
2023-12-18

Submission
2023-12-22


09:00


14:00

INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
Spring ORD Home examination 100/100

Release
2024-06-03

Submission
2024-06-07


09:00


14:00

INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

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