Time Schedule:
Sabine Lang
EURO 494
Seattle Campus
Introduction to research into European topics and to the analysis of problems.
Class description
Creating a European public sphere is important for shaping European identity as well as creating legitimacy and accountability in this developing supranational polity. A public sphere relies on a set of conditions such as identifiable issues of common concern, access to public spaces in which common debate may occur, institutions that organize these spaces as well as media that provide the informational base for contributing to an informed European debate. None of these four conditions is currently fully met. The seminar will first introduce theories of the public sphere and then investigate attempts made by state and non-state actors to create European publics. We will examine some of the spaces and issues where European (sub)publics are visible, such as in the Constitutional process, in transnational alliances among nongovernmental actors, or in media cooperations.
Student learning goals
Students will explore theories of the public sphere, will connect these theories to the predicament of a European polity, and research arenas where we see European publics in the making.
General method of instruction
Mix of lecture, readings, and discussion
Recommended preparation
EURO 301 should have been taken
Class assignments and grading
There will be a variety of assignments, ranging from regularly reading a European newspaper to researching case studies. The seminar includes a strong writing component.
