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Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

Sabine Lang
EURO 494
Seattle Campus

Senior Seminar I

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.


The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by Anne Ec Hilton
Date: 05/12/2008