PT|EN
Introdução aos Estudos Europeus
Courses Degree in European Studies
Cod: 51208
Department: DH
ECTS: 6
Scientific area: Humanities
Total working hours: -156
Total contact time: 15

The course of Introduction to European Studies offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary overview of Europe, providing students with an exploratory contact with its history, geography, culture, economy, and politics. Students will study the origins of European civilisation, major historical events, geographical diversity, and cultural impact. The course will cover significant literary authors, philosophical currents, influential religions, and the political and economic development of the continent. Additionally, the institutions of the European Union, its economic and security policies, as well as its external relations, will be analyzed. This course aims to provide an introductory, comprehensive, and critical understanding of Europe and its role in the world, preparing students for the other subjects in their Bachelor's degree.

 

Europe; European culture; european society; European Union

Upon successfully completing this Course, students should have achieved the following learning objectives:

  1. Describe the origins and development of European civilization.
  2. Identify major historical events and their implications.
  3. Explain Europe\'s role in world history.
  4. Identify Europe\'s geographical and climatic characteristics.
  5. Explain the influence of literature on European culture.
  6. Identify major European philosophical movements.
  7. Describe the impact of philosophy on European development.
  8. List the main religions and their cultural influence in Europe.
  9. Identify significant revolutions and political movements in Europe.
  10. Name the main theories of European political thought.
  11. Describe the structure and role of the main institutions of the European Union.
  12. Explain the decision-making process in the European Union.
  13. List the main characteristics of the European Union\'s foreign policy.
  14. Explain the common security and defense policy of the European Union.
  15. Explain the Industrial Revolution and its consequences.
  16. List the common economic policies of the European Union.
  17. Explain the Eurozone and its implications.

 

1.    Introduction to European Studies

2.    Humanistic and Cultural European Studies

3.    Political European Studies

4.    Economic European Studies

Detailed syllabus

1. Introduction to European Studies

1.1. The Idea of Europe

  • Origins and development of European civilization.
  • Major historical events and their implications.
  • Europe\'s role in world history.

1.2. Geography of Europe

  • Geographical and climatic characteristics.
  • European regions and their particularities.
  • Impact of geography on economic and cultural development.

2. Humanistic and Cultural European Studies

2.1. European Literature

  • Major authors and literary movements.
  • Influence of literature on European culture.
  • Comparison between national literatures.

2.2. European Philosophy and Thought

  • Major philosophical movements.
  • Contributions of European philosophers.
  • Impact of philosophy on European development.

2.3. Religion and Spirituality

  • Major religions and their cultural influence.
  • Religious conflicts and coexistence.
  • Secularism and laïcité in modern Europe.

3. Political European Studies

3.1. Political History of Europe

  • Formation of nation-states.
  • Revolutions and political movements.
  • Major conflicts.

3.2. European Political Thought

  • Major currents of political thought.
  • Influence of philosophers and political theorists.
  • Impact of theories on political practice.

3.3. European Union and Supranational Governance

  • Structure and role of main EU institutions.
  • Decision-making process in the EU.
  • Challenges and future of European integration.

3.4. External Relations and Security Policy

  • European Union foreign policy.
  • Strategic partnerships and diplomacy.
  • Common security and defense policy.

4. Economic European Studies

4.1. Economic History of Europe

  • Evolution of European economies.
  • Industrial Revolution and its consequences.
  • Economic crises and recoveries.

4.2. European Economic Integration

  • Formation and development of the European Union.
  • Common economic policies.
  • Eurozone.

 

Berstein, Serge; Milza, Pierre. (2007) História da Europa. Do séc. XIX ao início do séc. XXI. Lisboa: Plátano.

Graça Moura, Vasco (2013) A Identidade Cultural Europeia. Lisboa: Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos.

Neutel, Fernanda (2019) A Construção da União Europeia. Lisboa: Edições Sílabo.

Ribeiro, Maria Manuela Tavares (2010) Imaginar a Europa. Coimbra: Almedina.

Steiner, George (2017) A Ideia de Europa. Lisboa: Relógio D’Agua.

Tavares, José (2019) A Europa não é um país estrangeiro. Lisboa: Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos.

Asynchronous distance learning, e-learning, with provision of guided readings, small exercises, forum comments, and a synchronous moment for sharing and clarifying doubts.

The preferred assessment method is continuous assessment, consisting of 2 assessment components throughout the semester (partial e-portfolios): the first will be a multiple-choice test (25%), the second will involve the submission of a short video presentation on one of the topics covered (25%); and a final assessment moment, the Global e-portfolio, to take place at the end of the semester (50%). However, students may, at the appropriate time, choose a single assessment moment, taking a Final Assessment (exam) with a weight of 100%.