European Cultures and Identities

This course offers students an introduction to Europe, a continent of great diversity. Each of its countries and peoples carry their own cultures, religions, traditions and languages, yet the majority of them are now engaged in a joint project aimed at political and economic integration in the European Union. This course aims to introduce you to the main challenges and opportunities facing this project.

Students will analyze topics such as the emergence and construction of national identity and culture; processes of globalization and internationalization, and their effects on local cultures; citizenship in a European context and different national approaches to social issues. They will also examine the structure and institutions of the European Union and learn how national cultures are affected by and react to supranational developments.

Students will also be introduced to diverse cultural identities of a number of European nations. This will help them to understand the complicated structure of Europe and may shed some light on the motives for integration as well as the obstacles on the way to European unity. Lectures will focus on the history, social and economic structures, culture, and current political debates within the wider European community.

The main venue for the course is Utrecht. The programme includes an excursion to Brussels, including a visit to the European Parliament.

You will experience an intensive two-week programme with lectures and seminar groups. Together with other students you are expected to work on group presentations and assignments.

» Download the day-to-day programme (PDF)