2020 KU-Germany eGLP Participants Recruitment (10/12~10/23) > Notice

Online Winter School

“The European Union in Crisis? Politics and Economics in Europe Today” January 4 – 29, 2021

WHAT IT IS ABOUT

     In the aftermath of the Second World War, for the first time in European history, former enemies created a political union in order to coordinate their economic and political activities. Over the past decades, this unique cooperation of sovereign nation states gradually led to the emergence of a supranational political system: the European Union (EU). But the past years have seen the EU facing more and more criticism from various sides and a plethora of challenges threaten the European community and what held its societies and economies together for a long time. The online winter school will deal with the historical, political, and economic dynamics of European Integration, and cover the current challenges Europe and the EU face today: Brexit, political fragmentation and radicalization, economic turmoil and more.

     First, this course will introduce students to the EU as a political system, characterized by the separation of powers principle, with significant executive, legislative, and judicial powers. It will cover how policies are made in this unique multi-layered system of governance and discuss current political challenges. Second, classes will then focus on the issue of regional economic integration, covering a wide range of topics: from general ones such as trade and trade restriction mechanisms and international business in Europe to the question of what  kind of economic entity the European Union represents today and how it can tackle the 21 century economically.

HOW IT IS DONE

     The winter school will be based on online material that you can access at any time using Tübingen university’s MOODLE system, as well as on live online discussions including video conferences via ZOOM (about two hours each). The latter will take place at pre-set times. Hence, by combining synchronous and asynchronous tools of teaching and learning you have the chance to gain valuable insights into new cultures and countries, share your perspectives with international classmates and learn more about Europe, the EU, and its economy.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

     In order to properly participate in the online winter school, there are a few crucial requirements to be met. You need

• a computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet with speakers / headphones

• a reliable internet connection

• a microphone (or headset for both speaking and listening)

• a webcam (to make the most of your ZOOM online sessions - but you don't have to use the camera during sessions)

• the ZOOM CLIENT SOFTWARE which you can download free of charge (a link to access the software will be provided by IES) - OR if you want to use ZOOM in your browser you have to use Google Chrome

• access to Tübingen University's MOODLE platform (which is an online learning environment; IES will provide access to participants) 

THE PROGRAM'S IDEA AND STRUCTURE

     During the online winter school you will communicate and work with students from different countries and cultural backgrounds. This offers you the chance to benefit from cultural exchange. In the first week, through various exercises, you will not only learn how to use MOODLE and ZOOM, but also deepen your understanding of other cultures and intercultural communication and get to know your fellow students and your teachers better. The second, third, and fourth week are dedicated to the actual teaching of the online summer school's topics: European Union politics and economics. 

     Please find more details in the attached PDF files.