Course Title: Contemporary Europe: Unity, Diversity, Ideology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Contemporary Europe: Unity, Diversity, Ideology

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

HUSO2318

City Campus

Undergraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2017

HUSO2318

City Campus

Undergraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face or Internet

Sem 2 2013

HUSO2318

City Campus

Undergraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Internet

Summer2012

Flexible Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

HUSO2318

City Campus

Undergraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

UGRDFlex21 (All)

HUSO2318

City Campus

Undergraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

UGRDFlex24 (All)

Course Coordinator: Professor Bruce Wilson

Course Coordinator Phone: +(61 3) 9925 0873

Course Coordinator Email: bruce.wilson@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 008.10.024

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course is designed to develop your knowledge around the salient economic, political, social, regional, and international issues facing modern Europe. You will develop a deeper understanding of the historical processes and complexities that have shaped wider Europe and helped form the supranational governing body of the “European Union” (EU). This course explores the interplay between the diverse states, economies, cultures, and peoples of Europe, and examines the tensions and conflicts that have emanated from these differences, as well as the emergent ambitions for enhanced unity amongst the states, stronger institutions, and shared economic benefits throughout Europe. In this course you will also consider Europe’s contemporary role in the international arena, including its shifting spheres of political and economic influence across various regions, the impact of Europe’s trade agreements and multilateral accords, and the global reach of the EU’s diplomatic power and authority in international relations. Students will engage with a wide variety of texts and case-studies on these topics and participate in class discussions, debates, and presentations to apply learning outcomes.  


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

 

 


Course Learning Outcomes  

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:  

  1. Demonstrate an appreciation of the origins, objectives and governance structures of the European Union institutions 
  2. Synthesize and analyse information on contemporary European political, social and economic issues from a wide variety of sources 
  3. Use a range of social and political theoretical approaches as analytic tools to understand the development of European political and social processes 
  4. Present and critically analyse case studies of various European economies, cultures, events and key figures to an audience of your peers and teaching staff 


Overview of Learning Activities

Learning activities will include lectures, guest speakers, the presentation of audio-visual materials and other media, and interactive tutorial activities including group based discussion and problem solving tasks.  

You will be expected to actively contribute to the construction of a supportive learning environment, in which peer-based learning will be an important component. Participation in discussions and activities, and engagement with the weekly reading materials will help you in developing your knowledge and skills.  


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.  

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal. 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. Assessment is designed so that findings and analysis can be actively shared with the class and can contribute to group knowledge and learning. Assessment may include working independently and as part of a team on a range of written, oral and interactive tasks.  

Assessment Tasks  
Assessment task 1: Policy Briefing (600 words) 15% CLO1, CLO2, CLO3  
Assessment task 2: In-Class Quiz 15% CLO1 
Assessment task 3: Group Presentation (1400 words or equivalent) 30% CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO4 
Assessment task 4:  Essay (1,500 words) 40% CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO4   

 

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.  

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.  

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.