Europe: Space, Time and Peoples module (EU11001)

• Level 1
• Semester 2
• European Studies core module
• European Studies - School of Humanities
• Coursework 100%

Description

The aim of this interdisciplinary module for European Studies is to introduce students to a broad range of disciplinary approaches, theories and methodologies, and encourage them to think very broadly across disciplinary boundaries. The module uses Europe as the starting point for a range of themes, disciplinary approaches and methodologies to study Europe as a geographical space, as human movement and activities under changing material conditions and as a focus for the study of cultural ideas of self-and collectivity (local, national, European).

The module differs from the Level 1 module 'The Globalising World' and the level 2 module 'Contemporary Challenges for Europe' by taking the very long time-perspective (from the first human migrations to the present), and by its understanding Europe in the broadest geographical perspective (from Iceland to the Urals and North Africa).

Convenor

Dr Anja Johansen

Teaching

The course consists of 22 one-hour lectures (including introduction and revision session) and one-hour weekly tutorials over nine weeks, in total 31 contact hours. Individual consultation with support for coursework will be available to students on demand.

Assessment

• Presentation (15%)
• Methodology Exercise (35%)
• Project (50%)

Reading

Access the online reading list system

Intended learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

This module will give students an understanding of how different academic disciplines approach the study of territory, peoples and human activity from a variety of perspectives and methodologies.

Students will deepen their knowledge of Europe from geographical, environmental, economic, cultural, linguistic, philosophical and historical perspectives. 

In line with the Liberal Arts Agenda, this module will develop their understanding of the background of contemporary Europe. The interdisciplinary approach will equip students to draw connections between the range of modules that they will be studying across their first two years at University and to operate with confidence among a variety of methodological approaches.   

This will ensure that, by the end of this module, students will have a nuanced political and cultural understanding of approaches to studies of the contemporary world, which will strengthen their ability to analyse, compare and question existing interpretations.  

Transferable, employability and enterprise skills and attributes

By interacting effectively with those in the class and with the instructor, students will develop communication skills that will enable them to convey information successfully in a variety of formats including oral and written communication. To get the most from the module students will be encouraged to develop their attentiveness and listening skills, as well as reading comprehension of a wide range and variety of materials. Directly during group discussions, and more broadly throughout all that they do in this class, students will develop professional and ethical behaviour in order to accomplish the tasks at hand with competence and insight. The ability for organizational and time management skills will be essential for students to complete the assigned tasks in balance with their other work and leisure commitments.