Department of Government & International Studies

EURO 3110

Contemporary European Societies II:

questions d’actualité

Prerequisites:EURO 2110 Contemporary European Societies I: The French-Speaking Countries and

Internship year in French-speaking Europeor equivalentor

Ability to use French for Academic Purposes in speech, writing and reading

Duration/Frequency:
3 hours/week / Credits/Units:
3
Language of Tuition:
French / Number of Contact Hours:
42(3 X 14 weeks)
Individual Study Time Required:
42 hours(3 X 14 weeks) / Total Assumed Work Load:
6 hours/week

Course Description/Aims and Objectives:

This is the second part of a course which spans the year in Europe and builds on the themes examined in the first part (EURO 2110) in the light of students’ living and learning’ experience in a European French-speaking country.

The course outline varies from year to year, since it consists of a review of the current events and trends to be observed in Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Switzerlandin the social, political and economic field.

Support materials mainly comprisethe latest press articles and various official and non-governmental institutions’ data available online in French.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) / Competencies:

Knowledge

By the end of this course, students will be able to

  1. Recognize the multidimensional factors and stakes which have affected the societies of Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Switzerland in recent years;
  2. Define the present-day issues of political and social debates in European French-speaking countries; and
  3. Identify the various challenges of these countries in the social and economic field in the perspective of the European Union’s policy and the era of globalization.

Skills

Bythe end of this course, students will be able to

  1. Compare the social and economic policies adopted in Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Switzerland in reaction to the same challenges;
  2. Explain the present-day role and position of existing political parties in the above-mentioned countries;
  3. Present in French, orally or in writing, organised synthesis on topics related to the evolution and present-day situation of the French-speaking societies of Europe.

Attitudes

Bythe end of this course, students will be able to

  1. Differentiate French language analysis studies/reports according to the sources used in the perspective of the writing of their final year’s dissertation;
  2. Appraise the latest developments in French-speaking societies in the light of those observed in Hong Kong/China; and
  3. Link this most updated knowledge with their experience in Europe in order to be fully prepared for their future career in a French-speaking context.

Course Content:

  1. Switzerland on the European stage: the model revisited

  1. Switzerland: social and political context

  1. Swiss economy

  1. Belgium: latest developments in politics and government

  1. Belgium: socio-economic conditions in Flanders and Wallonia

  1. Luxembourg: the multifaceted challenges of a European micro-state

  1. France: political agenda

  1. France: socio-economic context

  1. French European policy

Teaching & Learning Activities (TLAs):

TLAs / ILOs addressed
1. Seminars
The seminars will examine the present-day role and position of existing political parties in the mentioned French-speaking countries. / 1 to 9
2. Discussions/ Presentations
Discussions will be held to analyze and discuss the social and economic policies adopted in Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Switzerland in reaction to the same challenges. / 4 to 8

Assessment Methods (AMs):

AMs / Weighting / ILOs addressed / Description of Assessment Tasks
Individual oral presentations / 30% / 4 to 6 / Students are required to present in French, on topics related to the evolution and present-day situation of the French-speaking societies of Europe.
Active participation in seminars and group presentations / 30% / 1 to 9 / Students must attend all classes and try to be punctual. All students are expected to read the relevant readings before the classes. They should ask questions, give comments to the presenters, and participate in the discussion.
Term paper / 40% / 1to 5 / Students are required to submit a term paper in French, organized synthesis on topics related to the evolution and present-day situation of the French-speaking societies of Europe.

SelectedSources:

Luxembourg

Belgium

France

Switzerland

Prepared by: Dr. Beatrice Cabau / September 2010

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