European Studies

During the Viking Age, Northmen streamed out of Scandinavia, travelling far and wide across and around Europe, and to Constantinople and the Caspian Sea in the east. A vast amount of diverse source material, written and archaeological, bears witness to the Scandinavian expansion and conveys a multitude of roles in which they engaged, e.g. terrifying raiders, peaceful traders, or mercenaries.

The objective of this course is to examine the geographical expansion of vikings, and their interrelations with different cultures, and how this comes across in the source material. At the end of the course students are expected to have a thorough overview of the main events of the period, and a good idea on the relevant geographies and cultures, as well as a grasp on comparing different viking communities in different regions.

One of the primary functions literature serves is as a vehicle for memory. From the portrayal of national histories, to the embodiment of collective myths, to the expression of individual identities, literature has both lent authority to and constructed contentious arguments for our image of our past. The literature of central and eastern Europe is particularly rich in explorations of history and memory. While in earlier times literature was called upon to lend social and historical legitimacy to communities without nation-states, more recent literature of the region has played a major role in attempts to come to terms with the catastrophes of the 20th century.

This course examines society’s continuing fascination with competitive sports and explore their role in European societies from the late 19th century to the end of the Cold War through the lenses of empire, nation, class, race, and gender.

This course offers a study of Catalan language, culture, and society. Topics include: symbols of Catalunya-- flag, anthem, emblem; Catalan food; basic phrases; writers; artists; music; Pompeu Fabra; celebrations and legends.

This course examines the history of European cultures, with a special focus on Spain, from pre-history to the present day. Topics include: the Renaissance; Reformation; Enlightenment; Industrial Revolution; Russian revolution and formation of the USSR; WWI; WWII; Spanish republics; dictatorship; Cold War; de-colonization; democracy; the European Union.

This course provides a historical analysis of the Europeanization movement within the context of the creation and consolidation of the idea of Europe, the projects that led to the integration of people and countries, and the materialization of Europe with the development of the legal and economic institutions that constitute the present model of the European Union. It discusses issues that arose during the integration process, the solutions implemented, the goals attained, and the challenges that still exist.  

This course focuses on key texts of the European literary tradition between the 19th century and the present. It explores the philosophical, political, and ethical issues raised in these texts.

This course outlines the structures of the European Union, its law-making processes, judicial architecture, and its most important policy domains. It does so by focusing on both the law of European integration and the political, social, and cultural context within which it operates. Students tackle questions about the dynamics and direction of integration, including the existential challenges posed by Brexit, the rule of law crisis and the refugee crisis.

The course provides an overview of modern health challenges in Europe and how they are embraced by a variety of stakeholders: policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and civil society. The course focuses on three perspectives, the first being health in Europe: which focuses on the health status across the European countries, the organization of health systems, and major healthcare challenges for individual countries. Secondly, the perspective of European health focuses on integration and collaboration among Member States within the European Union (EU) and more widely according to the WHO European region. Lastly, European health in a globalized world is assessed. The course combines theory with practice through lectures, tutorials, and field visits.