Not available in 2016/17
EU460      Half Unit
European Society and Politics beyond the Nation State

This information is for the 2016/17 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Jonathan White COW 1.09

Availability

This course is available on the MSc in EU Politics, MSc in EU Politics (LSE and Sciences Po), MSc in European Studies: Ideas, Ideologies and Identities, MSc in European Studies: Ideas, Ideologies and Identities (LSE and Sciences Po), MSc in Global Politics and MSc in Political Sociology. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

Course content

The course has three main sections. Part A explores how transnational integration weakens the overlap typically assumed of modern polities between socio-cultural identities, economic practices, and state boundaries, and examines the conceptual challenges this raises. Part B considers the kinds of social tie a transnational society might rely on, including material interest, cultural affinity, and shared political values and conflicts, and considers the political implications of these different dimensions. Part C of the course examines the empirical sociology of transnational Europe, including changing public attitudes, patterns of mobility, structures of media discourse and communication, and political mobilisation and contention. The course links historical perspectives on state formation with contemporary debates on the EU and the emergence of a European society.

Teaching

20 hours of seminars in the LT. 2 hours of seminars in the ST.

Students on this course will have a reading week in Week 6, in line with departmental policy.

Formative coursework

One 2,500 word unassessed essay.

Indicative reading

Stefano Bartolini (2005) Restructuring Europe; Jürgen Habermas (2001) The Post-National Constellation; Joseph Weiler (1999) The Constitution of Europe; Claus Offe (2003) Is there, or can there be, a "European Society"?; Richard Bellamy, Dario Castiglione & Jo Shaw (eds.) (2006) Making European Citizens; William Outhwaite (2004), The Future of Society; Jonathan White (2011) Political Allegiance after European Integration.

Assessment

Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours) in the main exam period.

Student performance results

(2012/13 - 2014/15 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 20
Merit 65
Pass 15
Fail 0

Key facts

Department: European Institute

Total students 2015/16: 21

Average class size 2015/16: 11

Controlled access 2015/16: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving