The EU in Permanent Crises? Perspectives, Challenges, Solutions

About

This program deals with the political and societal dynamics of European Integration and with the EU as a unique multi-level political system. The past years have seen the EU facing a lot of criticism from various sides and a plethora of challenges threaten the community - internally and externally - and what held its societies together for a long time. Hence, courses cover the current challenges Europe and the EU face today: Brexit and the rise of nationalism; political fragmentation and radicalization; migration, religion and questions of identity; conspiracy theories and misinformation; and war.

In addition to this academic program, the school includes German language courses on proficiency levels A1 (no German knowledge) and A1-A2 (beginners). Participation in the German language course is compulsory. The courses will be taught by qualified instructors of the Department of German as a Foreign Language and Intercultural Programs. Through an intercultural and communicative approach students will be actively involved in class to encourage language learning. The focus will be on speaking and listening to improve students' language competence in everyday situations.

For participants with a higher German language level (B1-C1), we will offer the possibility of independently carrying out project work (or similar) in German in consultation with the T-IES team.

The school also offers an intercultural workshop that prepares participants for the very diverse setting in which all classes take place, a buddy program which matches each participant with local students who offer support throughout the summer school (and before), and a rich and varied social program that offers many opportunities to experience arts, culture, and local student life in one of Germany’s most historical university towns.

Course leader

The courses are taught by University of Tübingen faculty and experts dedicated to the study of Europe.

Target group

The courses are designed for undergraduate students from all academic disciplines with a strong general interest in cultures, Europe and Germany in particular. A very good command of English and the willingness to actively participate during course activities are required.

Course aim

By familiarizing themselves with how the EU works today and the recent challenges it faces, at the end of the course students will have solid knowledge about the process, potential benefits and pitfalls of regional integration which they can not only apply to Europe alone, but to other world regions as well. They will be able to identify and understand the dynamics of transnational policy-making and how the coordination of political activities among nation states generally impacts the lives of citizens in many countries at the same time.

Fee info