SOC 278(S) Contesting the Future of European Society

In 2005 a majority of voters in France and the Netherlands, nations reputed to be the most pro-European, decided against ratifying the European Constitution of the European Union. This occurred barely one year after the expansion of the European union from 15 to 25 members. It would appear then that "Europe' as a political project is in a state of profound crisis. This course examines the political contest over what the future of Europe should be by assessing key debates, among them: A secular Europe or a Christian Europe? A Europe of nations or a federal Europe? An open Europe or a Fortress Europe? A free trade Europe or a protectionist Europe? Will Europe be multicultural and if so, in what sense?
Format: seminar. Requirements: Class presentation and three 3000-word written exercises.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 25 (expected: 18).

Hour: DOWNEY