Name: Dr. Vlad Sobell E-Mail-Adresse:

Name:
Dr. Vlad Sobell
Email address:
vlad.sobell@btinternet.com
Course title:
Europe in the global context
Track:
A-Track
Language of instruction:
English
Contact hours:
48 (6 per day)
ECTS-Credits:
4
Course description
This course takes an in-depth look at how Europe has reached the current critical juncture in
its history, how it functions today and where it is headed. In particular, we examine the
Continent’s continued quest for a peaceful and hence stable order and its ongoing attempts
to unite the nations from which it is formed. At the same time, we examine the “European
project” in the context of the new global order, drawing parallels with other civilization
centres, in particular China.
We will address six overlapping themes: Europe’s quest for “unity in diversity”; Europe’s
darkest hour; European security in the post-WWII order; Europe and the new centers of
gravity; Europe and the global economic crisis; and Looking Ahead: New sources of global
conflict.
The course is inter-disciplinary: it has a strong focus on political economy but also draws on
history, international relations and geopolitics. Its overriding goal is to reach an
understanding of the key strategic issues facing contemporary Europe – including restoring
economic growth, handling relations with Russia and ensuring energy security. To this end,
we will also discuss relevant contemporary developments within the overall framework of the
course as and when such developments occur.
In their presentations and written work, students will be encouraged to focus on topics of
their own choice. The course takes advantage of Berlin’s numerous sites of historical and
current interest and will likely include a guest lecture by a leading German political analyst.
Student profile
The course is designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds and countries. It
does not require specialized knowledge of European affairs, history, politics or economics.
However, a strong interest in the topics covered is desirable. It is particularly relevant for
students aiming at careers in political economy (the financial sector), politics, diplomacy,
journalism or academia.
Prerequisites
Interest in the topics covered in the course and upper-intermediate English-language level
Course requirements
See under “Grading”
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Grading
Reading of required literature (obligatory)
Active participation in the sessions:
30%
Individual/group presentation of about 15 min:
30%
Final paper of 3,000 – 4,000 words:
40%
Reading
Reader with the required literature will be provided.
Course schedule
Date
Monday, July 20, 2015
Program*
Introduction to the course
Session 1: 09:00am – 10:30am
Key ideas and concepts
Theme 1: Europe’s quest for “unity in diversity”
Session 2: 11:00am – 12:30am
The historical background (1815 onwards): Towards
“unity in diversity”
Session 3: 02:00pm – 03:30pm
Today’s main unifying institutions: EU and NATO
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Theme 2: Europe’s darkest hour
Session 4: 09:00am – 10:30am
Breakdown of the old order (1870 – 1914)
Session 5: 11:00am – 12:30am
The sources of conflict in the 20th century
Session 6: 02:00pm – 03:30pm
Field trip (Wannsee Holocaust Memorial or Stasi
Museum)*
Monday, July 27, 2015
Theme 3: European security in the post-WWII order
Session 7: 09:00am – 10:30am
The Cold War (1945 – 1989)
Session 8: 11:00am – 12:30am
NATO and its eastward enlargement (1989 onwards)
Session 9: 02:00pm – 03:30pm
The New Cold War
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Thursday, July 30, 2015
Theme 4: Europe and the new centers of gravity, Part I
Session 10: 09:00am – 10:30am
Europe and Russia
Session 11: 11:00am – 12:30am
Eurasia: The new Great Game
Session 12: 02:00pm – 03:30pm
Guest lecture and discussion with Alexander Rahr,
leading expert on Russia and Russia-Europe relations*
Monday, August 3, 2015
Theme 4: Europe and the new centers of gravity, Part II
Session 13: 09:00am – 10:30am
China – the emerging global superpower
Session 14: 11:00am – 12:30am
How modern China interacts with Europe
Session 15: 02:00pm – 03:30pm
Field trip: The Chinese embassy in Berlin*
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Theme 5: Europe and the global economic crisis
Session 16: 09:00am – 10:30am
The causes of the Eurozone crisis
Session 17: 11:00am – 12:30am
The political repercussions
Session 18: 02:00pm – 03:30pm
The evolving EU
Monday, August 10, 2015
Theme 6: Looking ahead
Session 19: 09:00am – 10:30am
New sources of global conflict (population growth and
resources crunch)
Session 20: 11:00am – 12:30am
Lessons to be drawn today from European history
Session 21: 02:00pm – 03:30pm
Visit to Bundestag (Germany’s parliament)*
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Summary of the course
FINAL PAPER DUE
Session 22: 09:00am – 10:30am
Key issues and concepts revisited, Part I
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Session 23: 11:00am – 12:30am
Key issues and concepts revisited, Part II
Session 24: 02:00pm – 3:30pm
Final discussion
* Dates and subjects for field trips may be adjusted due to the availability and confirmation of
the speakers and appointments.
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