“European Studies” Undergraduate Programme
The programme
« European Studies » is an interdisciplinary programme taught in English and focusing on European culture, history, institutions, economy and society. It includes classwork but also workshops and field trips in the Limousin region.
It is open to:
- all undergraduate students of the Faculty of Arts of the University of Limoges who are in their 2nd or 3rd year
- international students spending one or two semesters at the University of Limoges. There are no extra fees to pay for these courses.
All students, whether from Limoges or exchange students, have two options:
either follow the whole programme: two 24-hour modules every semester for 2 years or, for the international students spending only one year in Limoges, four 24-hour modules every semester
Students who follow the whole programme and are successful in their exams will then be awarded a diploma in European Studies (D.U. “European Studies”), worth 32 ECTS for international students.
or choose some of the modules, or parts of the modules:
- students from Limoges will have to check if the modules are part of the list of optional courses – OSMP – offered by their department
- exchange students can choose whatever courses they wish
Teaching staff
Address
39 E , rue Camille Guérin F-87036 LIMOGES Cedex
Contact
Courses
Second year/Autumn semester :
Module 1: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Europe (48h)
- Europe: the Cradle of International Justice (Christian Chartier) – 12h
Abstract: The first conventions on the law of war were signed in The Hague (The Netherlands) at the end of the 19th century. The Hague is also the place where the International Criminal Court was established in 2002. In the meantime, the Nazis were put on trial in Nuremberg (Germany) and many European countries have now signed the Convention on Human Rights: Europe has progressively imposed itself as the cradle of international justice.
- An Economic Approach to Europe (Christine Poiraudeau) – 12h
Abstract: The twelve-hour course will deal with the economics of the European Union and the economies of Europe. Its aim is to familiarize students with some of Europe’s current economic issues and debates: European integration, the single currency, the financial crisis, deindustrialisation, labour markets, population trends…, using mainly the press and video reports.
2. European Nature and Landscapes (24h) 4ECTS
- Nature and Landscapes : a European Perspective (Sylvain Guyot, Frédéric Richard) – 24h
Abstract: Contrary to common belief, nature and landscapes are socially and culturally built objects. The aim of this module is therefore to explain how various social actors, in particular the inhabitants themselves, occupy natural spaces, especially through the production of cultural and artistic representations.We will primarily use a comparative approach, using French, European and international examples and contexts (the United Kingdom, Sweden…). This module comprises two field trips (2x6h), two conferences (2x2h) and four 2-hour classes (4x2h).
Second year/Spring semester :
Module 2: Visions of Europe (48h)
- History of the Idea of Europe in Europe and in the World. (Bertrand Westphal) -12h
Abstract: Our purpose is to follow the path which led to the emergence of the European entity. We will go from Ancient Greece and the Middle Ages, we will continue with Humanism and the Enlightenment before reaching modern times. We will try to pinpoint the limits of Europe whose dreamt identities have been marked by ethnocentrism. This journey includes literature, fine art and the historical narrative.
- French Culture in the United States (Guy Clermont) – 12h
Abstract: The purpose of this course is to explore the major intellectual and cultural currents which developed in France during the 20th century, from Impressionism and the development of the moving pictures to the “French Theory”, which have received wide acclaim in the world and more particularly in the United States, thus enriching the common cultural heritage of the two nations, and feeding the debate on the future of our modern societies.
2. Migrants and Minorities in Europe (24h) 4ECTS
- European Minorities in the Cultural Field (Cécile Kovacshazy) – 12h
Abstract: We will begin by considering the theories about the relative notion of « minority », before taking the example of one of the largest European minorities: Gypsies. We will consider its representation in the cultural field, and particularly in the artistic field (literature, films). Before classes start, students are required to watch at least 2 films by Tony Gatlif, including Latcho Drom (1993).
- Migrants and Migrations in Europe (Nathalie Bernardie-Tahir) – 12h
Abstract: This course will focus on European migrations, especially on the so-called “irregular” migrations often covered by the media and used by politicians. Following long, chaotic and dangerous routes, migrants arrive in Europe where they settle down for a while, producing specific territories connected by the intensive circulation of people and information. This course will use audiovisual documents like documentaries or films.
Third year/Autumn semester :
Module 3: European Cultural Heritage (48h)
- History of European Sciences (Marc Moyon – François Loget – Jérôme Fatet) – 12h
Abstract: This course deals with the history and epistemology of sciences. In order to study the advent of “Modern Science”, the course will concentrate on three eras. First, we will focus on the appropriation of knowledge and practices of Ancient and Islamic scientific traditions by Christian Europe, then on the “European Renaissance” and finally on a case study with the first works of Sir Isaac Newton on the origin of the colors of the rainbow.
- From Attila the Hun and King Arthur to Joan of Arc. Tales of Great European Men and Women (Alexandra Beauchamp) – 12h
Abstract: Using literature, cinema, images, and historical works as a starting point, this course aims to study the place of some great medieval European historical figures in European history and cultural heritage.
2. European Literature and Cinema (24h) 4ECTS
- Masterpieces of European Literature (Till Kuhnle) – 12h
Abstract: Europe also means the myth of its cities. Dublin, Venice, Prague, Paris, Berlin…they always call to mind great characters and famous stories. Masterpieces of literature are therefore an opportunity to participate in this particular journey.
- Masterpieces of European Cinema (Till Kuhnle) – 12h
Abstract: Europe also means the myth of its cities. Dublin, Venice, Prague, Paris, Berlin…they always call to mind great characters and famous stories. Masterpieces of cinema are therefore an opportunity to participate in this particular journey.
Third year/Spring semester :
Module 4: Reading Europe Today (48h)
- European Media Reading – 12h
- European Press Review (Catherine Plankeele) – 12h
Abstract: Which types of media are influential in Europe? Who controls them? What is to be found in online papers and how is it expressed? Every week, we shall read mainly online papers and do a European press review to understand them better and have a critical approach to European media.
2. European Modern Cultures (24h) 4ECTS
- European Art: Which Europe (Cécile Kovacshazy) – 12h
Abstract: In this course, we will analyze the works of some great European artists, including some from Central and Eastern Europe. We will investigate whether these famous aesthetic movements cover the whole of Europe or if regional specificities can be found. The period under study will be the 20th century.
- European Media Genres (Irène Langlet) – 12h
Abstract: The course will focus on some of the popular genres shown in the online museum « Popular Roots of European Culture » (main result of a European research program me http://www.popular-roots.eu/). Through French, English and German examples, the emergence of a European shared mass-culture will be examined, with particular attention being paid to its multimedia dimension.
