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Free course

What is Europe?

Free statement of participation on completion
What is Europe?

The European Union (EU), formed out of the ashes of the Second World War, continues to expand in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union. Despite the EU's growing size and significance, the question 'What is Europe?' still resonates through the continent. This free course looks at a range of different views on the question, contrasting different conceptions of Europeanness and outlining competing visions for the future of the EU.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

After studying this course, you will be able to:

  • appreciate the historical development of 'Europe' as a political and economic entity
  • understand the rationale for the emergence of the idea of 'Europe' in policy making
  • understand the contested nature of the idea of Europe
  • understand that 'Europe' is not coterminous with the European Union
  • appreciate the challenges facing the EU as it expands.

First Published: 10/10/2012

Updated: 03/03/2016

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