Course Descriptions

Introduction to the European Union (EURO 3234)

This course introduces students to the history, institutions, and policies of the European Union. Originally formed in 1957 by six nations, the EU is currently composed of 28 member states. A commitment to cooperate did not become a priority until after World War II when hesitation about relinquishing certain aspects of national sovereignty was overridden by the war’s devastation. The authority of the EU evolved slowly through a series of treaty agreements to encompass a complex network of social, political, and economic responsibilities. In the process, an elaborate structure of institutions developed to manage the EU’s expanding range of activities.

Course begins August 17th and ends December 1st.

Course Instructor: Dr. Chris Bourdouvalis, Augusta University

EU Environmental Policy (EURO 4430 01U)

This course examines EU environmental policy through an exploration of the history and evolution of policy as well as a consideration of the role of political actors in the policy process. Through a comparative approach, students will have the opportunity to study current environmental policy issues in the EU and the United States, such as the Green New Deal and the European Green Deal, energy, sustainable development, agriculture, and nature and biodiversity

Course begins August 17th and ends December 1st.

Course Instructor: Dr. Julie Lester, Middle Georgia State University

The EU, Human Rights and Social Justice (EURO 4830 01U)

This course covers the history, politics, and importance of human rights and social justice in the European Union. Both human rights and social justice are important hallmarks of the European Union. During this class, we will explore the evolution and politics of human rights and social justice protections within the EU.  We will look focus on protections in three areas each to develop a deeper understanding of the process and politics involved in securing the protections. Finally, we will discuss current and future issues related to human rights and social justice in the European Union. This is the capstone course for the EU Studies certificate program.

Course begins August 17th and ends December 1st.

Course Instructor: Dr . Kathie Barrett, University of West Georgia

Introduction to the European Union (EURO 3234 01U)

This course introduces students to the history, institutions, and policies of the European Union. Originally formed in 1957 by six  nations, the EU is currently composed of 28 member states. A commitment to cooperate did not become a priority until after WWII when hesitation about relinquishing certain aspects of national sovereignty was overridden by the war’s devastation. The authority of the EU evolved slowly through a series of treaty agreements to encompass a complex network of social, political, and economic responsibilities. In the process, an elaborate structure of institutions developed to manage the EU’s expanding range of activities.

Course begins January 11th and ends April 29th.

Course Instructor: Dr. Rick Reiman, South Georgia State College                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Federalism and Multilevel Governance (EURO 4160 01U)

This course is a comparison of multilevel governance and policy making in the European Union with that of the United States and other federal systems.

Course begins January 11th ends April 29th.

Course Instructor: Dr. Daniel Baracskay, Valdosta State University

                                                                                                                                             Refugees, Asylum and Migration: The US and EU (EURO 4830 01U)

This class will consider three main subjects: 1) Migration, 2) Forced Migration, and 3) Persecution resulting in either Internal Displacement, Refugee Resettlement or Asylum. While the first two categories are social science concepts with some legal content, the third is a legal term of art, but can be applied for social science analysis. We will use both disciplines to understand how individual countries like the US and international organizations like the EU effect the multilevel governance of migration to, and refuge into, Europe and the United States. The US and EU, along with its member states, have the most elaborate institutions and open politics, both as receiving (and sending) countries, and are democracies. Yet, their immigration, asylum and refugee policies are often in violation of international norms, including treaties, that affect forced displacement, persecution, economic incentives and ecological factors that have induced mass movements of civilians worldwide. We will consider how policies that divide and deport families are denying support to those who need it most. We will compare and contrast the US and EU migration systems, and evaluate the long-term effects of inclusionary and exclusionary policies. This is the Capstone course for the EU Studies certificate program.

Course begins January 11th and ends April 29th.

Course Instructor: Dr. Henry Carey, Georgia State University

Introduction to the European Union (EURO 3234 01U)

This course introduces students to the history, institutions, and policies of the European Union. Originally formed in 1957 by six nations, the EU is currently composed of 28 member states. A commitment to cooperate did not become a priority until after World War II when hesitation about relinquishing certain aspects of national sovereignty was overridden by the war’s devastation. The authority of the EU evolved slowly through a series of treaty agreements to encompass a complex network of social, political, and economic responsibilities. In the process, an elaborate structure of institutions developed to manage the EU’s expanding range of activities.

Course begins May 24th and ends July 21st.

Course Instructor: Dr. Brian Smith, Georgia Southwestern State University

EU Foreign Policy (EURO 4730 01U)

This course is an examination of the foreign policy of the European Union. It examines how EU foreign policy is made, the intersection of national and EU foreign policies, and EU policies regarding key issues in countries and areas of the world.

Course begins August 16th and ends December 7th.

Course Instructor: Dr. Chris Bourdouvalis, Augusta University

EU Law and Legal Systems (EURO 4130 01U)

This course is a study of EU legal institutions and processes in the context of international law and in comparison to those of the United States.

Course begins August 16th and ends December 7th.

Course Instructor: Dr. Kathie Barrett, University of West Georgia

US-EU Relations (EURO 4760 01U)

This course examines relations between the United States and the European Union, including US-EU cooperation on key global issues and the future of Transatlantic relations in a changing world.

Course begins January 10th and ends April 28th.

Course Instructor: Dr. Henry Carey, Georgia State University

Governments of the EU (EU Capstone Course): POLS 4830 (EURO 4830 01U)

Survey of the Governments of the European Union, focusing on both the member states and Union-level political institutions. Emphasis on representative institutions and the role of political ideas in the process of European integration. Current issues including Brexit, migration, economic globalization, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and climate change will be examined.  Participants in the course will be expected to research current issues in a selected member country.

Course begins January 10th and ends April 28th.

Course Instructor: Dr. Daniel Skidmore-Hess, Georgia Southern University

This course introduces students to the history, institutions, and policies of the European Union. Originally formed in 1957 by six nations, the EU is currently composed of 28 member states. A commitment to cooperate did not become a priority until after World War II when hesitation about relinquishing certain aspects of national sovereignty was overridden by the war’s devastation. The authority of the EU evolved slowly through a series of treaty agreements to encompass a complex network of social, political, and economic responsibilities. In the process, an elaborate structure of institutions developed to manage the EU’s expanding range of activities.Course begins May 23rd and ends July 20th.

Course Instructor: Dr. Brian Smith, Georgia Southwestern State University

EU Environmental Policy (EURO 4430 01U)

This course examines EU environmental policy through an exploration of the history and evolution of policy as well as a consideration of the role of political actors in the policy process. Through a comparative approach, students will have the opportunity to study current environmental policy issues in the EU and the United States, such as the Green New Deal and the European Green Deal, energy, sustainable development, agriculture, and nature and biodiversity

Course dates TBA.

Course Instructor: Dr. Julie Lester, Middle Georgia State University

The EU, Human Rights and Social Justice (EURO 4830 01U)

This course covers the history, politics, and importance of human rights and social justice in the European Union. Both human rights and social justice are important hallmarks of the European Union. During this class, we will explore the evolution and politics of human rights and social justice protections within the EU.  We will look focus on protections in three areas each to develop a deeper understanding of the process and politics involved in securing the protections. Finally, we will discuss current and future issues related to human rights and social justice in the European Union. This is the capstone course for the EU Studies certificate program.

Course dates TBA.

Course Instructor: Dr . Kathie Barrett, University of West Georgia