Overview
About the course
The European Union in the 21st Century - Internal and External Challenges at Freie Universität Berlin will cover an overview of European Union history, its evolution in economic and political terms as well as of its institutional structure up to today.
Internal politics and policies, for example the decision-making process, the balance of power, identity and democratic questions in this new system of governance will be discussed. We study the causes and effects of the war in Europe, its geopolitical dimension and how it affects policies and relations with neighbors and other parts of the world.
Particularly important aspects include the discussion on relations with the UK after Brexit, the future of transatlantic relations and how the EU is dealing with China’s and Russia’s alternative models of governance. We will discuss migration as well as the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. If students express specific interests in other topics or case studies sessions can be adjusted.
The morning sessions consist of lectures, literature based discussions and oral presentations from working groups. After lunch the course will visit various institutions in Germany`s political center or invite distinguished guests to class. Students will have the chance to discuss the topics from the morning sessions with international experts from political institutions, embassies and think tanks.
About FUBiS
The Freie Universität Berlin International Summer and Winter University (FUBiS) is an intensive, academic program through which students can earn credits that may be counted towards their degrees at their home institutions. FUBiS sessions run for three to six weeks and take place both in summer and winter.
Courses
Students can choose between subject courses (mostly taught in English) and German language and culture courses. The 50+ subject courses are offered within the fields of Architecture, Art History, Politics, Law, History, Media Studies, Economics, Sustainability, Literature, Philosophy, Film, and Music. German language and culture courses are available for up to five different levels of proficiency.
Field Trips
Field trips are an integral part of all our courses. In addition, FUBiS offers excursions such as to the Berlin Reichstag building (seat of the German Parliament) and a guided tour through the underworlds of Berlin, or a day trip to Potsdam.
Get more details
Visit programme websiteProgramme Structure
Topics include:
- The state of European Integration
- Institutions and Decision-Making / Germany in the EU
- Europe’s response to global polycrises
- The EU in a changing world
- Identity, Euroscepticism and Populism
- Brexit and further enlargement: Relations with UK and candidate countries
- Immigration and Asylum Policy / Demographic Trends
- The Future of Europe
Audience
Student Testimonials
- "I've obtained new perspectives and insights throughout the course and it's really good for my development!"
- "I’ve learned so much in such a short amount of time and every penny of my money felt well spent on this class."
- "Overall, the professor was fantastic! He was extremely knowledgeable about the subjects and created a very comfortable learning environment."
- "The course was comprehensive, straight-forward, and incredibly well taught and the excursions presented were incredible as well. I'm so grateful to have taken this class."
Lecturers
Instructor: Dr. Ulrich Brückner
Check out the full curriculum
Visit programme websiteKey information
Duration
- Full-time
- 1 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
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Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
International Relations European Studies Political Science View 12 other Short Courses in Political Science in GermanyExplore more key information
Visit programme websiteAcademic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.
Student insurance
Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:
- Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
- Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.
Get your student insurance nowStarting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.
Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Freie Universität Berlin and/or in Germany, please visit Student Insurance Portal.
Other requirements
General requirements
- Students from different countries, academic levels and backgrounds who are generally interested in European integration will benefit from each other in an intercultural and interdisciplinary learning process.
- Former classes consisted of regular students and practitioners such as civil servants, communication experts, young politicians and even members of parliaments.
- The course does not require special knowledge about European politics, law, history or culture, but participants should be interested in more than just their field of specialization
Make sure you meet all requirements
Visit programme websiteTuition Fee
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International
1300 EUR/fullTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 1300 EUR for the full programme during 1 months. -
EU/EEA
1300 EUR/fullTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 1300 EUR for the full programme during 1 months.
Living costs for Berlin
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.