Admission requirements
This course is only available to Honours students.
Description
What do the bureaucrats in Brussels actually do? And what topics are hot on the agenda? In class the theoretical functioning of the institutions and organisations of Brussels is thoroughly explained. But nothing compares to visiting these institutions and building a network at the same time. However, such visits are often general and introducing concepts and principles which are also covered in class. Therefore, this specific class will organise a visit to Brussels on a specific topic.
Students will take part in two preparatory meetings at Leiden University. During these classes the topic of this years visit will be explained and introduced. Students will also be introduced to the assignment, focussing on enabling students to explore a current relevant topic in Brussels while at the same time building a network. The assignment expects students to delve deeper into the topic through research, interviews and/or panel discussions. During the visit to Brussels students will be able, with the support of the team, to interview experts and practitioners in Brussels. The outcome needs to be an audio or visual of their assignment that is appealing to the public and helps them to easily understand the topic under discussion, this can be a podcast, vlog or any other format. It cannot be an essay or form of written report.
The program will at a minimum include a visit to the Commission’s relevant department on the topic, the External Action Service, a general visit to the Parliament, a visit to an EU permanent representation and other relevant organisations. Students will stay in Brussels for two consecutive evenings and are expected to participate actively and be professional in their behaviour.
Course objectives
Develop an understanding of the practical functioning of different institutions and organisations in Brussels.
Formulate a perspective on a current relevant topic within Brussels (such as the current war in Ukraine, Brexit, Legislation on AI).
Analyse how different institutions in Brussels approach the problem.
Create and present a personal perspective through audio or even visual media on the topic under discussion.
Programme and timetable:
25th of March:
19.15 – 22.00 Introduction meeting for the students, introducing the program, assignment and enabling the formation of groups and scoping subjects.
8th of April:
19.15 – 22.00 Lecture by expert and/or practitioner in relation to the topic.
14th of April:
Travel to Brussels in the morning.
In the afternoon visits to relevant organisations and institutions in Brussels
15th of April:
In the morning visits to relevant organisations and institutions in Brussels.
In the afternoon space for students to work on their assignment.
In the evening there will be a joint dinner for the students.
16th of April:
In the morning a small simulation will amplify the knowledge gained about the functioning of the EU combined with a visit to the Dutch Permanent Representation to the EU.
In the afternoon travel back to The Hauge
Timetable
On the right side of programme front page of the studyguide you will find links to the website and timetables, uSis and Brightspace.
Mode of instruction
The course is worth 3 ECTS, which means the total course load equals 84 hours.
Contact hours: 30.
Self-study and assignment: 55 hours
1 lecture of 3 hours, 1 lecture of 3 hours, 3 days visiting Brussels of 8 hours per day.
55 hours of self-study, research and working together on making the assignment.
Assessment method
The assessment is an audio or visual that is appealing to the public and helps them to easily understand the topic under discussion, this can be a podcast, vlog or any other format. It cannot be an essay or form of written report.
The result should not last longer then 30-45 minutes. It needs to introduce the topic and contain a form of interviewing an external party (expert, practitioner, civilians, or otherwise), or a panel discussion between the students and experts, or another format. The minimum is that an external party is involved in the assignment.
Reading list
Reading will be determined based on the topic of that years visit.
Registration
Brightspace will be used in this course.
Registration through uSis will be done centrally.
TGC coordinator/administration will take care of enrollment.
Please note: students are not required to register through uSis for this class. Your registration will be done centrally after successful completion of the Class.
Contact
Teacher: Hans van den Berg; hans@youngdiplomat.org