Admission requirements
Registration for the Minor European Union Studies or admission to the pre-master European Union Studies.
Description
From a once fringe issue, populism has emerged as a widespread phenomenon throughout Europe. As populist movements become ever more vocal and electorally successful, so mainstream parties and their ideas have been increasingly sidelined. This has called into question not simply the stability and shape of European nations, but also of the European Union and the broader process of European integration. Yet the definitions of populism are hotly debated, as are its drivers. Populism might even be regarded as a corrective to, or integral part of, a democracy where a good many people are dissatisfied with current political choices and feel culturally alienated and economically ‘left behind’. The aim of this elective is consequently to:
conceptualise what we mean by populism;
contextualise the contemporary explosion of populist parties by placing events against a broader historical backdrop of previous populist ‘waves’;
explore the numerous potential drivers of populist support;
question whether populism is a malign threat or an essential wake-up call for the renewal of democracy; and
analyse populism comparatively to understand the vast range of different populist movements, parties and personalities.
Course objectives
By the end of the course, students will:
understand the meaning and various drivers of populism
acquire a good insight into the challenges and potential benefits of populism
be able compare and grasp reasons for variation in populist success
have developed their skills in respect of research, writing, presentation and debate.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Seminar
Assessment method
Assessment
The final mark is based upon a combination of the following elements:
Research essay - 50%
Group presentation - 30%
Active participation in the course and class discussion - 20%
Weighing
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average.
Resit
To retake the research essay, students must have attended classes and failed the course.
Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Reading list
A syllabus will be provided one week before the start of the course.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office:
Remarks
NA