Description
Has the Netherlands turned completely eurosceptic in recent years? The no vote in the 2005 referendum on the European Constitutional Treaty and the considerable gains of eurosceptic parties such as the socialist SP party and the anti-Islam party PVV in national and European elections might give that impression. Nevertheless, the Dutch appreciate European Union membership more than most other nations in the EU, and most parties still accept the EU as necessary and inevitable to tackle certain international problems. The MA seminar The Netherlands and the European Union therefore examines whether, when, why, and how Dutch governments, parliament, ministries, parties, interest groups, and citizens have turned more critical or sceptic about European integration in recent years. The seminar program includes a number of lectures on location and guest speakers.
Passive knowledge of Dutch is required for this seminar. Participants are expected to have basic knowledge of Dutch politics and European integration.
Obligatory readings
H. Vollaard & B. Boer (2005), Euroscepsis in Nederland. Den Haag: Lemma.
A list of other obligatory readings will be made available on blackboard in late October 2010.
Examination
To be announced.
Schedule
Monday 1 November till 20 December, 15.00 -17.00 hrs. 1A33 (except 22 November: SA31; 29 November SA05 and 6 till 20 December 6C03) and
Thursday 4 November till 23 December 11.00 – 13.00 hrs. in 1A33 (except 2 and 9 December 1A15)