History of European Integration
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
The course offers a critical reflection on the history of Europe's economic and political unification process, analyzing its most significant passages from the first pro-European insights and reflections during the 1930s to the present day. The objectives are to provide the student with the tools to interpret the knowledge gained by reading the textbooks and documentation provided, while equipping him with critical skills to address even cutting-edge issues in the field of study of the history of European integration; at the same time, it is intended to help to focus on the choices made by governments, pro-European movements and individual actors at certain crucial moments, to understand their aims, to verify their consistency with national interests and with the decisions taken by the international cooperation forums.
Expected learning outcomes
The study of this course will allow the student to identify the ideal lines, if any, in the process of European construction, as well as to define those elements of continuity and rupture in decision-making and diplomatic processes, collecting and interpreting the data available on the basis of the most recent historiography and available documentation. Finally, the student will have the critical tools necessary to examine with autonomy of judgment and possibly communicate what cyclically in public debate are evoked as congenital and peculiar vices of European construction, such as the democratic deficit, excessive specialization and technicality, the confrontation/competition with the United States and other international actors resulting from processes of regional integration.
Lesson period: First trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First trimester
Lessons will be held in presence and online.
Course syllabus
1945 - 1969. The first part will help students understand the international context in which the European integration process originated and developed, from the post-WWII period onwards. Particular attention will be given to the relations between Europe and the United States in the period immediately following the end of WWII, up to the consolidation of the first attempts at economic integration during the 1950s and 1960s.
1969 - 1992. The second part of the course will be dedicated to the reconstruction following the difficult period brought about by the actions of the French President Charles de Gaulle. In particular, it will focus on the process of economic integration, the first attempts at the coordination of the Nine's foreign policy, the complex creation of a common monetary policy, and the reform of the Single European Act until the signing of the Maastricht Treaty. Great attention will be given to the analysis of the European context in the international historical-political framework of the 1970s and 1980s until the end of the Cold War.
1992 - 2020. The third part will explore the role of the Europe Union in the international scenario from the post cold war to the present. In particular, it will examine the evolution of the European enlargement process, the attempt to define a common foreign and security policy and the 'constitutionalisation' of the Union in the period 1999-2004. Finally, it will analyze the current debate on the perspectives, limitations and opportunities of the European construction process.
1969 - 1992. The second part of the course will be dedicated to the reconstruction following the difficult period brought about by the actions of the French President Charles de Gaulle. In particular, it will focus on the process of economic integration, the first attempts at the coordination of the Nine's foreign policy, the complex creation of a common monetary policy, and the reform of the Single European Act until the signing of the Maastricht Treaty. Great attention will be given to the analysis of the European context in the international historical-political framework of the 1970s and 1980s until the end of the Cold War.
1992 - 2020. The third part will explore the role of the Europe Union in the international scenario from the post cold war to the present. In particular, it will examine the evolution of the European enlargement process, the attempt to define a common foreign and security policy and the 'constitutionalisation' of the Union in the period 1999-2004. Finally, it will analyze the current debate on the perspectives, limitations and opportunities of the European construction process.
Prerequisites for admission
History of international relations (recommended)
Teaching methods
The duration of the course is 60 hours. The course will mainly consist of lectures (2 hours each). There will be additional seminar events with invited experts/scholars. Students will be guided through the process of studying the most recent historiography, in a rigorous analysis of the primary sources. Lectures will include class discussions following presentations and viewing of multimedia material and digital archives. Class participation is strongly encouraged.
Teaching Resources
Mark Gilbert, Storia politica dell'integrazione europea, Bari-Roma, Laterza, 2008
Federico Romero, Storia della guerra fredda. L'ultimo conflitto per l'Europa, Einaudi, 2009
Piero S. Graglia, L'Unione Europea, Il Mulino, 2011
Jan Zielonka, Disintegrazione. Come salvare l'Europa dall'Unione Europea, Laterza, 2014
Federico Romero, Storia della guerra fredda. L'ultimo conflitto per l'Europa, Einaudi, 2009
Piero S. Graglia, L'Unione Europea, Il Mulino, 2011
Jan Zielonka, Disintegrazione. Come salvare l'Europa dall'Unione Europea, Laterza, 2014
Assessment methods and Criteria
Final assessment will consist of an oral exam regarding the most relevant episodes and turning points in the History of European Integration during the 20th Century and the beginning of the 21st, and will focus on topics covered in the course. Students are also expected to be able to exercise critical thinking and to use appropriate terminology.
SPS/06 - HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Graglia Piero
Professor(s)
Reception:
Office hours: on MONDAYS from 12,30 PM to 3,30 PM
office hours are in presence or via Microsoft Teams platform.