POLS 548 
European Values and Democratic Participation

In line with the goals and aims of EUTHPART, the graduate course POLS 548 European Values and Democratic Participation introduces students to the values and norms of the European Union, with a particular emphasis on democracy and strengthening democratic participation. 

 

The course will provide an in-depth analysis of the EU's normative power and its role in democratic transition. The concept of Europeanization will be discussed in detail by providing the students with different approaches to Europeanization. In order to understand how the EU's institutional structure allows for democratic participation, the role of the European Parliament, the impact of national legislatures, and direct mechanisms such as the European Citizens' Initiative will be discussed. The course will also examine the obstacles to democratic participation in the EU, such as the democratic deficit, democratic backsliding, and the rise of populism.

 

The second part of the lecture will focus on specific cases of public opinion and political participation that have had a major impact on the EU. Case studies such as referendums of Brexit, the Constitutional Treaty, elections, and campaigning will be scrutinized. In analyzing the case studies, we will discuss the significance of European values and beliefs in European public opinion, as well as the concept of democratic citizenship.

 

Overall, the course will be of particular interest to those who are interested in understanding the challenges of democratic participation in the EU, and the role of values in European public opinion. The course will also provide valuable insights into the importance of European values and beliefs in the shaping of public opinion and political participation.

 

The course uses the flipped classroom strategy which gives students greater control over their own learning. The foundational material, including instructor-recorded videos of lecture, readings and online quizzes will be provided to the students before the class. The online in-class time will be devoted to active learning activities.

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Students who successfully complete the course will be awarded:

• the right to participate in a joint workshop with non-governmental organizations at the end of the semester, which will allow them to interact with their peers and stakeholders while also learning EU democratic values through hands-on experience

• the right to take part in a three-day democratic participation simulation workshop at Yeditepe University

• a certificate of completion of the 8 ECTS course