European Studies 101
Introduction to European Studies
Fall 2014
T/Th 12:30-1:45
Prof. Emily Schuckman-Matthews
ematthews@mail.sdsu.edu, x. 48876
Course Description:
The course will examine the political, social, intellectual, and cultural aspects of contemporary Europe.
In this course, Europe is conceived in traditional geographic terms, i.e. it includes not only countries of
the European Union, but also countries of Eastern Europe as well as the Balkans. We shall not be
following the strict chronology of the events, rather, we shall examine a number of different ideas (e.g.
nation, ethnicity, religion, language, literature) that make change in the flow of events. We shall look in
turn at how map makers, political leaders, philosophers, artists, writers, and average people, have
negotiated over the meaning of “European.” In this course, we shall examine how these definitions have
changed over time, and what impact they have had over the politics, societies, and cultures of Europe.
We shall explore from the multidisciplinary perspectives both primary sources—maps, art, movies,
fiction, documents—as well as secondary sources that analyze the idea of Europe from a scholarly
perspective.
Goals and Outcomes:
• You will develop your understanding of the cultural history of Europe by comparing the origins of a
specific cultural manifestation and by differentiating among the diverse cultures that form modern
Europe.
• You will interpret differing perspectives on European unity.
• You will understand the key issues of modern European Studies by discussing the role of the European
Union in national politics of European countries.
• You will also develop your understanding of Europe from an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural
perspective.
• You will analyze several cultural issues from a multi-disciplinary perspective and integrate these
perspectives in a paper as you compare a theme or issue as it affects two or more European countries.
• You will improve your ability to read and think critically.
• This course will provide you the opportunity to hone many of the skills required for success outside of
the classroom, such as the abilities to research an argument and express it clearly and to collaborate
with other students.
How this course fits in with the rest of your academic endeavors:
This is a General Education Course in the Humanities and Fine Arts: Foundations of Learning courses
introduce students to the basic concepts, theories, and approaches offered by disciplinary and
interdisciplinary areas of study. They provide the foundation to understand and approach problems in
the academy, and in local and global real-world environments. Consistent with class size and learning
goals, they cultivate skills in reading, writing, communication, computation, information-gathering, and
use of technology.
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Structure of the course:
At each class, you will be responsible for that day’s reading, for asking good questions, answering
questions, and participating in the discussions. Reading assignments should be completed for the day
they are listed on the syllabus. Please bring the assigned readings with you to class so you can refer to
them during discussions. Because of the large class size, the opportunity of speaking will be limited
therefore your contribution to the discussion will be evaluated on the basis of quality rather than
quantity. Your active class participation will help you to prepare for the quizzes, tests, and the exams.
Some of the in-class assignments will be done as part of a group, and some of them will be done
individually. Whenever we have a group discussion in class, the members of the group will rotate in
terms of representing the group.
Group presentation
The class will be divided into approx. 10 groups of 6-8 students. Each group will have to make one
presentation. The topics of each group’s presentation will be assigned in January and will be posted on
Blackboard. You will do the research on the topic, prepare a bibliography and a POWER POINT
presentation to illustrate your arguments. The duration of your presentation is 20 minutes, which means
that every student will speak 2-3 minutes. This is a GROUP project, which means that you should work
on your presentation in collaboration with your study-mates. Each group should have a group leader
who helps the group stay on track and monitors progress on the various aspects of the assignment. The
grade for the presentation will reflect your personal work and the group in the whole. Your group will
also submit a group paper on your topic with each individual contributing one section.
The guidelines for your presentation will be posted on Blackboard.
Paper:
Your group will write a research paper (approx. 2-3 pages per group member) about your presentation
topic. Each person is responsible for his/her own component of the paper and must write their own
paper. A group leader will compile each individual contribution into a large group paper. All papers are
due by DECEMBER 4. More specific guidelines for the paper will be posted on Blackboard.
Paper MUST be turned in via “Turn It In” program on Bb
Policy on reading, homework, and late assignments:
• All assigned readings should be done prior to the class. Late assignments (homework, papers, and
projects) will receive lower grades: one day late = one grade lower, two days late = two grades lower,
etc. Exception: pre-approved or approved late submission or lateness in connection with an excused
absence.
• All written homework must be turned in as a TYPED HARD COPY, double-spaced in 12-point font, and
stapled. Any written homework that is not typed will not be graded and will receive a zero. I will not
grade emailed written assignments unless you’ve made arrangements with me before the day it’s due.
• For both missing class and late submission of assignments: I strongly encourage you to communicate
with me about any problems you’re having. I usually work with my students on helping them catch up
and get on track again, if there are serious reasons beyond their control for having missed class or
assignments. Being overworked, forgetting, having too little time, tests/exams in other classes, etc. are
NOT reasons that would qualify.
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Examinations:
There will be two in-class tests, and one final exam. Our final exam is scheduled for Dec 11 @ 10:30am
Course materials:
Required:
Mason, David, A Concise History of Modern Europe, 2nd Ed.
Additional readings are posted on Blackboard.
NOTE: Books are on reserve in library for your use if you are unable to purchase the textbooks.
Attendance Policy:
• Attendance will be taken via sign-in sheet every class.
• Each student will be entitled to 3 undocumented absences during the semester. Since attendance is
critical to course performance, more than three undocumented /unexcused absences will automatically
result in a lower grade (each additional absence will reduce this part of the grade by a full grade: B to C,
C to D, etc.). Family emergencies and personal tragedies can and do come up. That is why there are
three absences allowed without any documentation. Don’t abuse this privilege.
• No make-up examinations will be given unless documentation of a medical or family emergency is
provided the day the student returns to class. Unexcused absence on the day when an examination,
presentation or quiz is given results in no credit for that assignment.
Academic Integrity:
College of Arts and Letters expects the highest standards of academic excellence and ethical
performance from students. It is particularly important that you are aware of and avoid plagiarism. All
incidents of cheating or plagiarism will be reported to the Judicial Procedures Office as required by
CSU Policy.
Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses. You are plagiarizing or cheating if you:
 for written work, copy down or cut anything from a book, article or website and add or paste it
into your paper without using quotation marks and providing the full reference for the
quotation, including page number
 for written work, summarize / paraphrase in your own words ideas you got from a book, article,
or the web without providing the full reference for the source (including page number in the
humanities)
 for an oral presentation, copy down or cut anything from a book, article, or website and present
it orally as if it were your own words. You must summarize and paraphrase in your own words,
and bring a list of references in case the professor asks to see it
 use visuals or graphs you got from a book, article, or website without providing the full
reference for the picture or table
 recycle a paper you wrote for another class
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turn in the same (or a very similar paper) for two classes
purchase or otherwise obtain a paper and turn it in as your own work
copy off of a classmate
use technology or smuggle in documents to obtain or check information in an exam situation
In a research paper, it is always better to include too many references than not enough. When in doubt,
always err on the side of caution. If you have too many references it might make your professor smile; if
you don’t have enough you might be suspected of plagiarism.
If you have any question or uncertainty about what is or is not cheating, it is your responsibility to ask
your instructor.
Consequences of cheating and plagiarism:
SDSU instructors are mandated to report all instances of cheating and plagiarism to the Center for
Student Rights and Responsibility. Consequences are at the instructor’s and the Center for Student
Rights and Responsibility’s discretion. They may include any of the following:


failing the assignment
failing the class
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warning
probation
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suspension
expulsion
For more detailed information, read the chapter on plagiarism in the MLA Handbook for Writers of
Research Papers (6th edition, 2003); visit the following website
http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml and talk to your professors before turning in
your paper or doing your oral presentation.
The University of Indiana also has very helpful writing hints for students, including some on how to cite
sources. Please visit http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets.shtml for more information.
Plagiarism and Paraphrasing Tutorial/Quiz:
To ensure that you understand what plagiarism is and isn’t, I am requiring that you complete the
Plagiarism Tutorial on the library’s website. You will receive 15 points (3% of your grade) for
completing this tutorial. Once you complete the tutorial, you must print out you quiz results or save
them and email them to me. This is the only way you will receive credit. The link to the tutorial is
posted on Bb.
Grading:
• Class participation: 50 points (10%)
Class participation includes: coming to class, having done the assigned reading/answering the questions,
taking active part in class discussion, participating in class group work.
(passive class attendance without active participation will get you 60 points out of 75 points)
• Homework Reading + Assignments: 100 points (20%)
• Group Paper: 50 points (10%)
• Group Presentation: 25 points (5%)
• Map Quiz: 25 points (5%)
• First test: 50 points (10%)
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• Second test: 50 points (10%)
• Final Exam: 100 points (25 %)
• Plagiarism Test: 15 points (3%) – remember to provide proof of completion to me
• Syllabus Quiz: 10 points (2%)
Your grades will be posted in the Bb Grade Center. You should be able to track your own progress using
this system. However, if you would like to know where you stand at any point in the semester, I am
happy to discuss your grade with you at any time.
Grade scale:
A: 93-100
A-: 90-92
B+: 87-89
B: 83-86
B-: 80-82
C+: 77-79
C: 73-76
C-: 70-72
D+: 67-69
D: 63-66
D-: 60-62
F: 1-59
Grades as defined at SDSU as:
A: Outstanding achievement, available for the highest accomplishment.
B: Praiseworthy performance, definitely above average.
C: Average awarded for satisfactory performance; the most common undergraduate grade.
D: Minimally passing, less than typical undergraduate achievement
F: Failing
C/NC: Some students may, subject to their major requirement and the conditions set out in the General
Catalog, choose to take the course credit/no credit. Work equivalent to C or above will result in a grade
of Credit; work equivalent to C- or below will result in NO Credit.
WU: Indicates that an enrolled student did not withdraw from the course but did not fulfill the course
requirements. For purposes of grade point average computation, this grade is equivalent to an F.
Students who are failing when they stop attending class will receive an F, not a U.
Extra Credit:
Each student has the opportunity to complete two extra credit assignments during the semester. Each
assignment is worth a maximum of 8 points. This means you can earn a total of 16 points in extra
credit during the course of the semester.
• The first assignment consists of watching one European, Foreign-language film and writing a 1
paragraph summary of the film and another 2 paragraph response to the film (what you thought of the
film, how/if it connects to themes we’re discussing in class, what it made you think about, etc). You may
receive credit for one film.
List of recommended films with brief description on Bb
• The second assignment consists of visiting one of two local museums which have European Art
Exhibitions or permanent collections. Your assignment is to visit the museum and write a 1 page
response which includes your reactions to at least 4 paintings or works of art by European Artists. If you
are attending a special exhibition, please also include comments on/impressions of the exhibition as a
whole. In addition to your summary, you must submit an admission ticket/stub from your visit.
List of recommended museums/exhibitions with links posted on Bb.
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• A third option for extra credit consists of attending a film or lecture associated with the Italian or
French Film Festivals (Information to be posted when avail.). You are required to submit a one-page
summary of the event you attended.
Classroom policy regarding the use of electronic devices:
The use of ANY electronic devices during the classroom for note-taking or any other
purposes is not permitted. My policy is very simple: if your phone rings, you turn on your
computer, you use a palm pilot to take notes, email, surf the net, etc., I will ask you to leave
the room and you will have 1 unexcused absence for that day. If you need an electronic device for
emergency purposes or to accommodate any special needs, please discuss this with me.
Class Etiquette:
You are expected to maintain proper etiquette in class. This includes:
• not arriving late, or leaving in the midst of class (if you have to leave before the class ends—please let
me know in advance)
If you are late, please enter quietly and be seated as close to the door as possible. If you have a reason
to be late consistently, please discuss it with me and obtain approval.
• not talking, sleeping, reading newspapers/emails/texts/books or doing homework for other courses in
class
E-mail Etiquette:
Please observe basic rules of politeness and formality in email messages. These rules include:
• any message must include an address line (e.g. “Dear Professor Schuckman-Matthews” or “Professor
Schuckman-Matthews”)
• use polite and appropriate language
• always sign your name
• allow some reasonable time for me to answer your emails
Please note:
• All students are welcome to discuss readings, course content, exams, and other academic topics with
me. If you are having trouble with an assignment or with a concept, please let me know, either during
class or office hours. Questions are always welcome.
• This class requires a great deal of reading and class participation. I have high standards for my classes
and for the students in them. I have similarly high standards for myself.
• I shall return your written assignments graded and with comments as quickly as possible.
• I shall be at my office during my office hours. If I have to cancel office hours, I will email changes and
will offer alternate times to ensure that you have an opportunity to consult with me.
• I shall make appointments with you if you cannot meet with me during office hours and will always try
to answer questions in class and outside of it.
Access:
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If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this class, it is your
responsibility to contact Student Disability Services at (619) 594-6473. To avoid any delay in the receipt
of your accommodations, you should contact Student Disability Services as soon as possible. Please
note that accommodations are not retroactive, and that accommodations based upon disability cannot be
provided until you have presented your instructor with an accommodation letter from Student Disability
Services. Your cooperation is appreciated.
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Schedule of Assignments
Week 1:
Aug. 26 Course Introduction
• Map Pretest
Aug. 28
Positioning Europe I: boundaries and borders
HW Reading Due: Murphy Ch 1 (7-16), Mason (1-5)
HW Activities Due: 1. Complete syllabus quiz on Bb
2. Complete HW questions posted on Bb (4 pts)
• Short Clips from the film “The Center”
Week 2:
Sept. 2 Positioning Europe II: Identity, Ethnicity and Religion
HW Reading Due: Guerrina 8 (135-153), Guerrina Ch 2 (38-40)
HW Activity Due: Complete HW questions posted on Bb (5 pts)
Complete HW questions (ELECTRONIC ASSIGNMENT ON Bb)
Sept. 4 Spotlight on the City: Medieval Paris
HW Reading Due: Murphy Ch 10 (299-309)
Week 3:
Sept. 9 Positioning Europe III: Religion (contd)
HW Reading Due: Murphy Ch 5 (132-143); Murphy Ch 5 (149-158); Guerrina (Ch. 1 25-28)
HW Activities Due: Complete HW questions (ELECTRONIC ASSIGNMENT ON Bb)
HW Activities Due: Plagiarism and syllabus Quizzes Must be Completed by this date!
Sept. 11 Islam in Europe
View film: When the Moors Ruled Europe
HW DUE AFTER FILM: Post 2 responses to discussion board (ELECTRONIC ASSIGNMENT ON Bb)
*** All postings must be completed by Feb 6 @ 11:59pm
Week 4:
Sept. 16 The Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution
HW Reading Due: Mason Ch 1 and 3 (23-46)
HW Activity Due: Complete HW questions (ELECTRONIC ASSIGNMENT ON Bb)
Sept. 18 European Imperialism: Colonialism and post-Colonialism
HW Reading Due: Mason Ch 8 (93-102)
HW Activity Due: Complete HW questions (ELECTRONIC ASSIGNMENT ON Bb)
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Week 5:
Sept. 23 Europe Built on War I: World War I
HW Reading Due: Mason Ch. 9 (103-114)
HW Activity Due: Complete HW questions (ELECTRONIC ASSIGNMENT ON Bb)
• Review for the 1st exam.
Sept. 25
**First test**
Week 6:
Sept. 30 WWI Continued: Women and World War I
HW Reading Due: Vera Brittain Readings (on Bb)
HW Activity Due: Complete questions/assignments posted on Bb (9 pts)
Oct. 2 Post War Anxieties: Revolutions Sweep Europe
HW Reading Due: Mason Ch. 5 and Ch. 10 (59-70) (115-130)
HW Activity Due: Complete HW questions (ELECTRONIC ASSIGNMENT ON Bb)
Week 7:
Oct. 7 Totalitarian Europe: Mussolini
Oct. 9 Stalin
HW Reading Due: Mason (131-136)
HW Activity Due: Complete HW questions (ELECTRONIC ASSIGNMENT ON Bb)
Week 8:
Oct 14 Europe Built on War II: WWII
• View film: The Rape of Europa
HW Reading Due: Mason (136-143);
- “Klimts Go to Market; Museums Hold Their Breath,” NYT (on Bb)
HW Activity Due: Complete HW questions (ELECTRONIC ASSIGNMENT ON Bb)
Oct. 16 WW II (contd.)
• View film: The Rape of Europa
Week 9:
Oct. 21 Europe Built on War III: Cold War
HW Reading Due: Mason Ch. 12 (145-160)
HW Activity Due: Complete HW questions (ELECTRONIC ASSIGNMENT ON Bb)
Oct. 23 The collapse of Soviet regime: The revolutions of 1989
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HW Reading Due: Mason Ch. 13 (161-178) on Bb
HW Activity Due: Complete HW questions posted on Bb (4 pts)
Week 10:
Oct. 28 The Roma Population in Europe
HW Reading Due: Excerpts from Bury Me Standing on Bb
HW Activity Due: Complete HW questions posted on Bb (8 pts)
Oct. 30
**Second test**
Week 11:
Nov. 4 Unification of Germany
HW Reading Due: TBA
HW Activity Due: Complete HW questions posted on Bb (4 pts)
Nov. 6 Europe built on war IV: The Balkans
HW Reading Due: Short Stories (all on Bb): “High Heeled Shoes” and “A Letter to my Daughter”
by Slavenka Drakulic
HW Activity Due: Complete HW questions posted on Bb (8 pts)
Week 12:
Nov. 11: NO CLASS – VETERANS DAY 22
Nov. 13 An Integrated Europe
HW Reading Due: Mason Ch. 14 (179-192)
HW Activity Due: Complete HW questions (ELECTRONIC ASSIGNMENT ON Bb)
** Map test**
Week 13:
Nov. 18: Post-Communist Life in Germany
- Film: Goodbye Lenin
HW Readings: “Underestimating East Germany” (on Bb)
“The Berlin Wall: A Lesson in Change” (on Bb)
Nov. 20 Finish Good bye Lenin + discussion.
HW DUE AFTER FILM: Handout posted on Bb (6 pts)
Week 14:
Nov. 25 Class Presentations
Nov. 27 No Class: Thanksgiving
Week 15:
Dec. 2 Group Presentations (Day 1)
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NOTE: ALL PRESENTATIONS DUE TO ME IN ELECTRONIC FORM BY DEC. 1ST: 10PM.
Dec. 4 Group Presentations (Day 2)
Group Paper Due
Week 16:
Dec. 9 Last Day of Class
** FINAL: Thursday Dec. 11 10:30am—12:30pm Final Exam**
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