European Studies 101: Introduction to European Studies
Spring 2015
EUROP 101
COURSE INFORMATION
Class Days: T, TH
Class Times: 12:30-1:45
Class Location: M-245
Office Hours Location: SH228B
Office Hours Times (and by appointment): TTH 10-12
Email: ematthews@mail.sdsu.edu
Course Overview
Please describe the purpose and scope of the course including, but not limited to:

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.

Course Purpose and Student Learning 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.
-

Relevance:
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.
Enrollment Information

You may email me for add codes or attend the first day of class. You are responsible for dropping the course if you are
unable or do not want to remain in the class.
Course Materials
Please provide information about the materials for the course including, but not limited to:

Required Materials:
Mason, David, A Concise History of Modern Europe, 2nd Ed.
Additional readings are posted on Blackboard.
Course Structure and Conduct
Please provide information about the structure of the course including, but not limited to:

This course is a mix of lecture and discussion

This course utilizes Blackboard (Bb), the discussion board on Bb and Turn It In

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 Presentations:
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.

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 MAY 5. More specific guidelines
for the paper will be posted on Blackboard.
Paper MUST be turned in via “Turn It In” program on Bb



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.
Course Assessment and Grading
Please explain how the course will be assessed and graded by including, but not limited to:

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.

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.
- 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%)
- 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%)

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.
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
A third option for extra credit consists of attending a film or lecture on a subject relevant to class (Information to
be posted when avail.). You are required to submit a one-page summary of the event you attended.
Accommodations
The learning environment should be accessible to all. SDSU provides reasonable accommodations in the following situations:



Disability: 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.
Religion: By the end of the second week of classes, students should notify the instructors of affected courses of
planned absences for religious observances.
Official university activities (e.g., Athletics): Within the first two weeks of classes, a student who expects to be part of
an official university event or activity shall notify the instructors of affected courses. At that time, the student shall
request accommodation for any missed examinations or other assignments. If scheduling changes occur, the student
shall immediately notify the instructors.
Academic Honesty
The University adheres to a strict policy regarding cheating and plagiarism. These activities will not be tolerated in this class.
Become familiar with the policy (http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/srr/conduct1.html). Any cheating or plagiarism will result in failing
this class and a disciplinary review by Student Affairs.
Examples of Plagiarism include but are not limited to:





Using sources verbatim or paraphrasing without giving proper attribution (this can include phrases, sentences,
paragraphs and/or pages of work)
Copying and pasting work from an online or offline source directly and calling it your own
Using information you find from an online or offline source without giving the author credit
Replacing words or phrases from another source and inserting your own words or phrases
Submitting a piece of work you did for one class to another class
If you have questions on what is plagiarism, please consult the policy (http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/srr/conduct1.html) and this
helpful guide from the Library: (http://infodome.sdsu.edu/infolit/exploratorium/Standard_5/plagiarism.pdf)
Cheating and Plagiarism
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
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
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.
In foreign language study, cheating also includes the following:




Doing your written homework and then having a third party correct it, or having someone else write your homework
for you and turning that in for credit
Doing assignments with another student and turning in the same or almost the same work. (Unless you are
specifically directed to work in pairs on in groups, college-level work is always expected to be solely your own.)
Using an automated translation engine to translate your homework
Using an available translation of a text on which to base your own translation and turning that in for credit.
What IS acceptable includes the following:



Asking your professor for help.
Brainstorming answers and/or ideas with another student; then, each student writes up the homework separately
and turns in his or her own work.
Doing your written homework and/or translation and then having a third party circle your mistakes; you then do the
corrections on your own and turn in your own work.
If you have any question or uncertainty about what is or is not cheating, it is your responsibility to ask your instructor.
TAKE THE TUTORIAL:
Test your knowledge of what constitutes plagiarism through a tutorial offered by the SDSU Library. To access the tutorial go to:
http://library.sdsu.edu/guides/tutorial.php?id=28
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
warning
probation
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.
Course Schedule
Table 1 - Course Schedule with Date, Activity, and Assignment
Date
Activity
Jan. 22
Course Introduction, Map Pretest
Assignment: due on day listed (unless otherwise
noted)
WEEK 2
Jan. 27
Positioning Europe I: boundaries and borders
HW Reading Due: Murphy Ch 1 (7-16), Mason (1-5)
Jan. 29
Positioning Europe II: Identity, Ethnicity and
Religion
HW Reading Due: Guerrina 8 (135-153), Guerrina Ch
2 (38-40)
HW Activity Due: Complete HW quiz on Bb
Feb. 3
Spotlight on the City: Medieval Paris
HW Reading Due: Murphy Ch 10 (299-309)
Feb. 5
Positioning Europe III: Religion
HW Reading Due: Murphy Ch 5 (132-143); Murphy
Ch 5 (149-158); Guerrina (Ch. 1 25-28)
HW Activities Due: Complete HW quiz on Bb
HW Activities Due: Plagiarism and syllabus Quizzes
Must be Completed by this date!
Feb. 10
Islam in Early 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 11 @
11:59pm***
Feb. 12
The Enlightenment and the Industrial
Revolution
HW Reading Due: Mason Ch 1 and 3 (23-46)
HW Activity Due: Complete HW quiz on Bb
Feb. 17
European Imperialism: Colonialism and postColonialism
HW Reading Due: Mason Ch 8 (93-102)
HW Activity Due: Complete HW quiz on Bb
Feb. 19
Europe Built on War I: World War I
HW Reading Due: Mason Ch. 9 (103-114)
HW Activity Due: Complete HW quiz on Bb
WWI: Women and War
HW Reading Due: Vera Brittain Readings (on Bb)
HW Activity Due: Complete questions/assignments
posted on Bb
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
WEEK 5
WEEK 6
Feb. 24
Date
Activity
Assignment: due on day listed (unless otherwise
noted)
Feb. 26
WWI: Women and War I (continued)
HW Reading: posted on Bb
Activity: Please come to class with 2 questions
related to the readings.
Guest lecture by Professor Laurie Stoff, ASU
Write a one page reaction paper to Professor Stoff
lecture (due 3/3)
WEEK 7
March 3
**First test** (Covers Material through 2/26)
March 5
Post War Anxieties: Revolutions Sweep
Europe
HW Reading Due: Mason Ch. 5 and Ch. 10 (59-70)
(115-130)
HW Activity Due: Complete HW quiz on Bb
March 10
Totalitarian Europe: Mussolini
HW Reading Due: Mason (131-136)
HW Activity Due: Complete HW quiz on Bb
March 12
Stalin & the Soviet System
HW Reading Due: Excerpt from “Inside the Kremlin’s
Cold War” by Zubok and Pleshakov (Bb)
HW Activity Due: Complete HW
March 17
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 on Bb
March 19
WW II (contd.)
• View and discuss film: The Rape of Europa
WEEK 8
WEEK 9
WEEK 10
March 24
Europe Built on War III: Cold War
March 26
The collapse of Soviet regime: The revolutions
of 1989
SPRING
March 31/April 2
Mason Ch. 12 (145-160)
HW Activity Due: Complete HW quiz on Bb

Rape of Europa questions due
Mason Ch. 13 (161-178)
HW Activity Due: Complete HW quiz on Bb
BREAK!!!
WEEK 11
April 7
Unification of Germany
April 9
Post-Communist Life in Germany
Film: Goodbye Lenin
HW Reading Due: “The Fall of the Berlin Wall”
Timothy Garton Ash (Bb)
HW Activity Due: Please write a 1-page response to
the reading
Bring “Goodbye Lenin” Questions to class (Bb)
WEEK 12
April 14
Finish Good bye Lenin + discussion
April 16
**Second Test**
WEEK 13
April 21
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 questions posted on Bb
Date
Activity
Assignment: due on day listed (unless otherwise
noted)
April 23
The Roma Population in Europe
HW Reading Due: Excerpts from Bury Me Standing on
Bb
HW Activity Due: Complete questions posted on Bb
An Integrated Europe
HW Reading Due: Mason Ch. 14 (179-192)
HW Activity Due: Complete HW quiz on Bb
WEEK 14
April 28
** Map test**
April 30
Group Presentations (Day 1)
PRESENTATIONS DUE TO ME IN ELECTRONIC FORM
BY 9AM ON THE DAY OF YOUR PRESENTATION.
WEEK 15
May 5
Group Presentations (Day 2)
May 7
Current Events in Europe
May 14
Final Exam
Please bring an article to class about a current event
in Europe + a 1 page response to the article.
10:30am—12:30pm