Course description and learning objectives

The course will analyze international relations amongst European countries within the framework of the European integration process. In particular, political actions in favour of the creation of the United States of Europe will be recalled and historically collocated in the global context.
Emphasis will thus be given to the complex variety of factors which have contributed to the European construction. This process indeed, which regards the creation of a new State, involves civil society and deals with the phenomenology of its economic, political, social, cultural and religious behavior. The intertwining between national political cultures and Europeanist and federalist ideals, the role played by intellectuals and politicians, the impact of the initiatives undertaken by the movements for European unity, governmental and diplomatic actions and policies: they are all factors which have in their own way shaped the acquis communitaire. As such this should be therefore understood and interpreted.
The course is meant to give students the ability to apply and interpret their new knowledge on the topic, thus helping them to better understand European issues and dynamics as well as international political and cultural relations. This will enable them to enter the professional communication environment with the appropriate cognitive competences.
A specific seminar will be dedicate to the role of local authorities within the European integration process, which must be interpreted in a federal sense. A second seminar will recall the historical process leading to the direct election of the European Parliament (1957-1979).