Euroculture in Göttingen

This module helps students understand and position themselves within the field of Euroculture. They reflect on their previous studies, identify core issues, and explore key questions. Students gain knowledge of Euroculture's concepts and theories and learn to think critically about the field. The seminar introduces the program's Yearly Topic through discussions on theme statements and reader texts.

Within the "Core Fields of European Society, Politics and Culture", this module is meant for students to develop a thorough knowledge of political and legal aspects of (European) governance. The students acquire and demonstrate a thorough historical understanding of the European integration process. They refine their understanding of the complex cultural, political and historical interrelations and structures on the basis of current debates about European integration. Furthermore, students acquire competencies for a better understanding of the relevant readings about European history and current debates in Europe.

Within the "Core Fields of European Society, Politics and Culture", this module is meant for students to develop an overview of the core concepts of a socio-cultural approach to Europe in a Global Context. The seminar develops key concepts of the complex "identification - belonging - participation" and applies them to the current situation in Europe. It will do so from an international as well as interdisciplinary perspective. The focus of this module will thus be on an active examination of the relevant ideas and theories. Students will be challenged to formulate and critically reflect upon their own approaches towards the complex at hand.

Within the "Core Fields of European Society, Politics and Culture", this module is meant for students to obtain an overview of topics and research questions of Euroculture. The specific frame of this module is a social scientific approach to Europe, its society, politics, and culture. Students become acquainted with basic concepts of social scientific thinking and modes of inquiry and can critically assess the advantages and problems of these different strands of thinking.

This seminar is the first of three in the "Eurocompetence" series, aimed at preparing students for future employment in professional and academic fields within the European context, focusing on developing competences in research techniques, training, and presentation skills, as well as enhancing communication, expression, and discussion skills through the processing of complex topics, with a special emphasis on working in multicultural teams and within interdisciplinary contexts, including relevant excursions and potential internship opportunities.

The seminar provides in-depth methodological knowledge and research design insights. Its aim is to familiarize students with research methods and epistemologies central to Euroculture, such as social constructivism and comparativism. It covers multiple disciplinary perspectives on research methods, including cultural, historical, political, and social. Students prepare for the Intensive Programme (IP) by writing a research paper, which is presented at the IP. The seminar also focuses on the methodology of the research paper.

The seminar focuses on cultural issues to improve understanding of cultural identities and transformation processes. It examines how political and social processes impact European culture(s) and cultures in Europe, as well as cultural perceptions from within and outside of Europe.

One regional focus will be – due to Göttingen’s long-standing special cooperation with the University of Pune – on India. Another distinct emphasis for the second semester are the Transatlantic Relations. The mutual influences between the regions are analysed in its political implications and cultural foundations.

The Intensive Programme (IP) is usually the highlight of any Euroculture studies. All students of the eight European universities as well as Euroculture staff members come together for a week of seminars, workshops, a career day and of course a gala dinner. Alumni and other guests contribute to the summer school as well. The organization of the IP rotates among the European Consortium universities. It is usually held in the last week of June. Find out more about our summer school here.

Eurocompetence modules promote skills that are valuable for students entering the labor market. The modules develop language and presentation skills, critical analysis, research skills, and knowledge of the EU and related institutions. Eurocompetence II focuses on group work and the transfer of academic knowledge to non-academic parties through an independent project.

The professional specialization track includes a work placement. The first semester university will assist with placement-related matters, and students are advised to start looking and applying for a placement during the first and/or start of the second semester. The work placement can start after the IP, in July, depending on the availability of the placement and when they want the student to start. Students should check with their first semester university for supervision and coordination of the placement.

The research specialization (track) within Europe is available to all students and is offered at most European consortium universities. Some institutions offer fixed research seminars and/or elective courses, while others offer an individual track with a researcher/research school based on the student's research interest. Students can take the European research specialization (track) at their first or second semester university, or at a third university. In March, students will receive a booklet with more information on the European Research Specialization tracks of the third semester. At the University of Göttingen the research track consists of the "ResearchLAB: Imagining Europe Differently" (10C), in which students develop their own research projects. In the seminar "Analysing Europe" (7C) students further equip their methodolgical toolbox. Additionally, students pick two electives (8C) that they consider most relevant and fruitful for them. The research track aims for students to further develop their positions as researchers.

The MA thesis is an interdisciplinary research project on a topic related to the Euroculture program. The thesis must be written in English and follow the guidelines provided for its structure and content. Two supervisors, from the first and second universities, will supervise and evaluate the thesis. In Göttingen, the MA thesis seminar (5C) usually takes place in five blocks between March and July. It is designed to help students research and write their theses. It deals with the formalities of the thesis, offers workshops on thesis writing and addresses questions and problems that students bring to class.

Eurocompetence III is a course in which students learn to write a professional or research project proposal. Students who did the professional specialization will write a professional project proposal, and those who did the research specialization will focus on a PhD proposal. The module includes theory, practical experience, and assessment. It will be offered at all universities in the Euroculture program.