16920

SoSe 20: Populism and Nationalism in Europe: Current Developments, Lessons and Counterstrategies

Marc Schwietring

Kommentar

Subject: Populism and nationalism seem to be still on the rise, in Germany, Europe and apparently worldwide: Trump in the US, Brexit in the UK, Rassemblement national in France, PiS in Poland, the AfD (Alternative for Germany) in Germany and many others. Suddenly, we seem to find ourselves in a situation with problems that we thought had long since been overcome, and see the European idea of transnationalism, unity and integration threatened. Suddenly? Far right populist parties in Europe have a long and lasting tradition and had even been part of European Parliament for decades, with ups and downs in elections. But considering the cultural, social and structural differences between the different countries, why is there a rise of this kind of politics right now? Why has it come to be appealing today? What are the differences and commonalities between the populist parties, movements and agendas in Europe? Is populism a sign of a political, social and/or cultural change? Program: In this course, we will read texts on this international phenomenon and on the different organizations, parties and subcultures of this field in Europe. The commonalities and differences will be analyzed by comparing and discussing some case studies on populism and nationalism in different European countries. We also want to take a look at the international collaboration of far right and populist groups and their networks. Also we want to take into account different theoretical approaches and methods to analyze current populism and nationalism. The course aims to develop students’ understanding of commonalities, similarities and differences of this phenomenon as well as reflecting upon their perceptions. At least during the first weeks of the semester, the course will be conducted online, using PPT presentations, texts and films with questions for studying at home and an online discussion forum. If we are able to return from virtual space into the real world, the seminar will include a field-visit to a NGO, a foundation, an archive or exhibition in Berlin. Students will participate in working groups on a chosen topic and present their findings in class/ online respectively. Is this course suitable for you? This course is open to undergraduate students from the Arts & Humanities and Social and Political Sciences. You should be prepared to study a number of academic texts in English from political, social and cultural sciences and should be interested in analyzing and interpreting cultural and social phenomena. You should be prepared to participate in a working group which presents its findings briefly in class. Workload and Assessment: In order to obtain 5 ECTS credits, students will have to attend the course regularly (80% of the sessions); have studied the weekly course materials (an average of 15 pages of English texts for one week) and prepare questions from these readings for class discussion; participate in a working group with a presentation in class/online and pass the final examination. If a written exam won’t be possible due to the Corona pandemic, there will be a take home exam or an online exam. Schließen

13 Termine

Regelmäßige Termine der Lehrveranstaltung

Do, 10:00 - 12:00 13 Termine

Do, 16.04.2020 10:00 - 12:00

Dozenten:
Marc Schwietring