30201

WiSe 14/15: The Political Sociology of Europe in Crisis

Moritz Sommer

Kommentar

This course presents an overview of central concepts and current discussions in the field of political sociology. Before the background of the European integration process in general and the challenges of the recent Eurozone Crisis in particular, we discuss in how far classical, nation-state focused concepts of political sociology still help to make sense of the ongoing transformation processes in Europe and in how far adjustments and new ideas are needed. After an introductory session, the course is structured into three central blocks: The first block deals with the transformation of societal cleavages in Europe, partisan politics and the rise of the far right. The second block covers the role of civil society and social movements in the European integration process. The third block deals with the potential for an Europeanization of Public Spheres, for a European identity and for the politicization of European integration. Understanding the current phase as a critical juncture for the future of European integration, the course pays particular attention to the crisis and its impact on each of the session's topics. Requirements: Regular participation, one oral presentation, seminar paper Credit: A passed seminar paper (3.000 words) is part of the active participation. Introductory Readings: Della Porta, Donatella; Caiani, Manuela (2011): Social movements and Europeanization. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Guiraudon, Virginie; Favell, Adrian (2011): Sociology of the European Union. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. Kauppi, Niilo (2013): A political sociology of transnational Europe. Colchester, UK: ECPR Press. Kriesi, Hanspeter et al. (2012): Political conflict in Western Europe. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Schließen