Divided States of Europe: Globalization and Inequalities in the New Europe
Spring Semester
Divided States of Europe examines the development of the European Union (EU), including its historical foundations and institutional basis, contemporary democratic and social challenges, and its expansion to include the former communist nation-states of Central and Eastern Europe. The program explores the relationship between the EU and globalization and in particular questions whether the EU adequately addresses the human dimensions of globalization.
Scandinavia and Poland will be used as case studies throughout the program; Scandinavia because of its strong democratic credentials, relatively evenly distributed wealth, and unique range of experiences with the European integration project; Poland because of its tumultuous history, recent accession to EU membership, and role as a major supplier of migrant labor within Europe. Scandinavia and Poland provide a dramatic illustration of the economic, political, and social inequalities that coexist within today’s Europe.
These are the framing questions that will guide analysis and exploration throughout the program:
- What are the dominant ideologies underpinning the European project, and how are they influencing the EU’s domestic and global agenda?
- What is globalization and how is European integration a response to globalization?
- What are the social consequences of European integration and do they contribute to inequalities between member states, in particular between Western and Central/Eastern Europe?
Based in Oslo, Norway, a compact, increasingly multicultural city nestled between the Oslo Fjord and the mountains, the Divided States of Europe is associated with the University of Oslo—Norway’s oldest and largest university. Significant comparative fieldwork will also be conducted in Poland in partnership with leading Polish non-governmental organizations and in a variety of regions, including Warsaw and Krakow. In Oslo, classes will be held on campus. All seminars, lectures, and readings are in English.
The Divided States of Europe program challenges students to experience the complexity of “Old” and “New” Europe and to learn, in depth, about the reality of globalization in Europe.
Hands-On Experience
Seminars include a variety of experiential projects outside the classroom where students interact with diverse groups including politicians, community activists, university faculty, and local citizens. In addition to seminars and field excursions, students spend four to six hours one day a week over a selected period at a volunteer placement working with a variety of government and community organizations. For examples of the types of placements available in Oslo, see the link below.
Example Volunteer Placements
Courses
The program is taken as an integrated whole and provides the equivalent of a semester’s worth of credit; i.e., 4 course credits, 16 semester hours, or 27 trimester credits. In addition to class work and field seminars, students will be required to undertake an independent-study project.
Faculty
Extras
Seminars are taught in English. The independent-study project allows you to explore in-depth a topic of your choosing that is related to course themes and takes advantage of being “on site” in Scandinavia and/or Poland. The seminars are open to students with any major, and may be of special interest to students in political science, economics, international relations and international studies, sociology, European studies, policy studies, and immigration studies, as well as students in interdisciplinary majors, the humanities, and students interested in globalization.
Housing in Oslo is located in a student village near the campus, which is a shared living space with Norwegian and other foreign students. You are provided with a monthly stipend so that you can buy and cook your own food. In Poland housing will be in youth hostels or similar accommodation. Brief home stays in Norway may also be possible during the term.
Opportunities for personal travel include visits to other parts of Scandinavia and mainland Europe during breaks and upon program completion.
If you would like to know more about the program fee, dates or other specific application information please visit the General Program Information page.
Scholarships
Some additional scholarships resources for HECUA students planning to participating in the SUST and DSE program include the following:
The Lakselaget Foundation, scholarship amount is $1,000.
The Sons of Norway Foundation has a King Olav V Norwegian-American Heritage Fund, scholarship amount ranges from $1,000 - $1,500.
Scholarship eligibility and deadline information can be found by clicking on the above links. Please contact the foundations directly for more information about available funds and other additional questions.
| Program Documentation |
| Sample Syllabus |
If you have interest in other short-term programs that we offer, use the following short-cuts:
| Ecuador | Northern Ireland | Scandinavia |
