Program Overview

Introduction to the Summer Program in European Politics

The Emory University Department of Political Science offers a 6-week, 8-credit summer program on European Politics. The program is based in Berlin, Germany for 4 weeks, then spends 2 weeks visiting eastern Europe, including Prague, Czech Republic; Warsaw, Poland; Tallin, Estonia; and Stockholm, Sweden.

Program Description

The Emory European Politics Program enables students to consider the challenges of building and maintaining democratic states as well as a union of these states across a diverse continent - the fundamental project of the European Union. The program examines Europe's experience with authoritarianism, transitions to democracy, democratic governance, and democratic backsliding - and the links between these experiences and the rise of political polarization and populism in Europe and around the world.

Coursework

The program offers two 4-credit courses for a total of 8 credit hours. All classes satisfy major requirements in Political Science and International Studies.

• POLS 385: European Security (4 credits): This course explores the European Security experience since WWII to understand and discuss different theories and conceptualizations of security, including a solid understanding of the major theoretical perspectives in the field of security studies. Students explore the evolution of domestic, regional, and international security institutions and policies in Europe over the last 75 years and analyze contemporary security issues from a European and Global context.
• POLS 385: Democracy in Europe (4 credits): After completing this course, students will be able to identify the major historical milestones in the development of democracy in Europe; understand the design and operation of major European political institutions; develop research and analysis skills; and write effective evidence-based arguments.

Outside the Classroom

To complement what is learned in the classroom, the program participates in site visits, meets with policymakers, and hears from guest lecturers. Examples of activities from past summers include:

• In Germany:
  • Brandenburger Tor: Brandenburg Gate
  • Schloss Sanssouci: Sanssouci Palace
  • Bundestag: German Parliament
• In the Czech Republic:
  • Pražský orloj: The Astronomical Clock
  • Karlův most: Charles Bridge
  • Malostranský chram sv. Mikulaše: St. Nicholas Church
• In Estonia:
  • Vanalinn: Old Town Tallinn
  • Viru Varavad: Viru Gate
  • Riigikogu: Parliament of Estonia

Application Process

Applications to the program are accepted on a rolling basis. Students will be notified within two weeks after submitting their complete application. The application includes a deposit that is non-refundable if accepted to the program and is applied to the cost of the program. Applications will close in February, but students are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.

Program Details

• Location: Berlin, Germany, and eastern Europe
• Duration: 6 weeks
• Credits: 8 credit hours
• Courses: Two 4-credit courses (POLS 385: European Security and POLS 385: Democracy in Europe)
• Eligibility: Open to students who meet the program's requirements
• Application deadline: February
• Notification: Within two weeks after submitting a complete application