This course aims to give post-graduate students a political and economic overview of the current Franco-German relations, showing how they evolved after the Fall of the Berlin Wall and how they will possibly develop in the future. The Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East are among the crucial factors at play. For the first time since WWII, France and Germany are facing the consequences of a major conflict on European soil. Among other things, the course will explore how these events might impact the two countries and the EU in general. While at first the Franco-German relationship was characterized by a common interest to reconcile, nowadays it is marked mainly by the need to reconcile interests.
Learning Outcomes
1. The course will provide an indispensable historical background in Franco-German relations
2. Particular emphasis will be put on understanding the cultural differences between the two countries
3. A key skill to acquire will be to put political speeches and EU Summit Conclusions in the correct political context
4. Importance will be given to the ability to interpret current affairs through the lens of classics in the social sciences
5. Reading the press will be a prerequisite for class discussions on current affairs
Professional Skills A firm grasp of Franco-German relations, their twists and turns, is a key skill for anyone wanting to pursue a career in public affairs, journalism, finance or management in Europe and overseas as both countries are crucial to understand current European affairs
- Online learning activities: 1 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
- Reading and Preparation for Class: 3,5 hours a week / 42 hours a semester
- Research and Preparation for Group Work: 2,5 hours a week / 30 hours a semester
- Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 2,5 hours a week / 30 hours a semester