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EDUC44260

Academic Year 2026/2027

Europe in focus: EU institutions, cultural foundations, and values (EDUC44260)

Subject:
Education
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Education
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Conor Galvin
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

EDUC44260 promotes critical, interdisciplinary inquiry and engagement with the core purposes of the EU and the role of the European Commission in the contemporary European Project. Its underpinning purpose is to build better understanding of EU institutions, its foundational and core values, and the relation of these to European identities. The module also addresses the confidence and capability to share this learning with others – particularly young people.

The module is organised into two blocks of activity and a learning mobility.*
Block One: ‘Understanding the EU in a Global Context’ introduces participants to the European Union’s evolving role in the world, focusing on how it frames its identity, values, and legitimacy both internally and externally. And how these effect its citizens. Topics include the structure and function of EU institutions, questions of democratic legitimacy, and the EU’s positioning as a global actor. The module explores key debates around European identity, shared narratives, and the values that underpin the Union. This includes critically examining issues of migration, borders, and belonging, and so encouraging module participants to reflect on how the EU navigates diversity and inclusion in a changing global landscape.

Block Two: ‘Engaging with the EU’s Present and Future Challenges’ shifts focus to the internal dynamics of the EU and explores how the Union responds to contemporary societal and political challenges. It addresses the role of youth and citizenship in sustaining European democracy and investigates the EU’s strategies for achieving a green and just transition. The block addresses specifically the impact of media, rising Euroscepticism, and the challenge of rebuilding public trust. Finally, this block looks ahead to the future of the EU – exploring debates around reform, resilience, and the Union’s ongoing relevance in an increasingly complex world.

The module may involve a short, learning mobility - either full or virtual, depending on context - centred on an opportunity to engage with EU/ EC policy actors and stakeholders.



* Subject to funding and a suitable opportunity presenting within the module run-frame.
This will involve no additional cost to module participants.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

This module is dual-purpose; it is designed to build sound understandings and knowledge of the EU and its cultural foundations, and to furnish the basis to teach these confidently and capably.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Critically analyse the institutional, legal, and normative structures of the European Union;
• Evaluate interdisciplinary perspectives on European identity, cultural heritage, and values;
• Assess the EU’s policy strategies in global governance, migration, sustainability, and youth engagement;
• Apply reflective and critical thinking to real-world EU challenges, especially as they affect young citizens;
• Communicate complex ideas clearly in written, oral, and digital formats;
• Produce independent, original, and well-researched work appropriate to Masters-level scholarship;
• Structure high-quality teaching & learning experiences based on these learning-outcomes listed above.


Indicative Module Content:

The module will engage issues to do with understanding the EU through its institutions, its foundational and core values, and the relation of these to European identities.

This will include attention to the following:

BLOCK ONE
• Introduction: Framing Europe in the World
• EU Institutions and Democratic Legitimacy
• The EU as a Global Actor
• Values, Identity & Shared Narratives
• Migration, Borders and Belonging

BLOCK TWO
• Youth, Citizenship, and European Democracy
• Sustainability and the Green/Just Transition
• Media, Euroscepticism and Trust
• Future of the EU: Reform, Resilience & Relevance

NOTE: the final module content configuration will be agreed with participants over the opening sessions of the module.
This is to allow for accommodating topics and focuses of specific interest to the class.


The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

60
Autonomous Student Learning

80
Lectures

22
Seminar (or Webinar)

12
Field Trip/External Visits

20
Online Learning

12
Total

206

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
EDUC44260 is designed to be interactional and learning-led. It will require purposive participation in learning activities that open-up the nature and detail of the EU - its institutions, its foundation and core values, and the shaping of contemporary Europe in & through these. Both group and individual activities are facilitated throughout the module and the underpinning approach taken to the work is interdisciplinary.
EDUC44260 is inquiry and task based and draws heavily on facilitated in-class workshop type activities. Learning materials based on 'real-world' examples of EU policy, policy action and its values-base form the focus for most of what this module covers -- these are mainly provided in class and through the module Brightspace.
Module resources range from key readings in the historical and more contemporary literature to more local examples of issues and practices in identity sourced by the participants.
Module engagements will include opportunities to meet and converse with EU policy actors and researchers as well as a short mobility (hybrid) to a major EU / EC event - if module funding allows.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Policy Brief (Individual) 1,500-word evidence-based brief on a contemporary EU issue. Week 7 Graded Yes
20
 Yes
Assignment(Including Essay): 2,500–3,000 word essay applying module learning to a current EU debate. Week 14 Graded Yes
40
 Yes
Group Work Assignment: Group Project & Presentation. Develop a civic engagement strategy/tool for informing young people about the EU in the context of this module. Week 10 Graded Yes
20
 Yes
Participation in Learning Activities: Participation & Module Workshops. Engagement in discussions, simulations, and on-line activities. Week 15 Graded Yes
20
 Yes

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Written and / or oral feedback is provided in order that learning from this module can be transferred into other areas of the students' programmes of study.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Mon 14:00 - 15:50
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