Understanding Europe: Why It Matters and What It Can Offer You from Coursera

Regardless of where you live, the European Union not only affects your life, but may also transform it. By learning how Europe works, a new world will open up to you and

discover new jobs you never heard of.

The European Union has a large, yet often unnoticed, impact on many aspects of everybody’s life. We will analyze what the EU is doing for YOU regardless of where you live. We will also look at what YOU can do for and in Europe.

Whether you are traveling, eating, working, doing business, shopping, surfing the Internet or breathing, all these activities are largely shaped by the EU. As a result no global citizen, business leader, lawmaker, lobbyist or student can effectively operate in Europe or in the world without a solid understanding of this unique laboratory of integration.

While the EU is often depicted as a monstrous bureaucratic creature, condemned to irrelevance by the emerging economies, in 50 years it accomplished what other countries took centuries to realize. The EU remains the most accomplished experiment of economic, social and political integration in human history.

Given its inherent complexities, this Course aims at empowering you on what Europe can offer and will enable you to discover jobs and opportunities you were not aware of. Indeed, throughout the whole course, participants will be confronted with real-life examples of EU action. EU affairs professionals will share their personal EU experiences and tell us about their EU jobs. You will also be able to interact with the instructor and other participants, share your opinions, question the instructor’s assumptions and hence shape the course’s content.

What's inside

Syllabus

Why the European Union?

Setting the scene. An overview of the EU’s impact on your daily life, taking a critical perspective on the EU’s purpose but also highlighting the opportunities it offers.

Who is the European Union?

Putting a face on the EU. Who is it? Who are its main actors? By whom is it composed? You will identify who decides in Europe and learn how to interact with its main actors.

What the EU can do?

Analyzing the EU’s powers. What can it do? How far can it go? In which policies is it involved? The EU’s major fields of intervention. What does the EU do for trade, agriculture and innovation?

How does the EU work?

The EU’s means of action. How does it work? Who does what? What are the strengths and weaknesses?

What can the EU do for you?

From freedom of movement to funding opportunities, immigration policies, establishment, level playing field through competition law, getting you a job.

What can you do for Europe?

The initiatives and instruments fostering civic engagement in the EU (public consultations, ECIs, Ombudsman, etc). In other words, the toolbox of the empowered citizen.

A Job for All (Optional)

This optional module includes interviews with people who work closely within the EU

Clinic Section (Optional)

This is the EU Clinic section.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers a broad range of EU-related topics, providing a comprehensive understanding of the EU's impact and opportunities

Taught by Alberto Alemanno, an expert in EU law and policy

Examines the EU's impact on various aspects of daily life, making it highly relevant to a wide audience

Offers insights into career opportunities related to the EU, expanding job prospects for learners

Includes real-life examples and guest speakers from EU affairs professionals, providing practical insights

Requires no prior knowledge of EU affairs, making it accessible to beginners

Reviews summary

Positive reviews for understanding europe course

Learners say that Understanding Europe: Why It Matters and What It Can Offer You is a great course for learning the basics of the European Union. They particularly appreciate the well-structured lectures, engaging instructors, and thought-provoking assignments. However, some learners note that the course content is outdated and that some quizzes have incorrect answers. Overall, learners who have taken this course largely enjoyed it and found it to be a valuable learning experience.

Well-structured lectures, engaging instructors, and thought-provoking assignments

"This course was well presented and structured, very interesting, easy to follow and understand."

"Excellent course! Alberto is awesome at presenting as well as entertaining, and the content very interesting!"

"This is a well-made, captivating and inspiring course, with relevant and interesting information and serious evaluations."

Course content is outdated and some quizzes have incorrect answers

"In reality for most of us the EU is an abstract thing that we do not really understand."

"This is a great course that explains the EU institutions and what the EU can and what it can not do."

"Quizzes have incorrect answers, and the fact that answers are blocked out when you submit (particularly on the select multiple versions) leads to guessing more than a pedagogical benefit."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Understanding Europe: Why It Matters and What It Can Offer You with these activities:

Review Basic EU History

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This course builds off of a solid understanding of the EU's history. Refreshing your knowledge will ensure you are prepared for the course's content.

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Read key historical documents related to the EU.
Review summaries and timelines of EU history.

The European Union: A Very Short Introduction

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This book provides a broad introduction to the EU and its history. Reviewing this book will provide context for the course.

View The European Union: A Very Short Introduction on Amazon

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Read the book.

Analyze EU Documents

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This course requires the ability to analyze EU documents. Practice will enhance your understanding of the EU's structure and functioning.

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Find EU documents related to a specific topic.
Read and understand the documents.
Summarize and interpret the main points.

Four other activities

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Start a Blog on EU Affairs

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Creating a blog will help you develop your writing and communication skills while learning about the EU.

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Choose a topic related to EU affairs.
Research and write blog posts.
Promote your blog.

Participate in EU-Related Competitions

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Participating in competitions will test your knowledge of the EU and help you develop your skills in a competitive environment.

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Find EU-related competitions.
Prepare for the competition.
Participate in the competition.

Create an EU Simulation Game

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Creating a simulation game will allow you to apply your knowledge of the EU and develop your creativity.

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Design the game mechanics.
Develop the game.
Test and refine the game.

Write a Policy Brief on an EU Issue

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Writing a policy brief will help you develop your analytical and writing skills while demonstrating your understanding of EU policy.

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Choose an EU policy issue.
Research and analyze the issue.
Write the policy brief.

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Europe: Why It Matters and What It Can Offer You will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

European Union Affairs Specialist

As a European Union Affairs Specialist, you will advise organizations on EU-related matters. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the European Union's institutions, policies, and regulations. This knowledge will be essential for providing expert guidance to clients on how to navigate the EU's complex legal and regulatory landscape.

See salaries and explore the career path for European Union Affairs Specialist

Policy Analyst

As a Policy Analyst, you will analyze and interpret information to develop policy recommendations. This course will help you understand the European Union's institutions and processes, as well as its impact on various aspects of life. This knowledge will be essential for conducting research, analyzing data, and writing reports on EU-related policy issues.

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Government Relations Manager

As a Government Relations Manager, you will advocate for your organization's interests before government officials. This course will help you understand the European Union's political system and decision-making processes. This knowledge will be essential for building relationships with key stakeholders and developing effective strategies for influencing policy.

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International Relations Manager

As an International Relations Manager, you will manage your organization's relationships with other countries and international organizations. This course will help you understand the European Union's role in global affairs. This knowledge will be essential for developing and implementing strategies for cooperation and engagement with the EU.

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Journalist

As a Journalist, you will report on current events and issues. This course will help you understand the European Union's impact on various aspects of life, including politics, economics, and culture. This knowledge will be essential for providing accurate and insightful reporting on EU-related issues.

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Lawyer

As a Lawyer, you will advise clients on legal matters. This course will help you understand the European Union's legal framework. This knowledge will be essential for providing expert legal advice to clients on a variety of EU-related issues.

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Business Consultant

As a Business Consultant, you will advise businesses on how to improve their operations. This course will help you understand the European Union's impact on businesses. This knowledge will be essential for providing expert advice to clients on how to navigate the EU's regulatory environment and take advantage of opportunities in the EU market.

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Project Manager

As a Project Manager, you will plan and execute projects. This course will help you understand the European Union's funding opportunities. This knowledge will be essential for identifying and securing funding for projects that promote European integration.

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Nonprofit Manager

As a Nonprofit Manager, you will manage a nonprofit organization. This course will help you understand the European Union's funding opportunities. This knowledge will be essential for identifying and securing funding for projects that promote European integration.

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Teacher

As a Teacher, you will teach students about various subjects. This course will help you understand the European Union's education policies. This knowledge will be essential for developing and implementing lesson plans that promote European integration.

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Researcher

As a Researcher, you will conduct research on a variety of topics. This course will help you understand the European Union's research funding opportunities. This knowledge will be essential for identifying and securing funding for research projects that promote European integration.

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Civil Servant

As a Civil Servant, you will work for a government agency. This course will help you understand the European Union's institutions and processes. This knowledge will be essential for effectively carrying out your duties as a civil servant.

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Diplomat

As a Diplomat, you will represent your country abroad. This course will help you understand the European Union's role in global affairs. This knowledge will be essential for effectively representing your country's interests in the EU.

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Sales Manager

As a Sales Manager, you will lead a sales team and develop sales strategies. This course may be helpful for understanding the European Union's impact on businesses. This knowledge may be useful for developing sales strategies that take into account the EU's regulatory environment and market opportunities.

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Marketing Manager

As a Marketing Manager, you will develop and implement marketing campaigns. This course may be helpful for understanding the European Union's impact on businesses. This knowledge may be useful for developing marketing campaigns that take into account the EU's regulatory environment and market opportunities.

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