Johannes A.A.M. van Gorp, Ph.D.
Upper Division Classes Taught, Pt. 2
A syllabus for each is available upon request:
Fascism and the Populist Radical Right in Europe
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Course Description:
Examines the rise and fall of fascism and populist radical right parties in Europe. Explores what fascism is and why some European states became fascist. Analyzes the causes for the rise of new radical right parties in several European countries. Evaluates the difference and commonalities between populist radical right parties.
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Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Analyze how fascist regimes influence and are influenced by political and economic conditions affecting Europe.
2. Evaluate human behavior in the context of right-wing movements.
3. Synthesize the function, range and impact of fascism and right-wing parties and how diverse theoretical perspectives interpret their actions.
4. Evaluate and present findings about populist radical right parties in Europe.
5. Synthesize key ideas about populist radical right parties as a party family and establish a logical hierarchy of relevant information in an oral presentation and in writing.
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​Required Readings:
1. Bosworth, R.J.B. (2007), Mussolini's Italy: Life under the Fascist Dictatorship, 1915-1945, New York: Penguin Books
Allen, William S. (2014), The Nazi Seizure of Power: The Experience of a Single German Town, 1922-1945, New York: Franklin Watts, Inc
3. Art, David (2011). Inside the Radical Right: The Development of Anti- Immigrant Parties in Western Europe, New York: Cambridge University Press
4. Various assigned book chapters and journal articles.
The Politics of European Integration
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Course Description:
At the end of the Second World War, most of Europe was in economic ruin and was politically unstable. Today there is a union of wealthy and stable democracies, engaged in a historic process of political unification. This process only accelerated further with the collapse of communism at the end of the last century. In order to explain these fascinating developments, one cannot just focus on the individual political developments in each country: one has to explore the European Union. Without considering this institution one would miss a vital component of how politics function in Europe today.
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This course offers an introduction to the origins, development, politics and workings of the European Union. Currently consisting of 27 members, the European Union is the world’s largest trading bloc and can be regarded as the most successful experiment at regional integration in the world. First we will explore the history of European integration, explaining how the EC/EU came to be. Next we will take a closer look at the institutions that make up the EU. Third we will examine some of the theoretical models that have been proposed through which European integration has been explained. To finish of the course, three issues the EU currently faces – budgetary reform, the creation of a common foreign and defense policy, and the question of whether it has a democratic deficit – will be discussed.
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​Required Readings:
1. Gilbert, Mark (2012). European Integration: A Concise History. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc
2. Jonathan McCormick and Jonathan Olsen, (2014). The European Union: Politics and Policies, 5th Edition. Boulder, CO: Westview Press
3. Nelsen, Brent and Alexander Stubb (2003). The European Union: Readings on the Theory and Practice of European Integration. Boulder: Lynne Rienner Publishers
4. Various assigned book chapters and journal articles.
​Senior Research Project
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Course Description:
Focuses an independent capstone research project involving global issues of problems, in conjunction with an academic supervisor. Considers theoretical approaches in disciplines related to the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies program.
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Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Analyze central issues and evaluate perspectives in at least one of the disciplines associated with International Studies.
2. Apply the methodologies associated with at least one of the disciplines associated with International Studies.
3. Design a research project and develop a work plan with a view to producing a research paper and an oral presentation that demonstrate the ability to organize and synthesize information
4. Assess sources for their validity, accuracy and biases
Required Readings:
1. Select readings that can be found on the designated course website.