FF:HIB0410 European idea in Britain

HIB0410 European idea in Britain: Muthus and realities

Faculty of Arts
Spring 2010

Extent and Intensity

0/2. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).

Teacher(s)

Mgr. Bc. Tomáš Bosák (seminar tutor)

Guaranteed by

prof. PhDr. Jiří Malíř, CSc.
Department of History – Faculty of Arts

Timetable

Thu 11:40–13:15 A21 stara

Prerequisites

capability of reading and interpreting materials in English, passive knowledge of French

Course Enrolment Limitations

The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 25 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/25, only registered: 0/25, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/25

fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with

there are 20 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display

Course objectives

This course will deal with the problem of the development of British attitude towards the continental Europe, that is a problem, which appears to be perceived in a simplified manner these days. Special attention will be paid to the development and shifts of European thinking in Britain and the related perception of the European continent by the British elites. The course will concentrate on the 1850-1950 era, starting with the birth of modern form of British European federalism and other related concepts (Atlanticism, Imperial federalism)up to the familiar rejection of British participation in EI process. Seminar will involve reading and analyzing relevant primary and secondary literature, whether topic-oriented essays or essential thoughts by distinguished authorities of British political life.

Syllabus

essential terms and concepts of British European discourse, "Splendid isolation" period interpretation, strange roots and discreet genesis of modern European federalism, 20th century birth as the era of paradoxes and changes in Continent perception, intensification, professionalization and institutionalization of European thinking in the late thirties, individual authorities on European discourse in Britain (contributions by Philip Kerr, Arnold Toynbee, Henry Beveridge, Harold Laski, R.W.Mackay, W.Churchill and others), institutional level (promotion of European thinking by institutions as The New Commonwealth, Federal Union..), concept of European cooperation in the post-war Britain, attempts at pushing through the pro-European ideas on the political level (Labour Group for Europe, British movement for the United States of Europe)

Literature

Kerr, P. The Ending of Armageddon – Or the Federal Principle as the only basis for international peace, liberty and prosperity. London: Federal Union Press, 1939. Federal Union Web. Online 15 June. < http://www.federalunion.org.uk/archives/
Beveridge, W.H. “Peace by Federation?” Federal Tracts, Vol.1, London: Federal Union, 1940.
Streit, C.K. The Union Now. New York: Harper and Brothers Publishers, 1939. Online: .
Jennings, W.I. A Federation for Western Europe. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1940.
Toynbee, A. „First Thoughts on a Peace Settlement.” The World Order Papers. Londýn: Chatham House, 1939.
Kerr, P. Pacifism is not Enough, Nor Patriotism Either. Preface by William Beveridge. London: Oxford University Press, 1935; 2nd ed, 1941.
MacKay, R. Towards the United States of Europe. London: Hutchinson, 1961
Seeley, J.R. „The United States of Europe“. Macmillan’s Magazine XIII (1871). str. 441-4. (reedice: The Federalist (1989), č.2)., s. 441-4.
Wheare, K.C. Federal Government, 4th ed. London 1963 (reedice 1980).

Teaching methods

introductory lecture, seminar-like discussion, in-class presentation on selected topic, essay on one the course-related problem

Assessment methods

class participation (min. 70% without sufficient excuse), in-class presentation, seminar paper

FF:HIB0410 European idea in Britain - Course Information

HIB0410 European idea in Britain: Muthus and realities

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