The course aims to explore the political and public discourse about the European Union, EU-politics and policies, mainly in Slovakia but also in other European countries. The course aims to equip students with advanced level knowledge and understanding of EU as an issue in political competition, in identifying political actors, and factors which affect the public debates. Special focus will be on public perception of the EU, and different aspects of EU understanding as well as patterns of voting behaviour in the European Parliament elections across the EU countries. It will explore also the images of EU and symbols related to the EU. Cultural patters and images of EU integration and EU enlargement will be analyzed as well as some EU related referenda as case studies.
The methodology of the course combines several approaches – quantitative and qualitative analyses, discourse analyses, but also analyses of marketing, campaigning and advertising. In addition to the academic readings media and campaign materials, public opinion polls, and other resources will be used. If possible, guest lecturers will be invited.
