Curriculum Design in European Studies, International Relations and Politics

(After consultation with Simon Usherwood, this workshop proposal is submitted as a paper proposal. This is due to the fact that the system only allows paper proposals - or so it seems). Curriculum design is the backbone of a programme and the framework within which learning and knowledge building takes place. Some have, for instance, asked whether there is, or should be, such a thing as a core curriculum in European Studies, while others have looked at interdisciplinarity in the field of Politics. Similarly, at the policy level there have been some attempts to flesh out benchmarks and standards in European Studies, International Relations and Politics. Yet, little research within the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning addresses the actual design of curricula in these three fields. For instance, many programmes call themselves “interdisciplinary”, but how do universities actually implement this in the design of curricula? And, the objects of their studies seemingly always being on the move, how do programmes in European Studies, International Relations and Politics allow for flexibility in the design of their curricula to address fast-changing societal and political developments? Moreover, in response to demands to enhance the “employability” of students, how is the teaching of skills and practical experience incorporated in such programmes? In this hands-on workshop, we do not focus on the design of individual courses, but rather look at how courses are or can be brought together to form a curriculum. Participants share advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to curriculum design, and discuss best practices for university teachers and programme developers. We will focus on different themes related to curriculum design, including: (1) the teaching of skills, practical experience and employability (2) the degree and organisation of interdisciplinarity (3) the flexibility of the programme in view of societal developments Participants will have the opportunity to further reflect on course design from the perspective of curriculum design. We have 4 short opening presentations to kick off the workshop: Johan Adriaensen, Patrick Bijsmans, Afke Groen & Caterina Pozzi (Maastricht University) First results from a meta-study of undergraduate programmes offered by APSA, ECPR and UACES members Dorothy Duchatelet (University of Amsterdam) A review of practice-oriented/authentic learning environments and their contribution to the development of generic skills Mark Field (University of Porthsmouth) Embedding employability skills in the Politics curriculum and student feedback and ideas Stuart McAnulla (University of Leeds) Reflections on the curriculum at Leeds Based on these presentations, the audience will be asked to select three specific themes for further discussion through a speed-dating format that is aimed at shedding more light on what curricula in European Studies, International Relations and Politics are or should be.