Культура и национальное самосознание Европы. Практикум на английском языке

Vocabulary to learn

1.abide by (laws and rules)

2.to accord with smth.

3.to approve smth.

4.to benefit; beneficial to smb.

5.citizen, citizenship

6.commitment

7.local / multilingual community

8.to co-exist

9.to compete with smth.

10.diversity of cultures; linguistic diversity

11.elections

12. to enhance

13.foundations (of European identity)

14.to identify with

15.indigenous

16.an impact; to have an impact on

17.legitimacy legitimate

18. precursors

19.unification

20.perceptions of smth.

21. roots

22. supra-national (identity)

Recommended Reading

Basic

1.Declaration on European Identity by the Nine Foreign Ministers, 14 December 1973, Copenhagen <http://www.ena.lu/mce.cfm>.

2.Rother, N. and Langner, T. Dimensions of Identification with Europe: Secondary Analysis of Comparative Surveys. PIONEUR Working Paper No. 8. – February 2004. <http://www.obets.ua.es/pioneur/bajaarchivo_public.php?iden=160>.

3.Ivic, S. and Lakicevic, D.D. European identity: between modernity and postmodernity // The European Journal of Social

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Science Research Vol. 24, No. 4, December 2011, 395–407. <http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13511610.2011.617647>.

4.Winn, N. In Search of Europe's Internal and External Borders: Politics, Security, Identity and the European Union // Perspectives on European Politics and Society. London, Routledge, 2000. <http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1570585008458742>.

5.Crudu, E. The EU and Collective Identities: What Use For A European Identity? // Second Euroacademia Global Conference Europe

Inside-Out: Europe and Europeaness Exposed to Plural Observers. Paris, 27–27 April 2012. <http://euroacademia.eu/presentation/the-eu- and-collective-identities-what-use-for-a-european-identity>.

6. Fligstein, N., Polyakova, A., Sandholtz, W. European Integration, Nationalism, and European Identity. Berkeley, Ca., University of California 2011. <http://escholarship.org/uc/item/1h47s4ck>.

Additional

1.Biedenkopf, Kurt et al.) The Spiritual and Cultural Dimension of Europe, European Commission, Brussels 2004 (pp. 5–12). <http://ec.europa.eu/research/socialsciences/pdf/michalski_091104_rep ort_annexes_en.pdf>.

2.Camia, V. European identity: one, two, three? Annual Congress of the Swiss Political Science Association, Geneva, January 7–8, 2010.

3.Reflections on European Identity. Working Paper. Ed. by Jansen, T. European Commission. Forward Studies Unit 1999. <http://www.mcrit.com/scenarios/files/DOCUMENTS/european_identi ty_en.pdf>.

4.Perspectives on European Politics and Society. Introduction:

Framework of the EU: The Case ofTurkey’s Membership <http://www.veraznanjemir.bos.rs/materijal/selcen-teblig.pdf>

Internet resources

1. http://europa.eu/about-eu/eu-history/index_en.htm – history of EU (from an official EU website). Browse under categories:

http://europa.eu/teachers-corner/index_en.htm

↓

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http://europa.eu/teachers-corner/rss/index_en.rss

↓

United in Diversity – key

The key explains the national symbols, landmarks and personalities depicted in the booklet.

↓

Download: Numbered pictures

Download: Explanations for the pictures

2. http://europa.eu/abc/symbols/index_en.htm – symbols of the

EU.

PRACTICAL # 7. Cultural diversity of Europe

Objective: to develop the ability to apply knowledge gained from Humanities, Social Studies and Economics in carrying out expert and analytical work on cultural diversity issues.

Organizational structure of the class: group discussion

Topics for discussion

1.Cultural diversity as a core of the European project.

2.The pluralistic ethno-cultural or linguistic identity and origin of cultural creators and audiences.

3.A diversity of artistic and other cultural content.

4.Tolerance in a diverse society.

Learning strategies

The aim of the practical is to examine the role of culture as a vehicle of European identity shaping, as well as cultural diversity. The significance of the theme is stipulated by the prominent place which culture holds in the European project. It is a vector for statements of identity and difference, and for the transmission of values and symbols. Beyond its intrinsic value as a fundamental part of life, culture contributes to social cohesion, economic growth, job creation, innovation and competitiveness.

The focal point of the theme is the diversity of cultures. Cultural diversity is defined as the co-existence and exchange of culturally different practices. At a practical level it is expressed in the provision

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and consumption of culturally different services and products. Europe has always been diverse, and it is becoming more so. Cultural diversity is at the core of the European project. “Unity in diversity” is the motto of the European Union. Therefore, the starting point for the discussion should be theoretical approaches to the issue of cultural diversity and official policies of international organizations towards culture (question #1). As an introduction to different concepts and issues of cultural diversity, you can watch two video clips from the Compendium Youtube channel. They show a discussion between Charles Vallerand (International Federation of Coalitions for Diversity, Montreal/Canada) and Andreas Wiesand (Editor of the Council of Europe / ERICarts "Compendium of Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe"), which was recorded in 2012 (the reference to the video is given in the list of basic literature, # 7.) You can either download the clip or watch it online). After watching the discussion, try to summarize the concepts of cultural diversity which have been discussed.

Next thing to do is to go on to official documents of international organizations: UNESCO, Council of Europe and the European Union. Examine key papers: the European Union's Maastricht Treaty’s specific provisions on education and culture (1992); Council of Europe’ “Declaration on cultural diversity”, adopted by the Committee of Ministers in 2001; the European Union's “European Agenda for Culture” (2007); UNESCO “Convention on the Protection and the Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions” (2007). Elicit goals of culture policy at European level. Analyze the ways cultural diversity is being addressed in programmes and measures of cultural policies. What programmes and measures have been taken by the international organizations in order to sustain, protect and promote the unique patchwork of national, regional and local cultures in Europe? Have the international organizations been able to maintain the right balance between the respect for cultural diversity and the construction of a shared European identity?

Question # 2 deals with international practices of sustaining and promoting cultural and linguistic diversity of European cultural space. Focus your research efforts and attention on the most remarkable highlights of all-Europe cultural activities. Start with the European Heritage Days – a joint action of the Council of Europe and the European Commission. These cultural events highlight local skills and

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traditions, architecture and works of art. During the European Heritage Days the general public is allowed to visit monuments and sites all over Europe usually closed to the public; the buildings that are open all year round offer special activities, such as guided visits, exhibitions, concerts, lectures; the visits are free of charge or offered at a reduced price. Each year, national and regional events are organised around a special theme. These themes vary in each country from year to year. Look at examples of topics and choose one for your presentation. The topics may be the following: specific forms of heritage (e.g. farmhouses, musical instruments, culinary traditions, garden architecture); specific periods in history (e.g. the Medieval heritage, the Baroque heritage); society's approaches to heritage (e.g. heritage and citizenship, heritage and youth).

Another important cultural event is the European Capitals of Culture. The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by the European Union for a period of one calendar year during which it organises a series of cultural events with a strong European dimension. The initiative was developed in 1985 and has, to date, been awarded to more than 50 cities across the European Union. Students are supposed to prepare multimedia presentations “Tour of a European Capital of Culture. City…Year…”. Choose one of 50 cities which were awarded with this title. Collect interesting facts about the culture heritage of the chosen city, its uniqueness and richness. Supply your textual presentation with images and video clips. If you decide on two cities which have been chosen the 2014 European Capitals of Culture: Umea, Sweden and Riga, Latvia − look through the press and online news in order to find information about current cultural activities in Umea and Riga.

Question # 3 deals with a diversity of artistic and other cultural content of European countries. It is a team work built around a particular country chosen by the team. The objective is to present a comprehensive review of culture heritage of the country. Each member of a team chooses a particular area of national culture: literature, painting, sculpture, music (classical, folk, popular), architecture, performing arts (dance, drama, circus) and cinema. Students are advised not to confine their research within the above mentioned areas of culture. They are encouraged to explore other areas

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of culture which are beyond those limits. These are national cuisine, sport, clothing, etc.

Studying culture of a European country, students should consider external impacts on this particular culture. Try to trace foreign influences. Special attention should be paid on the Americanization of culture, which is typical both of whole Europe and a particular country. In this regard fruitful “food for thought” can be found in the reports of Pew Research Center (an American nonpartisan information agency that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research). The Center’s annual report of 2012 contains valuable information about attitudes toward American culture and ideas.

Question # 4 focuses on tolerance in a diverse society. Tolerance towards various religious, cultural, linguistic and ethnic differences is part and parcel of cultural policies. Respect for Europe’s diversity, which is one of the founding principles of the European Union, means fight for equality and tolerance. To highlight this principle students are encouraged to look back on the history of Europe in the Middle Ages and in Modern and Contemporary Times. Recall historic facts from European history that show the importance of protecting national minorities and allowing different religious, cultural, linguistic and ethnic identities to flourish.

The next step is to study the ethnic profile of European countries (at least, major ones) and elicit information about their ethnic minorities. Students should be aware of the fact that they will encounter various terms referring to that group of population. In the context of European ethnography in particular, the terms ethnic group, people

(without nation state), nationality, national minority, ethnic minority, linguistic community, linguistic group and linguistic minority are used as mostly synonymous, although preference may vary in usage with respect to the situation specific to the individual countries of Europe. Focus your attention on salient ethnic minorities of European countries such as Basques, Catalans and Castilians in Spain, Roma (all around Europe), Protestant Irish (Ireland) and Sami people (Sweden). The list can be continued and added. Explore the culture of the chosen group and its contribution into the country.

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Within the framework of the theme the subject of tolerance acquires a new dimension. It means tolerant attitude towards immigrant population, sources of which are Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Find out the most significant immigration groups and their contribution into European culture. What have immigrants added to European cultural diversity? You need only look at cuisine, music, arts, literature and festivals, to see the benefits this diversity has brought.

Assignments for control and development of competences

1.Give definition of cultural diversity.

2.Cover theoretical approaches to the issue of cultural diversity.

3.Explain the purpose of the European Heritage Days initiative.

4.Explain the principles of the European Heritage Days initiative.

5.Give examples of the European Heritage Days.

6.Name historic facts from Medieval, Modern and Contemporary history that show the importance of protecting national minorities and cultural diversity.

7.What is the role of culture in the process of European identity building?

8.What different concepts and issues of cultural diversity do you

know?

9.Which document delineates UNESCO principles of cultural

policy?

10.Which document delineates Council of Europe principles of cultural policy?

11.Which document delineates the European Union principles of cultural policy?

12.What are goals of culture policy of UNESCO?

13.What are goals of culture policy of Council of Europe?

14.What are goals of culture policy of the European Union?

15.What programmes have been taken by the international organizations to sustain, protect and promote cultural diversity?

16.What international programmes have been designed in order to highlight the richness and diversity of European cultures, while raising awareness of European common history and values?

17.When was European Capitals of Culture initiative developed?

18.How many cities have been awarded the title of “European Capital of Culture” up to now? Name some of the cities.

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19.Which two cities have been chosen as the 2014 European Capitals of Culture? What do you know about their cultural heritage?

20.What are the reasons for the Americanization of European culture? Give examples of the manifestation of this phenomenum.

21.What are advantages and disadvantages of American influence on European culture?

22.What contribution did Basques, Catalans and Castilians make into the culture of Spain?

23.What contribution did Protestant Irish make into the culture of

Ireland?

24.What contribution did Sami people make into the culture of Sweden?

25.What do you know about Roma history and culture?

26.What contribution did non-European immigrant groups make into the European culture?

27.What have immigrants added to European cultural diversity?

28.Watch again two video clips from the Compendium Youtube channel. Summarize the concepts of cultural diversity which have been discussed in the video clip. Which one do you agree with? Give examples to corroborate your opinion.

29.Read an input on cultural differences of Europeans and Americans and say whether you agree with the opinion. Corroborate your point of view.

American political scientist Robert Kagan once said that Americans come from Mars and Europeans from Venus.

30.Read an input on cultural diversity issue and say whether you agree with the opinion. Corroborate your point of view.

Addressing Harvard University in 1963 John Fitzgerald Kennedy said:

"Let us not be blind to our differences – but let us also direct attention to our common interests and the means by which those differences can be resolved. And if we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity".

31. The European Union's Maastricht Treaty says that "the Union shall contribute to the flowering of the cultures of the Member States, while respecting their national and regional diversity and at the same

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time bringing the common cultural heritage to the fore". Does the EU live to its own goals? Give examples.

32. Look at the statement and arguments against it and complete the table with arguments supporting the statement.

Should Europeans reject the American way of life?

yes because… no because…

No culture in the world can survive in unchanging. In order to survive, the cultures of the world have always - and must always - adapted to new conditions and realities. As America’s global authority increasingly becomes a reality, cultures will begin to slowly move towards the American way of life not as a product of force, but rather as a natural consequence of increased contact with America’s dominant culture. Some cultural institutions will be lost, others will survive, and still others will become altered in reaction to it. Resisting the evolutionary impact of the American way of life would only serve to counteract an extremely important process in the histories of the world’s cultures.

Rejecting the American way of life denies the world’s people important economic advantages, especially in terms of mobility. The more similar countries’ cultures are, the more likely one is to be able to move between them, seeking economic opportunity and advantage. Many economists

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believe that mobility of labour (that is, the ability of workers to move across international frontiers) is an important ingredient of economic growth. As cultures move towards the American way of life, they will be better able to make easy the free movement of people to fill specific demand for their labour or skills, because many of the most difficult barriers to movement, in particular those that deal with adjustment to new cultural surroundings, would dissolve.

The American way of life may well be unhealthy, but it is also delicious. Americans are not the only people who flock to the purveyors of freeze-dried, deepfried, sugary, salty, and greasy foods. The reason that so many indulge this way is that fast food, for all its faults, is tasty. If we are to accept the virtues of an individual’s choice, the American way of life must not be rejected.

As far as ways of life are concerned, the American is a pretty strong choice. The American way of life boasts an emphasis on hard work, self-sacrifice, equality, and democracy. Cultures converge toward this particular set of traits because they are uniquely desirable as a way of life. Convergence between cultures is a necessary consequence of an increasingly interconnected and

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