GL/POLS 4400 6.0: The Netherlands and Europeanization

Instructor: Dr. Willem Maas maas@yorku.ca Prerequisites? None
Course Dates: SU term, 10 May to 9 Aug 2021 Open to Non-Majors? Yes, but priority given to Political Science Majors

Course Poster

Course Overview

This summer course fosters an understanding of political, social, and economic transformations in the European Union, focusing on the Netherlands. One of the original six member states, the Netherlands continues to play a key role in European integration. From the destruction of the Second World War, successive Dutch governments have been instrumental in building European institutions which have transformed governance on the continent. Awarded the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize for helping “transform most of Europe from a continent of war to a continent of peace,” the EU today faces the challenges of a common currency without a common fiscal
policy, illiberal governments within and without, and Brexit. Refugees desperately seeking safe haven encounter discrimination and antipathy, and anti-migrant sentiment exists across Europe, placing stress on the Schengen system of no internal border controls and the promise of a common EU citizenship. Tensions are exacerbated by euroskepticism that sees the nationstate, rather than European cooperation and common institutions, as the proper locus of loyalty and best placed to solve problems. Yet even in times of crisis, or perhaps especially in times of crisis (as the current coronavirus is proving), the EU is admired for its powerful impact on governance processes and outcomes.

The summer 2021 version of this course has no travel component but is based on asynchronous readings with written reflections, coupled with synchronous meetings and interviews of guest speakers including political leaders, thinkers, and policymakers. Students should be available virtually during the scheduled course sessions, though we won’t meet for all 24 sessions because much of the work is based on asynchronous reading analyses. 

About Dr. Willem Maas

The course is taught by Willem Maas (PhD Yale), Jean Monnet Chair and Professor of Political Science, Public & International Affairs, and Socio-Legal Studies, who teaches and writes on EU and multilevel citizenship, migration, borders, free movement, and politics focusing on Europe and North America.

Student quotes from the summer 2020 version:

“Professor Maas was remarkable at planning, structuring, responding, and accommodating throughout the duration of the course. Topics were completely relevant (articles dated in 2020) and full of useful information to better understand the Netherlands as a country. It was interesting to have the opportunity to compare both Canada and the Netherlands in various topics to see similarities and differences. The course was structured so students had the chance to interact with each other (by using Zoom for partner work, and commenting on reading assignments) which was beneficial in a time where students may have been feeling overwhelmed adapting to a new learning curve (online courses), or isolated from interaction as you would in a physical classroom. Overall, the course was great (as was Professor Maas) and I highly recommend future students to take POLS 4400.”

“An awesome way to gain an international perspective on politics. This class was a great experience and I learned a lot about the EU.”

“I found the course readings and interviews incredibly interesting because they helped to show me how politics function in the Netherlands. This course provided me with the once in a lifetime opportunity to interview professors and politicians about the policies of government in the Netherlands and about important institutions
such as the Hague and the EU. From start to end this course was intriguing and one of my favourite courses that I have taken at York.”

Application

This political science summer course is open to majors and non-majors who will have
completed at least two years of university-level study; admission by application which includes:

  1. Your name and program/major
  2. List of courses taken and grades received (unofficial transcript)
  3. Short statement explaining why you are interested in this course

To be considered in the first selection round, please send your application by email to
maas[at]yorku[dot]ca by 1 March 2021 with “POLS4400 application” as subject.  Any remaining spots will be filled by rolling admission, with qualified students admitted until spots are filled.