Undertake an Analysis of Cultural Trends in Europe

1) Undertake an analysis of (contemporary!!) cultural trends in Europe. By “cultural trends” we are referring primarily to: literature, cinema, music. Culture is the “soil” in which a civilization lives...or dies. What is contemporary European culture “saying” today? Is there a common European culture, or does each country have its own culture? Does European “culture” have an impact on the rest of the world? .

2) One of the most intractable problems facing Europe is: Unemployment. This topic asks you to undertake either a broad or a narrow analysis of the phenomenon of unemployment in Europe. WHY is unemployment in some European countries so high? Why is it comparatively low in certain other European countries? What are the envisaged solutions at the local level...and how are they working? What solutions are proposed at the “European” level? How are they working?

3) The CAP (Common Agricultural Policy). What is the economic effect of the CAP? Where are attempts to reform the CAP?

4) Undertake a study of EU Foreign Policy. Does it exist? What is it? What are the structures and institutions of EU foreign policy? “Problems” with an EU foreign policy?

5) It is often said that the EU countries together represent the largest (“richest”) economic area in the world. But what does the European economy “really” look like? What are EU economic strengths and weaknesses? What about investment and innovation in the EU? How does the EU compare to other countries/regions around the world? Is the EU economy healthy? What are the differences among EU countries? And why do such differences exist? In your opinion, will the EU be an “economic superpower” in 2050? Defend your answer.

6) Most European countries have levels of population growth that are BELOW replacement levels.