LFU:online

1.           Analyze the construction of national and ethnic identities in contemporary European societies using ethnographic evidence

2.           Compare regional variations in European social organization, kinship systems, and popular religion across Mediterranean, Western, and Eastern contexts

3.           Evaluate the relationship between migration, multiculturalism, and contemporary debates about European unity and national sovereignty

4.           Apply anthropological concepts and methods to analyze how Europeans engage with their pasts through museums, monuments, and heritage practices

5.           Critically assess the role of borderlands and regional identities in shaping European cultural and political landscapes

6.           Synthesize ethnographic readings, films, and lectures to construct nuanced arguments about European cultural phenomena

7.           Demonstrate competence in anthropological research methods for urban and applied European contexts

This course explores the cultures and societies of contemporary Europe. A critical reading of recent ethnography will be used to examine themes such as the formation of national identities, ethnicity and migration, rural life and traditionalism, family and kinship, popular religion, urban development, and the problem of European unity. Particular attention will be given to ethnographic research methods in urban and applied contexts.   

The University of New Orleans International Summer School program has a mandatory class attendance policy. All students are required to attend class for all morning classes and any required afternoon and/or weekend fields trips and lectures. No unexcused absences are allowed. However, LFU students who have to miss a UNO class due to LFU examinations in the first two weeks of our program, can receive one excused absence for this. Any further unexcused absences will result in an academic penalty. Each faculty member determines the penalty for missed classes. Most professors deduct a letter grade for each additional missed class day. For details, please refer to your course syllabi, which will be distributed on the first day of class. The listed ECTS credits are a recommendation by the University of New Orleans Innsbruck Summer School, based on contact hours, anticipated out-of-classroom requirements such as field trips, and projected workload for readings, assignments, and exam preparation. Mail: Center-New-Orleans@uibk.ac.at