European Studies O'level

The study area SEC European Studies is informed by the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).

This subject addresses several issues at a national, European and global level. It provides an understanding of Europe in its economic, political, social and cultural dimensions. It discusses the EU as an integrated part of both national and international politics and recognises the EU’s single market as the cornerstone of economic and social policy. It furthers the learners’ awareness of the role played by the EU in international affairs and provides a deep understanding of the fundamental values of the EU and the Council of Europe. It discusses the role of migration as a cause of population change in Europe and examines demographic patterns between European countries, amongst other issues. 

European Studies builds on the learners’ prior knowledge, aiming to expand and extend it. The majority of learners are already familiar on some of the issues and topics discussed in this subject. This awareness is the result of what they observe and learn about formally from other subjects and informally through the larger community and the media. Thus, the learning outcomes presented in this subject are relevant and meaningful to all learners.…

At the end of the programme, the student will be able to: 

• understand, explain and critically reflect on the origins, history and political geography that shaped Europe
• demonstrate familiarity with major literary, philosophic and artistic movements in the cultural heritage of European peoples
• understand and critically evaluate common European values in relation to democracy, and the rule of law
• understand the role of human rights protection in Europe and identify the European institutions and charters protecting human rights and understand their functions
• understand the origins and development of the European Union, and its decision-making institutions 
• understand the importance of the European Union internal and external trade, including the issues related to EU standardisation and harmonisation policy
• understand the basics of demography in Europe and the processes of urbanisation and regionalisation. I can understand how climate, regional economy and other internal and external factors influence the movement of people within Europe 
• understand the importance of globalisation and sustainable development, and the need to address the challenges brought about by globalisation; migration, radicalisation, extremism, populism, energy and climate change in Europe
• understand the underlying importance of access to education and healthcare for all
• understand the European social model, its value and importance as a characteristic of European countries