Teaching European Studies Inclusively - Reflections from the INES Midsummer Conference
Dr. Michaela Schrage-Frueh (Centre Director of CEUROS, University of Limerick) was invited by Europa-Universität Flensburg to participate in the INES (Inclusivity in European Studies) Midsummer Conference titled “Fostering Academic Inclusivity in Controversial Times.” The event, hosted by Europa-Universität Flensburg, reflects the close ties between the University of Limerick and Europa-Universität Flensburg, which jointly offer a Master’s in European Studies as a double degree programme.
As part of the conference, Dr. Schrage-Frueh joined Prof. Uwe Puetter (Europa-Universität Flensburg) and Prof. Anna Katharina Mangold (Europa-Universität Flensburg) for the panel discussion “Teaching European Studies Inclusively.” The panel explored how inclusivity can be integrated into European Studies (EUS) teaching in increasingly diverse and politically contested contexts.
Inclusivity as a Continuous Process
Prof. Mangold highlighted that inclusivity begins with key questions: who teaches, who is present, and who may be excluded. She emphasised that exclusion can be shaped through legal and institutional frameworks and requires ongoing reflection, including awareness of Europe’s colonial past.
Dr. Schrage-Frueh stressed the need for disciplinary inclusivity, particularly through cultural studies, which help explore how Europe is imagined through literature, film, language, and collective memory. Inclusive classrooms, she noted, must allow for open dialogue that acknowledges diverse student experiences.
Prof. Puetter pointed to the inherently political nature of European Studies, where disagreement is inevitable. The role of educators is to create a shared space for respectful, analytical discussion across differing perspectives.
Addressing Controversy in the Classroom
The panel underscored that inclusivity is especially important when engaging with polarising topics. Dr. Schrage-Frueh highlighted the importance of respectful dialogue, particularly when discussing foundational narratives such as the Holocaust and the idea of “Never Again.”
Prof. Puetter reflected on classroom experiences during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, showing that even in moments of tension, students can engage constructively when mutual respect is maintained.
Prof. Mangold emphasised that discussions on justice, equality, and law often become heated, making it essential to “decentre” perspectives and ground debates in structured arguments while ensuring a safe space for all participants.
Changing Political Contexts
The rise and normalisation of far-right movements across Europe have become central topics in teaching. Prof. Puetter noted that European integration is increasingly contested, requiring new approaches in the classroom.
Prof. Mangold highlighted the implications for EU law and political discourse, particularly regarding migration and free movement. Dr. Schrage-Frueh added that students now engage critically with these developments, while cultural studies offer tools to analyse discourse and amplify marginalised voices.
Language and Inclusion
All speakers emphasised the importance of language. Prof. Mangold highlighted linguistic diversity as a resource, while Dr. Schrage-Frueh stressed its role in shaping identity and intercultural understanding. Prof. Puetter noted that English functions as a shared bridge, but also raises questions about access and participation.
The panel discussion was followed by a keynote lecture by Prof. Matthias Goldmann (EBS University) titled “Talking about Genocide: Inclusion and Exclusion,” which sparked a lively and engaging discussion among participants. The event was then rounded off with a warm and enjoyable celebration marking 20 years of European Studies at Europa-Universität Flensburg, where Prof. Uwe Puetter reflected on the programme’s development over the years, making it a particularly memorable and fitting close to the day.
