May be repeated for credit if topics are different. Two topics are offered Fall 2017. Section A1: Europe in Crisis. Europe is in crisis. With slow growth, the rise of anti-EU parties, and secessionist movements the very nature of the European Union and its member states are at stake. Is the Euro to blame? Where is the EU headed? Section B1: Democratic Backsliding. Recent trends in American and European politics have engendered fears about a turn toward authoritarianism where it was once considered unthinkable. Explores causes and consequences of democratic erosion, helping students to put recent developments into comparative and historical perspective.