Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Module

The Jean Monnet Module ASEMG sets new benchmarks in teaching and learning about the European Union. By combining an immersive learning environment with practice-oriented and case-based methods, it gives students a unique opportunity to experience the vibrancy, complexity, and real-world relevance of European lawmaking first-hand.

Working in groups on concrete, realistic assignments, participants are encouraged to explore European policymaking in depth, to grasp the dynamics of the EU’s multi-level governance system, and to evaluate it critically through a solid theoretical framework.

The module is structured around five key activities:

Innovative teaching course – providing theoretical contextualization and a comparative analysis of the EU political system with those of Austria and Germany, guided by political science perspectives.

Direct exchange with practitioners – a strong link to real-world politics through guest contributions during the course and an annual panel discussion on the theme of the year’s simulation game.

Cooperative simulation game – the centrepiece of the didactics. Students engage in a step-by-step, semester-long simulation of the European legislative process. Skills and knowledge are developed progressively, supported by preparatory exercises. A range of asynchronous resources—video tutorials, a virtual learning environment, AI chatbots, and online quizzes—help students learn flexibly and independently.

Cross-program and cross-university collaboration – students from different degree programs and universities jointly simulate the legislative process, taking on the roles of the Council of the EU, the European Parliament, interest groups, and the European Commission.

Transfer to secondary education – the simulation is further adapted for secondary education, making EU lawmaking accessible to a wider audience.

In addition, the module is accompanied by scientific evaluation of its teaching approach, which is shared with the international academic community through conferences and publications.

Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Module Coordinator: Bernhard Zeilinger

Contact: bernhard.zeilinger@fh-vie.ac.at

Phone: +43/1/720 12 86 - 227

Project number: 101176656