Outline

Overview

Contemporary Europe is marked by political extremism, notably the increased legitimation of far- to extreme-right party families at national and European levels, and Islamist terrorism. However, many, even most, of these movements have emerged from longstanding activist or intellectual traditions. Moreover, political extremism has not always been confined to the right: radical left movements have also marked contemporary European history. In this unit we study these various political extremisms, and responses by national governments and the European Union.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	European Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 2000 level in European Studies
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ruben Perez-Hidalgo, ruben.perez-hidalgo@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Video Essay Create a video essay (12 mins. max.) in which you discus in depth and exemplify the concept of extremism in the European context.	50%	Formal exam period Due date: 09 Jun 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Jun 2026	12 minutes (equivalent to 3000 words)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Seminar presentation In groups of two or three, explore and present on the topics discussed during weeks 1-5	25%	Week 06 Due date: 01 Apr 2026 at 14:00 Closing date: 01 Apr 2026	15 minutes	AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Critical film evaluation Analysis of fictional film on the extreme left	12.5%	Week 09 Due date: 03 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 13 May 2026	750 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Critical film evaluation Analysis of a fiction film on the extreme right	12.5%	Week 12 Due date: 24 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 03 Jun 2026	750 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Please refer to the Canvas site for detailed guidelines on all assessment tasks.

Assessment criteria

FAIL: Work demonstrates insufficient engagement with the topic and little to no evidence of research; responses do not reflect the subject, are unclear or confused, and do not reveal an adequate understanding of the topic or sources.

PASS: Work demonstrates engagement with the topic and uses primary and secondary sources to provide evidence and illustrate arguments; contextualises the movement(s) discussed; presents clear and coherent arguments that show some reflection on the topic; is coherently structured and uses an appropriate writing style although there may be typos or errors.

CREDIT: Work demonstrates engagement with the topic and explores a good range of primary and secondary sources to provide evidence and illustrate arguments; thoroughly contextualises the movement(s) discussed; presents clear and coherent arguments that show some depth of reflection on the topic and analytical ability; is coherently structured and uses an appropriate writing style with few typos or errors.

DISTINCTION: Work demonstrates thoughtful engagement with the topic and explores a strong range of primary and secondary sources to provide evidence and illustrate arguments skilfully and creatively; thoroughly contextualises the movement(s) discussed; presents clear and coherent arguments that show originality and depth of reflection on the topic and strong analytical ability; is coherently structured and uses an elegant writing style with few typos or errors.

HIGH DISTINCTION: Work demonstrates considered engagement with the topic and explores a strong range of primary and secondary sources to provide evidence and illustrate arguments skilfully and creatively; thoroughly contextualises the movement(s) discussed; presents clear and coherent arguments that show insight, originality and depth of reflection on the topic and a high level of critical analysis; is well structured and uses a writing style that is close to flawless.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties are applied in accordance with University policy: 5% of the maximum awardable mark deducted for every calendar day after the due date, except where a simple extension or special consideration has been granted.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to unit and discussion about the ideology of the European Union	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	The ideology of Western values in Europe	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	The "extreme center" part 1: Third Way politics	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	The "extreme center" part 2: Technocracy	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	The "extreme center" part 3: Neoliberalism and austerity in the European Union	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	In-class presentations. Beyond Left and Right: Redefining extremisms in Europe	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	The extreme left as anti-system revolutionaries part 1: The anarchist movement	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	The extreme left as anti-system revolutionaries part 2: The squatter movement	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Film analysis of the extreme left	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	The extreme right beyond party politics part 1: Neo-Nazis	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	The extreme right beyond party politics: White supremacists	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Film analysis of the extreme right	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Review and workshop for final essay	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance is required and you should prepare the weekly readings as set out on the Canvas site.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Please refer to Canvas site for all information on readings.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate an understanding of the contemporary history of political extremisms in Europe
LO2. Critique the different understandings and uses of the term "extremism" in contemporary European politics
LO3. Evaluate the various taxonomies of political extremisms in Europe
LO4. Produce a sophisticated analysis of political extremisms beyond established truths of extreme Left vs. extreme Right
LO5. Critically engage with cinematic narratives of European extremisms

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit was successful when last offered in 2020, with positive student feedback and good student outcomes. We have updated and slightly revised the structure of the unit to reflect contemporary political developments in Europe.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

EUST3111: Political Extremism in Europe

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links