Jean Monnet Modules

What is a Jean Monnet Module?

A Jean Monnet Module is a short teaching programme (or course) in the field of European Union studies at a higher education institution. Each Module has a minimum duration of 40 teaching hours per academic year. Teaching hours are taken to include direct contact hours in the context of group lectures, seminars, tutorials and may include any of the aforementioned in a distance learning format but do not include individual instruction. Modules may concentrate on one particular discipline in European studies or be multidisciplinary in approach and therefore call upon the academic input of several professors and experts.

Erasmus+ supports Jean Monnet Modules with the aim to:

  • promote research and first teaching experience for young researchers and scholars and practitioners in European Union issues;
  • foster the publication and dissemination of the results of academic research;
  • create interest in the EU and constitute the basis for future poles of European knowledge, particularly in Partner Countries;
  • foster the introduction of a European Union angle into mainly non EU related studies;
  • deliver tailor-made courses on specific EU issues relevant for graduates in their professional life.

The Jean Monnet Module anchors and mainstreams teaching on EU matters in curricula which so far have included EU related content only to a limited extent. They also bring facts and knowledge on the European Union to a broad spectrum of learners and interested citizens.

Which activities are supported under this action?

Jean Monnet Modules must take one of the following forms:

  • general or introductory courses on European Union issues (in particular at institutions and faculties that do not yet have a highly developed course offering in the field);
  • specialised teaching on European Union developments (in particular at institutions and faculties that do already have a highly developed course offering in the field);
  • summer and intensive courses that are fully recognised.

What is the role of organisations participating in a Jean Monnet Module?

Higher education institutions have the role of supporting and promoting the Module coordinators by ensuring that the largest possible public benefits from their activities both inside and outside the institution. Higher education institutions support Module coordinators in their teaching, research and reflection activities: they recognise the teaching activities developed; they monitor the activities, give visibility and valorise the results obtained by their staff involved in Jean Monnet. Higher education institutions are required to maintain the activities of a Jean Monnet Module during the entire duration of the project, including replacing the academic coordinator if the need arises. If the institution is obliged to replace Module coordinators, a written request for approval has to be sent to the Executive Agency. Moreover, the new proposed coordinator must have the same level of specialisation in European Union studies.

Source & more information:: European Union, Erasmus+ Programme Guide, Version 1 (2017), 20/10/2016.