New Narrative for Europe Project from the Humanities: Critical Thinking Skills with University Students in the Realm of Ethics and Social Responsibility

Reaching out to Educational institutions and young people, the European Commission re-launched in 2016 a New Narrative for Europe Project aimed at bringing Europe closer to its citizens and reviving a “European” spirit via the arts and sciences. From the Language department of Francisco de Vitoria university, in conjunction with the Complutense university Research group SIIM- Studies on Intermediality and Intercultural Mediation https://www.ucm.es/siim/, we are currently contributing to this initiative through an interdisciplinary research &educational innovation project https://www.ucm.es/siim/new-narratives-for-europe-project Its main objective is to actively engage Spanish university students to visually narrate their state of mind and feelings about what European identity and values means to them, while developing critical thinking skills. Through Strategic storytelling (Infographics) and transmedia narratives (3-5min videos) students, both as citizens and as future professionals working in a European context, participate actively in the intersection between artistic-literary creations and social responsibility. On the one hand, these activities are designed to make students reflect critically on the humanistic values that characterize European societies, celebrating tolerance, democracy, cultural diversity and respect for differences. On the other hand, their works become forms of expression of European identity and tools for social transformation, empowering students as agents of social change. Research evidence from our preliminary study shows that if university students, European citizens, lack critical and contrasted opinion about the benefits of the European Union and its current situation, they will not be able to make the right decisions with respect of Europe´s future.