Introductory description

The module is an introduction both to the institutional structure and to key areas of substantive law of the European Union.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The basic concepts of direct effect, supremacy, and the creation of a rights-based law are considered.

The question of democratic accountability is raised in discussing the legislative roles of the European Commission, the Council of Ministers, the European Council and the European Parliament.

The functions, procedures and organisational structure of the Court of Justice and General Court are discussed with an emphasis on the role of the Court of Justice in the integration of the EU and of the General Court in providing judicial protection for individuals.

Some areas of substantive law will be studied, in particular, the free movement of goods.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the role and function of the main European Institutions.
• Understand the main procedures of the Court of Justice and the Court of First Instance.
• Understand some elements of substantive EU Law.
• Have knowledge of some concepts of EU law, such as supremacy, and some of the general principles of EU law, such as equality, their use and application.
• Work independently in research and preparation.
• Work in groups, contributing effectively to the group task.
• Analyse and evaluate the impact of EU law on the process of European political and economic integration.
• Communicate orally and in writing using concepts of EU law and the language of EU law.
• Use information technology to research electronic databases, in particular the Europa web-sites.
• Identify principles of EU law which may be applied to resolve a legal problem.

Indicative reading list

P. Craig and G. de Burca: Text, Cases and Materials (Oxford, OUP, 2015)
D. Chalmers & Monti, European Union Law: Text and Materials (Cambridge, CUP, 2014)
C. Barnard & S. Peers, European Union Law (OUP, Oxford, 2014)
Steiner & Woods, EU Law (OUP, Oxford 2014)

View reading list on Talis Aspire

International

This module specifically looks at the European Union.

Subject specific skills

No subject specific skills defined for this module.

Transferable skills

No transferable skills defined for this module.