Introductory description

The main purpose of the module is to explore the political and economic dimensions of European integration. We will be asking many questions about the nature of European integration, and addressing contemporary problems faced by the European Union (EU) in a thematic way. Issues to be covered range from the history of the European integration project, the role of the EU institutions, theories of European integration, EU policies (such as migration and asylum or enlargement), to the main challenges the Union faces today such as the democratic deficit, the failed EU referendums, and Brexit.
What kind of polity is the EU? How is the EU transforming the political systems of its 27 component member states? Why and how does the EU accept new member states? How does the EU project itself and influence the global environment? To what extent can the EU be considered an effective international actor? Can the EU be democratic? Should we be concerned if it isn't? What are the dynamics behind referendums on EU-related issues? Last but not least, why did the British public vote to leave the European Union?
The course will include a simulation of a policy making scenario within the European Union. Topics can include any of the policy sectors discussed in the module. Thereby, the simulation will allow students to apply what you have learned throughout the module.

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 module will begin with a historical overview of the European integration project. It will then provide students with an overview of key institutions in the European Union, before discussing key theoretical approaches to European integration. After this foundational part of the module, students will be able to apply this knowledge to discuss various policy sectors and recent challenges of European integration. This includes topics such as the Euro, immigration and asylum policies, the EU as a global and military actor, enlargement, but also challenges including Brexit, Euroscepticism and the democratic deficit.

Learning outcomes

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

• critically analyse the current issues facing the EU in important policy areas
• demonstrate an appreciation of the historical context of European integration and the significance of the EU
• critically discuss the characteristics of the EU's governance framework in relation to the key themes covered
• assess the strengths and weaknesses of the key theoretical debates governing the nature of European integration and the EU as a global actor

Indicative reading list

Bache, I. George, S. & Bulmer, S. Politics in the European Union, 3rd edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011.
Bomberg, E., Peterson, J. and Stubb, A. (eds), The European Union: How Does it Work?, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2nd edition, 2008
Cini, M & Borragan, N.P-S. (eds.), European Union Politics, 3rd edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010
Dedman, M., The Origins and Development of the European Union 1945-2008 - A History of European Integration, 2nd edition, London: Routledge, 2010.
Jorgensen, K.E. Pollack, M. & Rosamond, B. Handbook of European Union Politics, London: Sage, 2007.
Hill, C. and Smith, M. (eds), International Relations and the European Union, 2nd edition, Oxford; Oxford University Press, 2011.
McCormick, J. (eds.), Understanding the European Union, 4th edition, New York: Palgrave, 2008. Eilstrup-Sangiovanni, M. (ed.), Debates on European Integration: a reader, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2006.
Nugent N., The Government and Politics of the European Union, 7th edition, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2010
Rosamond, B., Theories of European Integration, Basingstoke: Macmillan, 2000.
Wallace, H., Pollack, A.M. & Young, R.A. (eds.), Policy-Making in the European Union, 6th edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010.
Wiener, A. & Diez, T., European Integration Theory, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2nd edition, 2009.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Research element

The students write one research essay and one research policy paper in this module.

International

The topics covered by the module are all international in scope. The module typically benefits from international exchange students.

Subject specific skills

Theoretical and analytical skills in understanding the process of European integration

Transferable skills

Communication skills
Lateral thinking skills
Skills in the distillation and application of complex information and ideas
Critical thinking
Analytical skills
Independent research skills
Problem solving
Time management
Skills in academic practice
Awareness of, and sensitivity to, diversity
Decision making
Educational self-awareness skills