European Political Integration (POLM606)
This module description relates to the academic year 2011/2.
| Lecturer(s) | Dr Francesco Stolfi |
|---|---|
| Module level | M |
| Credit Value | 30.00 |
| ECTS Value | 15 |
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Co-requisites | None |
| Duration of Module | One Term (11 weeks) |
| Total Student Study Time | 300 hours ( including 2 hour seminar x 11 weeks ) |
Aims
To examine the political dynamics of European integration, the nature of the emerging European political system, the theories of European integration, and the application of these theories to the main turning points of the history of European integration from the creation of the European Communities to the present day.
To understand the interests, strategies and objectives of the main protagonists of the process of European integration viewed in an historically and theoretically informed manner.
To assess the prospects for European integration on the basis of empirical and normative analysis.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On completion of the module, students should be able to
Module-specific skills:
Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of European political union, particularly with regard to the political, institutional and constitutional properties of the European Union. Critically analyse the emerging patterns of interaction in the EU policy process. Understand and apply integration theory in conceptualising the emerging European polity. Develop normative understandings of European polity-formation in the 1990s.
Discipline-specific skills:
Critically analyse primary and secondary source material. Understand and use concepts, models, and theory. Construct well-structured and rigorous arguments. Use academic objectivity to advance a normative perspective.
Personal and key skills:
Communicate effectively in speech and writing. Work independently and in collaboration with peers to achieve common goals. Use IT for the retrieval and presentation of information.
Learning/Teaching Methods
Teaching is conducted through introductory lectures, students' workshops and seminars. The emphasis is on weekly seminar presentations; active seminar participation; and seminar discussion on the development of ideas with regard to assessed work.
Assignments
One 5000 word assessed essay and one literature review (2000 words max)
The literature review is usually on the same topic as that chosen for the final essay.
Assessment
One 5000 word essay (70%) and one literature review of 2000 words max (30%).
Syllabus Plan
The syllabus plan is subject to amendment and as such is only indicative of the content of the module.
1. Introducing the EU: political system, governance, or policy-making system?
2. The long-term dynamics of European integration: from Messina to the Lisbon treaty
3. The classic theories of European integration: neo-functionalism and liberal inter-governmentalism
4. Bureaucratic and executive politics in the EU: Commission and Council
5. The political role of the European Court of Justice and the Community of Courts
6. European Parliament and Parliaments in EU politics
7. Interest-group politics and diffuse interests
8. The EU AND its member states: Europeanization
9. New modes of governance and the Lisbon agenda for growth and jobs
10. The external dimension of the EU
11. Legitimacy and the democratic deficit: contrasting perspectives on constitutional politics
Indicative Basic Reading List
I. Bache and S. George (2006) Politics in the European Union, OUP, Second Edition
E. Bomber and A. Stubb (2003) (eds.) The European Union: How does it Work? OUP
M. Cini (2007) (ed) European Union Politics, OUP, Second Edition:
N. Nugent (2006) Government and Politics of the European Union, Palgrave
K. Featherstone and C. Radaelli (Eds.) The Politics of Europeanisation (OUP, 2003)
J.J. Richardson (2005) (ed) The European Union: Power and Policy-Making, Routledge
