Unit information: Co-operation and Integration In Europe in 2015/16

Unit name	Co-operation and Integration In Europe
Unit code	POLI21214
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Anna Maria Friis
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit introduces students to the European Union. It examines the dynamics of European integration, the EU institutions, the policy process and the interactions between the EU and its member states. The unit starts by charting the historical evolution of the European project from the 1950s to the present while reflecting on the explanatory value of the conceptual and theoretical approaches that have sought to explain regional integration in Europe. Over the following weeks we will study key institutional and non-institutional actors by analysing their role within the system of EU governance and the evolution of the formal balance of power between them. The unit will also examine how decisions are taken in the European Union with a focus on formal decision-making channels, new governance tools and the complexities of multilevel governance. The final part of the unit will use the Europeanization framework to assess the impact of the European Union on its member states and third countries.

Aims:

• To introduce students to the historical evolution of the European integration process.

• To introduce students to the functioning of the European Union and the role of the relevant policy actors.

• To familiarise students with the main policy areas the European Union is concerned with.

• To encourage discussion and debate on the dynamics of co-operation and integration in Europe.

• To offer students the opportunity to apply basic political concepts and approaches to the study of European politics.

Intended Learning Outcomes

After completing this unit successful students will be able to:

1. Identify the distinctive features which characterise the EU’s political system.
2. Critically evaluate main conceptual and theoretical discussion generated by the study of the European Union.
3. Integrate theoretical and empirical materials.
4. Employ critical discussion skills, particularly through seminar participation and group work and the presentation of seminar papers.
5. To write articulately, concisely and persuasively.
6. Apply time management skills both in the preparation of the relevant assessment and the delivery of the seminar presentation.

Teaching Information

2 x 1hr lecture and 1 hr seminar.

Assessment Information

• Formative assessment: Seminar presentation (10 minutes). It will assess the achievement of learning outcomes 1, 3, 4 and 6

• Summative essay of up to 2,000 words. This is first development piece. It will contribute towards 25% of the mark. It will assess the achievement of learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6.

• Summative essay of up to 2,000 words. This will contribute towards 75% of the mark. It will assess the achievement of learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6.

Reading and References

• Cini, M. and Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, N. (eds.) (2009) European Union Politics (Third Edition): Oxford University Press, Oxford.

• Hix, S. and Bjorn Hoyland (2011), The Political System of the European Union: Palgrave, Basingstoke.

• Wiener, A. and Diez, T. (2009) European Integration Theory: Oxford University Press, Oxford.

• Nugent, N. (2010) The government and politics of the European Union: Palgrave, Basingstoke.

• Best, E, Christiansen, T. Settembri, P (Eds.) (2008) The Institutions of the Enlarged European Union: Continuity and Change: Edward Elgar, Cheltenham.