| 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. Perez-Solorzano Borragan |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this unit important?
This unit introduces students to the European Union (EU), the world’s most advanced regional integration project. It addresses the fundamental questions regarding the coordination of discrepant interests, the politicisation of economic integration and the democracy–technocracy debate.
First, students get familiarised with the historical evolution of the European project from after World War II until nowadays. They also learn the theories and concepts that explain this project from both European and national perspectives.
Then, the students gain more in-depth knowledge and critical understanding about the EU governance: its key institutions, their power balance and decision-making. This includes the roles of the member states, the European ‘elite’ and the rule of law, as well as the contestation thereof.
Finally, we discuss the EU’s ability to solve the contemporary challenges such as Brexit and Euroscepticism, the Eurozone and migration crises, as well as the war with Russia and the changing global order.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
The unit discusses parliamentarism and democracy in the EU (the concepts introduced to students in the core unit POLI11103 Comparative Government and Politics: An Introduction). It also presents theories of European Integration (adding to the core unit POLI10003 Theories of International Relations). Moreover, the unit discusses the EU’s international role (adding to the international relations units).
An overview of content:
The unit will begin by exploring the history of the European integration, the key motivations and reforms, and the theories of neo-functionalism, intergovernmentalism and disintegration. Subsequently, focus will be laid on the contemporary political system of the European Union, its actors, policy areas and decision-making, as well as the relations between the EU institutions, member states and the wider world. In the final weeks EU responses to the contemporary challenges like Brexit, Euroscepticism, and financial and security crises will be discussed.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
Students will be able to assess whether and why the EU can be seen as the world’s unique integration project, identify the distinctive features of the EU’s system, and assess its contemporary internal and external challenges. Each time, they will evaluate critically the main theoretical discussions generated by the European Studies, and how to apply them in empirical examples.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the unit a success student will be able to:
The unit is taught through blended learning methods, including a mix of synchronous and asynchronous teaching activities as follows:
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Students’ weekly inputs into the Discussion Board based on 1 out of 2 or 3 weekly tasks provided on Blackboard. The inputs will allow the students to learn from case studies and gain insights into the studies’ critical approaches. (ILO1,2,3,4)
All weekly tasks will address the unit’s learning outcomes above.
Students’ in-depth and critical engagement with 1 out of 8 essay questions which mainly address the historical, theoretical and/or conceptual material. (ILO1,2,3)
All essay questions will address the unit’s learning outcomes above;
Students’ in-depth and critical engagement with 1 out of 8 essay questions which, in addition to the Essay One materials above, address extensively the contemporary empirical material.
All essay questions will address the unit’s learning outcomes above. (ILO1,2,3,4)
When assessment does not go to plan
There are two re-assessment arrangements designed for:
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. POLI21214).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
