| Unit name | The European Union: Theory and Institutions |
|---|---|
| Unit code | POLIM3027 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Cini |
| 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 |
This unit examines the most advanced example of international integration, the European Union. It begins by introducing the theoretical and conceptual literatures that can be used as a a tool-box for analysing European-level issues, developments and policies. The unit then uses the theory as a lens through which to the EU’s institutions and policy process The aim of the unit is to introduce students to the different conceptual lenses that can be used to understand European Union politics and policy, ann the European integration process more generally; and to familiarise students with the workings of the EU institutions.
Aims:
The unit will be taught through blended learning methods, including a mix of synchronous and asynchronous teaching activities
Formative assessment: formative 800 word essay plan Summative assessment: an essay of 4,000 words.
The oral presentation supported by a handout provides formative assessment of the student's grasp of European Union politics issues. This will be an opportunity for them to articulate in a concise and persuasive way their position both verbally and in written form; and in the ensuing discussion demonstrate the breadth and depth of their understanding of the issues raised in the literature.
The essay provides summative assessment of the student s substantive grasp of the substantive issues associated with this unit (European Union politics); and of how to engage with that substantive material in an articulate and persuasive way in written form which achieves an appropriate degree of depth but which is still concise. They will be expected to demonstrate broad knowledge of EU affairs, to identify key issues, to relate them to relevant academic theories and concepts, and to present the material in a scholarly fashion.
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. POLIM3027).
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 Faculty 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. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
