Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information
for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Europe in Crisis: Global, Regional and Domestic Perspectives |
| Unit code |
POLI30015 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
H/6
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
|
| 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 |
Description including Unit Aims
It is commonplace these days to claim that Europe is in crisis. But what does this really mean? What form does this crisis (or crises) take? Is there one crisis or several? What effects has the crisis had on Europe’s external relations, the European integration project, and on individual countries within the region?
With these questions in mind this course aims to:
- Problematize the concept of crisis in the context of European politics, economy and society;
- identify how the crisis (or crises) and its effects can be explained and understood through the lens of (a) Europe’s international relations (with an emphasis on transatlantic relations and EU-China relations, for example); (b) the European Union and the Eurozone (focusing on the nature of the Euro crisis, and the EU’s responses to it); and (c) the domestic politics of member states, including the various responses of countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Greece and Hungary.
- Analyse the causes, nature and impact of the European crisis so as to provide a broad understanding of Europe’s place in the world, and the challenges it faces at home and abroad in the second decade of the twenty-first century.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the crisis, or crises in Europe since the mid-2000s. (1)
- Account for the causes, nature or and impact of the crisis on Europe’s international and regional politics (2)
- Account for the impact of the crisis on Europe’s domestic politics, economy and society by demonstrating a deep understanding of one or more European countries. (3)
- Explain the possible implications of the crisis/crises with reference to Europe’s place in the world and its future evolution. (4)
Teaching Information
The unit will be taught through blended learning methods, including a mix of synchronous and asynchronous teaching activities
Assessment Information
25% written paper (based on formative tasks) 75% 2000 word essay
Reading and References
- P. Burnham (2011), ‘Towards a Political Theory of Crisis: Policy and Resistance across Europe’, New Political Science, Vol. 33, No. 4, pp. 493-507.
- J. Carmassi, D. Gros, S. Micossi (2009), ‘The Global Financial Crisis: Causes and Cures’, Journal of Common Market Studies, Vol. 47, No. 5, pp. 977–996. (19pp)
- D. Hodson and U. Puetter (2013), 'The Economic Crisis and the European Union' in M. Cini and N. Perez-Solorzano (eds), European Union Politics (Oxford: Oxford University Press), pp. 367-80 (13pp)
- B. Thorhallsson and P. Kirby (2012), 'Financial Crises in Iceland and Ireland. Does European Union and Euro membership matter?’, Journal of Common Market Studies, Vol. 50, No. 5, pp. 801-18.
- B. Young and W. Semmler (2011), 'The European Sovereign Debt Crisis: Is Germany to Blame?' working paper - as published in German Politics and Society, Vol. 29, No 1, pp. 1-24
- B. Crum (2013), 'Saving the Euro at the Cost of Democracy?', Journal of Common Market Studies, Vol. 51, No. 4, pp. 614-30.
