Unit information: Co-operation and Integration In Europe in 2018/19

Unit name	Co-operation and Integration In Europe
Unit code	POLI21214
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Perez-Solorzano Borragan
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 interaction 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 account for regional integration in Europe. Students will gain knowledge of key 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 the EU’s ability to accommodate to new challenges by studying the effect of the financial crisis on the Eurozone; Brexit; the increasing contestation of European integration; and the EU’s role in a changing international arena. Throughout the term, relevant contemporary events and issues will be discussed.

Aims:

• To introduce students to the dynamics of co-operation and integration in Europe.

• To introduce students to the political system of the EU.

• To introduce students to the key concepts and theories underpinning the study of the European Union.

• To develop an understanding of the relationship between European Union, its member states and the wider world.

• To develop and understanding of how the European Union is affected by and responds to key challenges such as Brexit, populism, and the financial and migration crises.

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.