Unit name | The European Union: Theory and Institutions |
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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:
One two hour seminar each week, led by seminar tutor in Weeks 1-10. Weeks 11 and 12 are used for the preparation of the assessed essay.
Formative assessment: a ten minute oral presentation supported by a hand-out 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.