This double module examines the development of the European Union, its key international relationships and its emergence as a global economic and security actor.

At the end of the course students should be able to: demonstrate a working knowledge of the main developments in European integration since 1945; develop a conceptual framework by which to explain the evolution of European integration; undertake analysis, including that of a comparative nature, of contemporary attitudes of member states and their citizens toward integration; demonstrate a critical awareness of the EU as an actor in the contemporary international political system; formulate objective and informed opinions about the development of, and contemporary issues facing, the EU.

There are two lectures each week and fortnightly seminars to discuss issues raised in lectures. Attendance at seminars is compulsory. Lectures provide introduction to module material. Seminars offer opportunity to research and discuss material raised in lectures at greater depth.

Listening and note-taking skills; Academic writing skills; Independent study skills; Knowledge building skills; Research skills; Presentation skills; Debating skills; Teamwork skills

The opportunity for reassessment in this module

Opportunityto re-sit exam and submit new assessed essays in summer.

Part 1 - Development and Explanation.

Introduction and the pre-history of integration; immediate postwar integration; Integration and key treaties; EU development as an economic actor; EU development as a security actor; explaining the evolution of integration.

Part 2 – Contemporary Developments

Member states ( Germany, Britain, Spain, Post-Cold War enlargements: 1995, 2004 and 2007; EU and its citizens); The EU's International Relations (The EU and Russia;  The EU and the Eastern Partnership; The EU and the Mediterranean; The EU and the USA; The EU and the Developing World)

The European Union changes rapidly and students are expected to read quality newspapers, academic journals and relevant web materials. They should also make use of the European Documentation Centre.

A starting point for books relevant to the module includes:

For the historical development of European integration:

·         R. McAllister (2010), European Union

·         W. Kaiser and A. Varsori (2010), European Union history: themes and debates

·         M. Cini(ed), (2010; 2007), European Union Politics

·         J. McCormick (2008) Understanding the European Union : a concise introduction

·         M. Gilbert (2003), Surpassing Realism: The Politics of European Integration Since 1945

·         S. Henig (1997), The Uniting of Europe: From Discord to Concord

·         P. Lynch et al (2000), Reforming the European Union: From Maastricht to Amsterdam

·         M. Deadman (2010), The Origins and Development of the European Union 1945-2008

• D. Dinan (2006), Origins and evolution of the European Union

No one book covers all EU members, but see especially:

·         S. Bulmer & C. Lequesne (2005), The Member States of the European Union

·         Manners & R.G. Whitman (eds) (2000), The Foreign Policies of European Union Member States

·         D. Allen et al (2000), The Foreign Policies of EU Member States

·         R. Tiersky (1999),EuropeToday

For EU external relations:

• S. Marsh and W. Rees (2012), The European Union in the security of Europe
• S. Marsh & H. Mackenstein (2006), The European Union and International Relations
• J. McCormick (2007), The European Superpower
• A. Martínez Arranz, NJ. Doyle & P. Winand (eds.) 2010, New Europe, new world? : the European Union , Europe and the challenges of the 21st century
• C. Bretherton (2006), The European Union as a Global Acto
• Richard G. Whitman, 2008, Pax bruxellana?: multilaterliams and EU global power and influence