PL9198: Introduction to European Integration
| School | Politics and International Relations |
| Department Code | LAWPL |
| Module Code | PL9198 |
| External Subject Code | 100491 |
| Number of Credits | 20 |
| Level | L4 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Dr Stephen Marsh |
| Semester | Autumn Semester |
| Academic Year | 2015/6 |
Outline Description of Module
This module examines the development of the European Union, its key international relationships and its emergence as a global economic and security actor.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
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.
How the module will be delivered
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.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Listening and note-taking skills; Academic writing skills; Independent study skills; Knowledge building skills; Research skills; Presentation skills; Debating skills; Teamwork skills
How the module will be assessed
Assessment will take the form of one essay and one examination:
Essay, 40%, 1,000 words.
Examination, 60%, 1.5 hours.
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assessment | 40 | Essay 1,000 Words | N/A |
| Exam - Autumn Semester | 60 | Introduction To European Integration | 1.5 |
Syllabus content
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.
Essential Reading and Resource List
- J. McCormick (2014) Understanding the European Union : a concise introduction
- S. Marsh and W. Rees (2012), The European Union in the security of Europe
- A. Hadfield, I. Manners, RG. Whitman eds (2012) Foreign policies of EU member states
- R. McAllister (2010; 2007), European Union
- D. Dinan (2004), Europe recast: a history of European Union
The European Union changes rapidly. In addition to the extensive reading list provided when commencing the module, students are therefore expected to read quality newspapers, academic journals and relevant web materials. They should also make use of the European Documentation Centre.