An Introduction to the European Union (10 credit points)

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No previous knowledge required.

Content of Course

1. History of the EU: Tracing the Treaties.

The origins and development of the EU, from the ECSC to EC to EU.

2. Theories of European Integration.

An examination of the two major theories of European Integration, Liberal Intergovernmentalism and Neo-functionalism. Which provides the best explanation?

3. Commission and Council.

An introduction to the institutions of the EU, including an examination of the debate over which is the more dominant institution and an analysis of the democratic credentials of the two decision making bodies.

4. Parliament and the Policy-making Process.

The importance of the European Parliament and its role in the democratic deficit.

5. European Court of Justice and EU Law.

Is it only the ECJ that can adequately ensure that member states and EU institutions are held accountable for infringements of EU policies? Has the ECJ overstepped its ‘role’ in forwarding European integration?

6. 1st Pillar (a): The Single Market and Market-Cushioning Policies.

This second part of the course examines the policies of the EU including the importance of the single market and the contradiction of social policy, the Common Agricultural Policy, environmental policy, etc.

7. European Monetary Union.

An analysis of the history and significance of EMU.

8. 1st Pillar (b): Common Foreign and Security Policy.

Does the EU need a common foreign and defence policy?

9. 2nd Pillar: Justice and Home Affairs.

An examination of immigration policy, terrorism and the free movement of people.

10. The Future EU: Enlargement and the EU Reform Treaty.

A discussion on further enlargement, and how the EU is likely to develop in the future. This includes a discussion on Turkey alongside the debates on deeper integration and the significance of the recent Reform Treaty.

Teaching method(s)

Lecture based with class discussion.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Describe the workings, functions and powers of the European Union’s institutions and policy making processes;

• Understand European Union integration and the operations of the EU as a political system;

• Demonstrate knowledge of the standard concepts, theories and methods deployed in understanding and explaining European Union integration.

Sources

Core Readings

Essential:

• Cini, M. and Perez-Solorzano Borragan, N. eds., 2010., European Union Politics. 3rd ed. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press.

• Nugent, N., 2010. The Government and Politics of the European Union. 7th ed. Basingstoke; New York: Palgrave

Recommended:

• Peterson, J. and Shackleton, M. eds., 2006. The Institutions of the European Union. 2nd ed. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press.

• Richardson, J., ed., 2005. European Union: Power and Policy-Making. 3rd ed., London; New York: Routledge.

• Wallace, H., Pollack, M. and Young, A., 2010. Policy-Making in the European Union. 6th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Web Sources

Journals: the most useful journals for this course are Journal of Common Market Studies (JCMS), Journal of European Integration, Journal of European Public Policy (JEPP), West European Politics (WEPS), European Union Politics, European Law Journal, and Common Market Law Review.

Many of the journals to which the library subscribes can also be accessed electronically and their articles downloaded. For an up-to-date alphabetical list of these, consult the library website. The online library catalogue is available at http://www.lib.ed.ac.uk

Class Handouts

Handouts will be provided.

Assessments

10 credit courses have one assessment. Normally, the assessment is a 2000 word essay, worth 100% of the total mark, submitted by week 12. To pass, students must achieve a minimum of 40%. There are a small number of exceptions to this model which are identified in the Studying for Credit Guide.

Studying for Credit

If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.