Module description
This module deals with the historical development of European integration from WWII through to the Lisbon Treaty and the main actors that contribute to the working and functioning of the EU. It starts with a historical overview that discusses the origins and nature of the idea of European integration, how it unfolded over time, and what factors fostered or impeded its consolidation. It then explores the main theoretical perspectives in the study of European integration. An overview of the main institutions of the EU (the European Council and the European Commission with executive functions, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament as its ‘legislative chambers’, and the European Court of Justice as the judicial power) and other crucial actors (political parties and interest groups) concludes it.
*Please note that module information is provisional and may change from year to year.
Assessment details
2000 word essay (100%)
Educational aims & objectives
The module aims to:
- Provide students with an understanding of the history, institutions, policies and current controversies in the European Union;
- Introduce students to the main theories of European integration and policy-making;
- Examine the EU’s decision-making procedures and the role of EU institutions;
- Introduce students to different EU policy areas, their main features and functioning, the changes over time and their controversial aspects;
- Allow students to critically assess empirical evidence and apply their theoretical knowledge to past and current events.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate practical and intellectual skills appropriate skills to a level 5 module and be able to demonstrate the following ;
- Critically discuss the process of EU integration;
- Summarise and evaluate the role of EU institutions across policy areas;
- Analyse, compare and evaluate the different policies of the EU;
- Apply and assess key theoretical approaches;
- Construct, justify and communicate persuasive arguments targeting different audiences by drawing on the relevant literature and sound empirical evidence.
Teaching pattern
One-hour lecture and one-hour seminar, weekly
Indicative teaching schedule
Week 1: Introduction to the EU
Week 2: From the Origins to the Late 1960s
Week 3: The 1970s and the Relaunch of European Integration
Week 4: From Maastricht to Lisbon
Week 5: Explaining the EU: Theories of Integration and Beyond
Week 6: Executive Institutions: The European Council and the European Commission
Week 7: Legislative Institutions: The Council of the European Union and The European Parliament
Week 8: Judicial Institutions: The European Court of Justice
Week 9: Political Parties in the European Union
Week 10: Interest Representation in the European Union
Note that this teaching schedule is provisional and subject to change.
Suggested reading list
- Bulmer, S., Parker, O., Bache, I., George, S. and Burns, C. (eds.) (2020) Politics in the European Union. 5th edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Cini, M. and Perez-Solorzano Borragan, N. (eds) (2019) European Union Politics. 6th edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Coman, R., Crespy, A. and Schmidt, V. (eds.) (2020) Governance and Politics in the Post-Crisis European Union. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Hodson, D. and Peterson, J. (eds) (2017) The Institutions of the European Union. 4th edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Wiener, A., Börzel, T.A. and Risse, T. (eds) (2018) European Integration Theory. 3rd edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Gilbert, M. (2012) European Integration: A Concise History. Rowman and Littlefield Publishers.