PS&I: European Union (L2038)
Political Systems and Issues: The European Union
Module L2038
Module details for 2023/24.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 5
Module Outline
The European Union as a project has changed rapidly, sometimes seismically, over its lifetime. Understanding how the EU works is an urgent task for political scientists. But it is also difficult to study the EU effectively and understand it fully as it is, in many ways, unique. This module begins by examining the EU as a system of governance and, after a historical and theoretical overview, examines it on that basis – looking at the nature of executive, legislative and judicial politics. We also analyse processes of interest representation, economic governance, and debate the nature of democracy and identity within the EU. The module concludes with an examination of the multiple crises which have faced the European project. We will introduce new and critical perspectives to help re-examine the past, present, and possible futures of European integration.
Module learning outcomes
Analyse the structure and operation of an aspect of the EU as a political system
Locate and evaluate academic literature related to a particular topic in EU politics
Identify and research a key issue or question relating to EU politics
Experience of conceiving and producing a substantial work of analysis and argument, presented in accordance with professional scholarly standards.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (3500 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 2 Tue 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Cristiano Bee
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/621661
Dr Hannah Richter
Assess convenor
/profiles/341320
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