OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this course is to introduce the undergraduate student to the politics of European integration. The course starts with a review of the main theories explaining the existence of the European Union. Part I of the course will then proceed to examine the origins and development of European integration, the institutional structure of the European Union and the specific economic and political areas of inter-state cooperation. Part II, finally, will examine, through a case study methodology, the differing interests of the European Union's main member countries focusing particularly on Germany, France, the UK, Italy and Spain.

GRADING PROCEDURE/EVALUATION:

25% Mid-term exam
25% 10 minute oral presentation
25% Final research paper (5 pages double space)
25% Class attendance and participation

Required text

Nugent, Neill. The Government and Politics of the European Union. (2005).

CONTENTS

Part I: The European Union

Introduction
The EU in IR Theory: Realist and Liberal explanations of the European Union's role in IR.
Explaining how the EU works: Integration theory.
History of the European Union
Treaties
The institutions of the EU
EU policies: The process of policymaking
Budget matters
The EURO
CAP
CFSP and foreign aid
Enlargement to the East

Part II: Case Studies

Germany
France
UK
Italy
Spain