AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The principal aims of the course are:

• To analyze the economic principles behind the EU
• Consideration of the policy environment and processes underlying EU policy making, meeting capability  
• To develop an understanding of the links between the EU and its member states and the role of the EU in the world economy and use this understanding to explain how the national and cultural diversity of the EU impacts the operations of the union.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this course students will be to:

• Outline the key economic, political, and social factors influencing the EU.
  Student learning time 40 hours
• Review the linkages between EU member states, and between the EU and the rest of the world.
  Student learning time 40 hours
• Understand the implications for various stakeholders of the policies and procedures of the EU.
  Student learning time 40 hours
• Explain how the national and cultural diversity of EU member states impacts on the union.
  Student learning time 30 hours

CONTENT

• Introduction to the European Union
• The Customs Union
• European Monetary Union
• The Budget of the European Community
• Competition Policy
• Environmental, Social and Regional Policy
• Common Agricultural Policy
• External Trade Policy
• European Policy in the Third World
• The European Union and relations with other nations
• The Future of the EU

TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
 
Lectures will be used to outline a range of theoretical frameworks that can be adopted in analyzing the dynamics of EU economies and the nature of EU policy making. Seminars will review student understanding of these frameworks and will require students to apply their knowledge of both economic and policy processes to examine and propose solution to contemporary EU issues. In both lectures and seminars students will be expected to review how the differing national and cultural identities of EU member countries influences the development of the EU as an entity, thus taking account of social and cultural diversity.

ASSESSMENT

One piece of coursework (50%) and a two hour examination (50%).