POLI2005 Politics of the European Union

The topic introduces students to the politics of the European Union (EU), and wider Western European politics and history. The main focus will cover the institutions, mechanisms and evolution of the EU. Students will be introduced to the project for greater political and economic integration across the continent, and impact of wider EU enlargement. The role of the EU as a key player at the global level will also be explored. The course will also focus on a number of specific countries, and contextualise the relations between key European players, particularly from 1945 onwards. The course enables students to have a greater understanding and familiarity with the diversity and complexity of European politics and culture.

This topic aims to:

• Introduce students to the politics of the European Union, and also wider European history and culture
• Develop in-depth knowledge of the key institutions, agencies and poltiical context of the wider project for European integration
• Better understand some of the key events in European history
• Enable students to have a general comparative knowledge of a range of EU countries

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the history, economics, culture and geo-politics of the process of European integration
2. Communicate, both verbally and in writing, on the major actors, contexts, policies and processes of the EU
3. Compare and contrast differing understandings of the integration process
4. Employ appropriate research skills and work creatively and independently