ECON20120 The Economics of the European Union: Institutions, Policies and Crises

Academic Year 2023/2024

The course covers the integration of European countries through the lens of economic theory and policy. We use microeconomic and macroeconomic tools to examine the motivation for and development of core EU policies. First we examine the origins of economic and later European integration., through to the Single Market. We cover core policies such as trade, agriculture, and competition with microeconomic tools, examining economic efficiency. Then we discuss fiscal and monetary policies of the EU, including the common currency. Two crises that highlight the triumphs and pitfalls of European integration are studied in-depth: Brexit and the Financial Crisis. Using the economic policy analysis tools developed in class, students pursue research, independently and with classmates, on other EU policies such as the environment and social protection.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this module, students will understand the development of the EU, and its main structure and policies. They will be able to identify complex economic mechanisms underlying the structure of the EU. Students will be able to analyse policy from an economist’s perspective, communicating independent research of complex processes through concise, coherent written communication.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Autonomous Student Learning

80
Total

102
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, enquiry & problem-based learning. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Essay Unspecified n/a Graded No

50
Class Test: MCQ Test Week 11 n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

25
Class Test: MCQ Test Week 5 n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

25

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Solutions to midterm examination will be posted on Brightspace within 20 working days from the date of the midterm, and students wishing to receive individual feedback will be given an appointment.

Name Role
Eddie Casey Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Gavin Cassells Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Deirdre Coy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 31, 32, 33 Mon 16:00 - 17:50