INRL20160 Introduction to European Union Politics

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module draws on a range of political science research on European integration and European Union politics to analyse the development of the EU and how it operates today. The course addresses one of the most important questions in the study of European politics and international organisations: why did a diverse group of states construct what is currently the world’s most extensive example of international integration? This module provides an extensive overview of the contemporary EU, including its institutions and policy-making processes using approaches from modern political science. We will also assess how the EU has influenced both public opinion and party competition, and the debate concerning whether the EU suffers from a democratic deficit. By the end of this module, students will have a thorough grounding in EU politics and the manner in which EU institutions function and cooperate to make policy.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should have an enhanced understanding of the following topics, and the relevant academic literature:
● The major theories of EU integration;
● The contemporary politics of the EU;
● The objectives and functioning of the EU’s main institutions;
● How the EU has influenced both public opinion and parties;
● Critically assess the successes and failures of EU policies.

Furthermore, students should be able to:
● Listen carefully and critically to an orally-presented argument;
● Develop selective and efficient note-taking methods;
● Select relevant material for your argument;
● Be able to understand, analyse, and assess that material;
● Produce an informed and coherent argument;
● Write in a concise and cogent style.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Small Group

0
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Total

124
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
- Lectures
- Project-based learning
- End of year exam
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

This is a stage two class. Thus, students should have attended and successfully passed the core stage 1 classes prior to taking this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Politics of the EU (POL20160)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: End-of-term 2 hours exam - Question 1 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

30
Assignment: Essay Outline 500 words Unspecified n/a Graded No

10
Examination: End-of-term 2 hours exam - Question 2 Unspecified No Graded No

30
Essay: Essay 1500 words Unspecified n/a Graded No

20
Project: Peer review Unspecified n/a Graded No

10

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

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.