European Integration and the EU as a Political System (U00185)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : SPS-3-POEIPS

This course aims to help students develop a critical understanding of European integration, the operation of the European Union as a political system and some of the most important European policies. The course will explore the origins, development, institutions, major policies, policy-making, current problems and matters of controversy of the EU. Students will be introduced to the major approaches applied to explain integration and the complex operation of the EU as a political system.

Entry Requirements

? Prohibited combinations : Students who have taken or who are taking European Institutions (offered through the European studies programme: LAW-4- href='course_EU0001.htm'>EU0001) are not permitted to also take this course.

? Costs : None.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Politics, (School of Social and Political Studies, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
21/09/2007	11:10	13:00	Room 4.01, David Hume Tower	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	09:00	10:50	Central

? Additional Class Information : In addition there will be non-compulsory (but highly recommended) seminar and video sessions, each lasting approximately two hours on Friday 1110 - 1300.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course students should be able to do the following:
- show a good basic knowledge of the major developments of European integration;
- demonstrate an understanding of the major institutions, their interrelationship within the EU policy making process and major policies;
- understand the major theoretical approaches applied to explain integration and appreicate the varied insights that these approaches provide.