Aims: The unit is meant to provide a theoretical overview of the process of European Integration, particularly European economic policy making. The theoretical background in which the course is set is represented by the traditional political scientists' definition of political economy, mainly deriving from the tradition of International Relations and related theories of European integration. European integration and policies will be therefore assessed in the light of the different interpretative and heuristic tools provided by the theories analysed with special attention towards the explanation of change in the adoption of policy from the competing theoretical perspectives focusing on institutions, economic interests and ideological paradigms. The policies considered range from competition policy, to EMU, unemployment and social and migratory policies.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course students should be able to demonstrate the following:
1. an understanding of different political science theoretical approaches to the explanation of economic policy making;
2. a knowledge and understanding of major European economic policy issues from a political science perspective;
3. in their essay, a more in-depth knowledge of a specific area of economic policy making.
Skills:
Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written and spoken language, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are taught and assessed in this unit. Skills in effective learning are developed in this unit.
Content:
Introduction: what is European political economy?; theoretical approaches to European Political Economy; the making of European economic integration; the Single European Act: competing explanations; the making of EMU: history and institutions; the making of EMU: explanations; the European Central Bank between growth and stability; the political economy of European unemployment; European social policy: the role of social partners ; Globalisation; the new global division of labour and migration to the EU.
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