Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
EU20724 Policies and policy-making in the EU |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: EX80CW20 |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: After a brief introductory overview of EU institutions and process, this unit will focus on two linked issues. Firstly, it will seek to consider some of the major fields of European Union policy, in both its internal and external spheres.. Secondly, such policy-making will be considered within wider perspectives of the specific nature of EU policy making, a study which will involve a policy-making simulation. This will involve consideration both of the different styles of national policy making of key member states, and especially different models of policy making in different sectors of the EU.
Learning Outcomes: A student who completes this unit successfully will be able to demonstrate a good understanding of: * relations between EU member states and between the EU and other international actors; * political debate within the EU over the main policies being developed by the EU; * current dilemmas facing the EU as it embarks on the dual processes of widening and deepening. 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: Lectures will include: the institutional framework of the EU; economic policy and the Euro; the social policy consequences of integration; migratory flows and attempts to control them; the emerging security and defence policy; national policy-making styles; sectoral differences in EU policy making; towards a new EU Constitution?; policy-making simulation. |