Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
EU50710 Britain and Europe |
| Credits: 3 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: ES100 |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: This unit seeks to deepen students' knowledge and understanding of key issues in Britain's past, present and future relations with 'Europe'.
Learning Outcomes: At the end of this course students should be familiar with: i) debates about British identity; ii) debates about whether/why Britain has been an 'awkward partner' in the movement towards European unity; iii) contemporary debates about Britain's relations with the EU; iv) the broad workings of the British political system. Skills: * Ability to select and use appropriate ideas to produce a coherent response to a pre-set question. * Ability to select, summarise and synthesise written information from multiple sources. * Ability to develop rigorous arguments through precise use of concepts and models. * Ability to engage in effective oral academic communication. * Ability to work to specifications and meet deadlines. Content: This unit is taught to only a small group of students (Euromasters) in the period between the end of the Christmas vacation and the start of semester 2. Its content will vary slightly from year to year depending on the interests /level of knowledge of those in the class and the needs of preparing them for the 3x6 credits they take at the beginning of semester 2. The basic teaching format will involve sessions which mix lecture-style presentation with interactive discussion. Topics will be chosen both to fill crucial gaps in knowledge relating to the British political system./relations with Europe, and especially to illustrate the importance of theoretical approaches in considering these. |