Prospectus

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The European Union Today

Course
2023-2024

Admission requirements

At least BSA (40 EC).

Description

In this course we consider contemporary developments in EU politics and policy-making, and take an in-depth look at the current challenges faced by the EU. In the first six weeks we focus on distinct ways of thinking about the EU from the perspectives of different disciplines: the EU as a political system, the EU as an integrated market, the EU as a legal system guaranteeing its citizens a broad spectrum of rights, and the EU as a foreign policy actor. In the second part of the semester, we split up into smaller groups to debate the current challenges that the EU is facing in each of these domains and analyze specific policies related to them.

Course objectives

  • To develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the political landscape in Europe and the opportunities and constraints faced by European Union policymakers;

  • To link debates on current policy challenges to broader discussions about the nature, competencies, and functioning of the EU;

  • To develop students’ skills in research and argumentation

Timetable

The timetables are available through My Timetable.

Mode of instruction

  • Lectures

  • Seminars

Assessment method

Assessment

  • Written exam (mid-term): 40%

  • Position paper: 40%

  • Active participation: 20%

Weighing

The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average.

Resit

A resit is only available if a student fails the course as a whole. A resit will be possible for the mid-term exam and for the position paper.

Inspection and feedback

Feedback on the different assignments will normally be given within three weeks after their respective submission deadlines. Feedback is given in writing and can be further discussed with the course instructor.

Reading list

A reading list will be made available via Brightspace for all enrolled students at the beginning of the course.

Registration

Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website

Contact

  • For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.

  • For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Huizinga

Remarks

Not applicable.