This seminar focuses on the EU and its relationship with member states in terms of politics and policy based on the insights of recent institutional approaches, particularly rational choice theory. The seminar is structured around three different topics:
1. Institutional and constitutional issues in the EU, which focuses on the recent institutional changes in the EU and the failed proposal for a European Constitution based on different examination of
institutional power and the balance between decision making bodies.
2. Policymaking in the European Union, which focuses on the interaction between the various actors at the level of the Union and the making of public policy; and
3. Implementation of EU policy by the member states, which deals with delegation of policy implementation to EU member states and the ways in which these member states further shape these policies.
These topics will be discussed during the seminar meetings, in which we will discuss the various contributions as indicated on the reading list.
The seminar is designed for students who already have a basic knowledge of the European Union. For this reason, the contents of Simon Hix’s The Political System of the European Union (Macmillan,1999 or a more recent edition) is assumed to be known to all participants. If a participant did not yet concluded a more introductionary course in this field, s/he is strongly recommended to read this text before the start of the
seminar.
The main aims of the seminar (in terms of learning outcomes) are: – Advanced understanding of the European policy process with an emphasis on the role of the various political actors including links with national ministries and parliaments; – Advanced understanding of various insights and theories on the functioning of thie European policy arena, including its multi-level nature; – Skills in identifying and analyzing scholarly work by using various sources and applying knowledge on different public administration theories, research methodologies and statistics; – Advanced capacity to use argumentative and communication skills in oral and written presentation.
Coordinator
Prof. dr. B. Steunenberg
Teaching format
Seminar meetings.
Course Material
In the course, we will discuss the various articles which will be published on the Blackboard site of the course.
Examination
Students are required to write a short review paper on the readings for one of the classes, do an individual (and short) assignment and take an (oral) exam based on the reading list.
Schedule
Lectures: Wednesday 03/11 – 14/12
Time: 13-16u in room 1A03 ecxept 14/12 time 12-16u in room 1A41