Prospectus

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EU theories and institutions

Course
2011-2012

Students of the European Governance track have priority in this course!

EU Theories and Institutions

In this seminar, students focus on the most important aspects of European Union institutions studied from the perspective of a variety of prominent theoretical approaches. The seminar begins with a discussion of well-established theoretical approaches to European integration (intergovernmentalism and neofunctionalism) and newer theoretical approaches such as multilevel governance (MLG) in the EU. Using up to date contributions to leading journals and EU working documents, the seminar then analyzes the institutions of the EU and various aspects of multi level governance in the Union: democracy, efficiency, institutional change.
In the second part we discuss the institutional dimension of the crisis of the Eurozone and the EU as a whole. We evaluate responses and new institutions which are being currently created to deal with the financial crisis in the EU and potential future problems of European Monetary Union.

The seminar is designed for students who already have a basic knowledge of the European Union and would like to deepen their understanding of current EU developments as well as recent trends in the academic literature. Students will be evaluated on the basis of presentations, oral participation and a paper or a joint policy document.

Lecturer

Dr. A.L. Dimitrova

Teaching format

Seminar meetings.

Course Material

A variety of articles and policy documents

Course objectives

The course aims to help students understand the functions and evolution of the institutions of the European Union, using a variety of theoretical approaches. Having acquired the appropriate tools for analysis students should then be able to participate in an informed way in the debate on the problems and challenges which the EU is facing today.
Given these objectives, the course aims to contribute to the students’ orientation in the content of fundamental theories and current approaches used in Public Administration today.
The course also contributes to the development of academic skills by requiring students to conduct independent analysis of complex processes based on existing theoretical perspectives and to professional skills development by making presentations and a policy document.

Examination

Presentations, Final paper/ preparation of a common policy document

Schedule Block IV

Thursday 5/4 t/m 24/5 except 17/5
Time: 10-13 hrs
Room: Campus The Hague, Lange Houtstraat 7, room 404 except 24/5: 401