This core seminar of the MA in European Governance focuses on European Union (EU) policy making. The course discusses theories of EU policy making and apply these theories to different policy areas, such as the single market policies, the Economic and Monetary Union, social and employment, agriculture, and cohesion and environmental policy.
Methods of Instruction and course goals
The seminar crucially depends on the active participation of students. In addition to giving students a sound overview of decision-making in the European Union, the course also aims at building up their academic skills and skills in social science research in general by involving students actively in the lectures. Teams of students prepare the sessions. They present an integrated account of the required readings consisting of theoretical literature and general information about the policy field of the week. In addition they apply this general knowledge to a topical case, about which they have to independently collect information (see below ‘Team Presentations’ for further information). Presentations take about 45 minutes and will be followed by discussion with the whole group. This implies that the rest of the group must read the required reading very carefully as well.
Coordinator
Dr. A. Rasmussen
Course Material
The seminar will be based on the following books:
Helen Wallace, Mark Pollack and Alasdair Young. 2010. Policy making in the European Union (6th edition!). Oxford University Press
Additional required literature is either electronically available (Library) or will be made available on Blackboard.
Basic knowledge about the institutions and the policy making process in the EU is required. Students that have not attended an introduction to the EU are advised to consult the most recent edition of an introductionary text book as background reading, for instance: Cini, Michelle (ed.) European Union Politics (Oxford UP); Nugent, N., Government and Politics of the European Union (Duke University Press); or Richardson, J. (ed.), European Union: Power and Policy Making (Routledge).
Examination
Regular attendance is required. Grading is based on the team work (30 per cent), the participation in the discussions (20 per cent), and a take home exam (24 hours) based on some questions that transcend individual policy fields (50 per cent). Passing the take home exam (5.5) is a precondition for passing the seminar.
Schedule Block III
Thursday 9/2 13-16 hrs, Stichthage, room Buitenhof
Tuesday 14/2 10-13 hrs, Stichhage, room Archipel
Tuesday 21/2 10-13 hrs, Stichthage, room Archipel
Thursday 23/2 13-16 hrs, Stichthage, room Buitenhof
Thursday 01/03 13-16 hrs, Stichthage, room Buitenhof
Thursday 15/3 13-16 hrs, Stichthage, room Buitenhof
Tuesday 20/3 10-13 hrs, Stichthage, room Archipel