210315 PS D5, G1: Institutions of the European Union (2006W)

The creation and evolution of the European Community and European Union has long fascinated political scientists. For over half a century, some of the world's most belligerent and aggressive nation states have conducted an extraordinary political experiment that ensured long-lasting democracy and prosperity in Europe. Progressing intermittently but steadily, the member states of the EC, now the EU, have pooled increasing areas of policy authority and established well-known collective institutions. This seminar explores the creation and nature of EU-level institutions, as well as their repercussions on European politics. The presentation and analysis of each EU institution is linked to the questions of democracy, legitimacy and representation.

Intended Outcomes

On completion of the seminar, students should be able to¿

Course-specific skills: Demonstrate knowledge of the political, institutional and constitutional nature of the European Union. Conceptualize the emerging European polity using the state-of-the-art in European Studies. Develop normative understandings of European polity-formation since the 1990s.

Discipline-specific skills: Critically analyse and quote primary and secondary source material. Understand and apply concepts, models, and theory to empirical puzzles. Construct well-structured and rigorous arguments. Use academic objectivity to advance a normative perspective.

Personal skills: Communicate effectively in speech and writing. Work independently and in collaboration with peers. Use IT for the retrieval and presentation of information