The purpose of the module is to introduce students to the European Union, how it has evolved since its creation and how it works. In this module, students gain an understanding of the dynamic of European integration over time, analyse the functioning and roles of the EU's main institutional bodies as well as key political questions underpinning the decision-making structures of the EU. The module will address topics including: the history of European integration, the EU’s institutions and decision-making processes, how EU decisions are implemented, interest group activity in the EU and how this affects
EU decision-making, public opinion on the EU, the EU’s democratic deficit and the future of the European integration project.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
* Multiple choice quiz 1, 10%
* Multiple choice quiz 2, 10%
* Essay, 2500 words, 30%
* Exam, 2 hours, 50%
Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework
* Cini, M. and N. Perez-Solorzano Borragan. Eds. 2016. European Union Politics. Fifth Edition. Oxford University Press: Oxford.
* Hix, S. and B Hoyland. 2018. The Political System of the European Union. Fourth Edition. Palgrave: Basingstoke.
* Nugent, N. 2017. The Government and Politics of the European Union. Eighth Edition. Palgrave: Basingstoke.
* Egan, M., N. Nugent and W.E. Paterson Eds. 2009. Research Agendas in EU Studies. Stalking the Elephant. Palgrave: Basingstoke.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 be familiar with and understand the main constitutional and governmental structures of today's European Union
8.2 analyse and critically assess the origins and effects of these structures, by using the conceptual and theoretical tools of comparative politics, international relations and relevant sources
8.3 appreciate and explain the changing nature of the political process in the European Union and the role played by political parties, interest groups, social movements and public opinion
8.4 assess the role and influence of states on the political process of the EU
8.5 interpret and critically evaluate the main issues in the contemporary political debate in the EU.
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