This module is not currently running in 2022 to 2023.
The course has a double focus. First, it deals with the formal role of institutions and actors in the EU. Secondly, it focuses on the politics and governance structures in the EU. It looks into power and influence, interests, coalition formation, balancing, bargaining, policy networks and multilevel governance, as well as issues of identity and perception. During seminars a case of EU legislation is being studied, so that students learn to apply different concepts and approaches to a specific case. Moreover, by studying the chronological development of this case through the stages of the policy cycle, students come to grips with both the formal competencies and political factors that influence the process. The course is concluded by a research-based simulation game at COREPER level. Students play the role of member states. For the simulation students have to do autonomous research to prepare their national position, giving the exercise a new dimension. The purpose is for students to be able to retrieve and analyse relevant information and to understand the practicalities of decision-making, it complexity and political character.
Total contact hours: 24
Private study hours: 176
Total study hours: 200
MA in European Public Policy; the module contributes to other MA programmes at the Brussels campus
Simulation exercise and two page briefing note (20%)
Essay, 5000 words (80%).
Reassessment methods: 100% coursework.
Reading list (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)
Neill Nugent, The Government and Politics of the European Union. Palgrave McMillan, 2006.
Michelle Cini (ed.), European Union Politics. Oxford University Press, 2006.
Simon Hix & Bjorn Hoyland, The Political System of the European Union. Palgrave McMillan, 2011.
Mette Eilstrup-Sangiovanni (ed.), Debates on European Integration. A Reader. Palgrave McMillan, 2006.
Desmond Dinan, Europe Recast. A History of European Union. Pagrave McMillan, 2004
Wiener A., Diez T. (ed.), European Integration Theory. Oxford University Press, 2004.
Wallace W., Wallace H., Pollack M. (eds.), Policy-making in the European Union. Oxford University Press, 2005.
Featherstone, K. and C.M. Radaelli (eds) The Politics of Europeanization. Oxford University Press, 2003.
Paolo Graziano & Maarten Vink, Europeanization. New Research Agendas. Palgrave McMillan, 2006
Simon Bulmer & Christian Lequesne (eds.), The Member States of the European Union. Oxford University Press, 2005 .
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
SLO1: understand and explain the EU institutional framework, in particular inter-institutional relations and multi-level relations
SLO2: appreciate EU policy-making as a diverse and complex set of interactions between different formal and informal actors and analyse it in terms of governance, networks, power and influence
SLO3: understand and critically assess the main political factors at work in the EU
SLO4: apply theories of European integration;
SLO5: have a profound understanding of decision-making procedures within the EU
SLO6: develop good negotiation and communication skills
SLO7: have a good understanding of the core concepts of European integration
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
GLO1: work with theoretical knowledge and apply theory to practical issues
GLO2: aware of the ethical dimensions of the scholarly work done in their discipline in general as well as in their own work
GLO3: undertake analysis of complex, incomplete or contradictory areas of knowledge and make carefully constructed arguments
GLO4: have a level of conceptual understanding that will allow them to critically evaluate research, policies, and practices
GLO5: be reflective and self-critical in their work
GLO6: use the internet, bibliographic search engines, online resources, and effectively conduct research
GLO7: engage in academic and professional communication with others
GLO8: have independent learning ability required for further study or professional work
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