European Integration: Politics of the EU

Subject 672-376 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty contact hours per semester. Two 1-hour lectures per week for 10 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week for 10 weeks. The lecture and tutorial programs are staggered and cover the 12 weeks of semester
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours/week , 5.5 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Recommended: 12.5 points of Level 1 & Level 2 Politics and International Studies
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Philomena B Murray

Contact

Assoc. Prof. Philomena Murray
pbmurray@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject aims to provide students with an in-depth analysis of the politics of the European Union (EU). It analyses the policy-making of the EU and examines the tensions of sovereignty and Europeanism in the attitudes of the member states and other participants in the integration process. The subject analyses the institutions and participants in the EU, including a detailed examination of the objectives and roles of the 27 member states and the benefits and disadvantages of membership for these states. It further analyses institutional and policy creation and reform. It scrutinises EU policies, including the Common Agricultural Policy and the single currency, the Euro: the Common Foreign and Security Policy and Justice and Home Affairs. It further discusses the issues raised by the EU’s Expansion, including the contested issues of protest, representation and participation, the democratic deficit and complexities of citizenship, ethnicity and gender.
Objectives:
  • have an introductory but in-depth understanding of the politics of European integration;
  • have an appreciation of the European Union as a unique and evolving economic and political entity and governance issues;
  • have a critical knowledge of the Single Market and the development of the EU's political and economic policies and power;
  • have an ability to evaluate political, social and economic developments since the Maastricht and Amsterdam Treaties;
  • have an understanding of contemporary issues confronting the EU such as enlargement to include Central, Eastern European and ther states, problems of democratic legitimacy and citizenship and the prospects for the future;
  • have an understanding of the need to further analyse EU governance, polity and integration as contested issues;
  • have an understanding of the EU as an example of regional integration and as a regional trading bloc.
Assessment: A written essay of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester) and a 2-hour exam 50% (during the examination period).
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available.
  • Ever Closer Union? An Introduction of the European Community (D Dinan) Palgrave
  • The Government and Politics of the European Union (N Nugent) Palgrave
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;
  • be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;
  • be able to communicate knowledge ideologically and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;
  • be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision;
  • be able to participate in team work through small group discussions.
Notes:

Formerly available as 166-033 and 672-376. Students who have completed 166-033 or 672-376 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Available as a Breadth subject
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: European Studies Major
International Studies Major
Political Science Major
Politics & International Studies
Politics and International Studies
Politics and International Studies

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