European Integration: Politics of the EU

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Total of 120 hours

Politics and International Studies at Levels 1 & 2

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject provides 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 and especially in recent crises. 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 scrutinises EU policies, including the Common Agricultural Policy and the Euro; Foreign and Security Policy and Immigration. It further discusses the issues raised by the EU's crises, including the contested issues of protest, belonging and legitimacy and complexities of citizenship, ethnicity and gender.

On completion of this subject students should:

• 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;
• 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;
• have an understanding of contemporary issues confronting the EU such as the Euro Crisis, unemployment, energy security, opposition to 'Europe and 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 a possible example of regional integration as a regional trading bloc and as a global actor.

Two written essays of 2000 words (50% each) one due mid-semester and one due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: This subject has a minimum Hurdle Requirement of 75% tutorial attendance. Regular participation in tutorials is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

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

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

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

On completion of this subject students should:

• 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.

Available as a Breadth subject to non-Bachelor of Arts students