Delve into the intricate world of European integration with Po238, a module designed to explore its political and economic underpinnings. This course provides a comprehensive analysis of the EU project, from its historical roots to contemporary challenges, including the Eurozone crisis. PO238 offers students a robust understanding of the forces shaping Europe today.
Module Overview: Aims and Learning Outcomes of PO238
PO238 is structured to meet several key academic aims, ensuring a rich and insightful learning experience. The module aims to:
- Historical Foundation: Establish a solid understanding of the EU’s origins and its evolutionary journey.
- Theoretical Frameworks: Investigate and apply major theoretical perspectives to comprehend European integration dynamics.
- Institutional Insight: Offer detailed knowledge of the EU’s treaty framework and the development of its complex institutional structure.
- Policy Analysis: Critically examine the significant policy challenges and dilemmas confronting the EU in the 21st century.
- Global Actor Perspective: Evaluate the EU’s role and influence as a prominent actor on the global political stage.
- Future of Integration: Engage with and assess current debates surrounding the trajectory and future prospects of European integration.
Upon successful completion of PO238, students will be able to:
- Historical Appreciation: Demonstrate a deep appreciation for the historical context that has shaped European integration and recognize the EU’s significance in contemporary global affairs.
- Governance Framework Critique: Critically discuss the distinctive characteristics of the EU’s governance structures in relation to core themes explored throughout the module.
- Theoretical Debate Assessment: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses inherent in key theoretical debates that seek to explain the nature of European integration and the EU’s global role.
- Analytical Proficiency: Critically analyze current issues facing the EU across crucial policy domains, demonstrating proficiency in both oral and written communication.
PO238 Syllabus: Exploring the Landscape of European Integration
The syllabus for PO238 is designed to provide a structured exploration of European integration, covering a range of essential topics week by week. Please note that this is an indicative outline and specific session content may be subject to variation.
- Week 1: Introduction to PO238 – Setting the stage for the module and outlining key themes.
- Week 2: Reconstructing ‘Europe’: Motives for Integration – Examining the driving forces and motivations behind the European integration project.
- Week 3: The Evolution of the EU: Key Moments – Analyzing critical junctures and turning points in the EU’s development.
- Week 4: The European Institutions – In-depth exploration of the EU’s key institutions and their functions.
- Week 5: The Activism of the European Court of Justice – Focusing on the role and impact of the European Court of Justice.
- Week 6: Reading Week – Dedicated time for independent study and catching up on readings.
- Week 7: A Toolkit for Understanding the EU: Grand Theories of European Integration – Applying major theoretical frameworks to analyze the EU.
- Week 8: Member States in Processes of Europeanisation and Multi-Level Governance – Investigating the interaction between member states and EU governance structures.
- Week 9: The Euro: Monetary Politics and European Integration – Analyzing the political and economic aspects of the Euro and monetary union.
- Week 10: Europe of the Regions: Cohesion and Sub-National Activism – Exploring regional dynamics and sub-national engagement within the EU.
Skills Development in PO238: Subject-Specific and Transferable
Enrolling in PO238 will equip students with a range of valuable skills, both directly related to the subject matter and transferable to broader academic and professional contexts.
Subject-Specific Skills:
- Deep understanding of European integration processes.
- Analytical skills in interpreting EU governance and policies.
- Theoretical application to real-world EU scenarios.
Transferable Skills:
- Enhanced communication and articulation of complex ideas.
- Improved lateral and critical thinking abilities.
- Refined skills in distilling and applying complex information.
- Independent research and problem-solving capabilities.
- Effective time management and academic practice.
- Increased awareness of diversity and cross-cultural sensitivity.
- Sharpened decision-making and educational self-awareness.
Study and Assessment in PO238
PO238 involves a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent study.
- Lectures: 9 x 1-hour sessions (6% of study time)
- Seminars: 9 x 1-hour sessions (6% of study time)
- Private Study: 132 hours (88% of study time)
- Total Study Time: 150 hours
Assessment for PO238 is based entirely on a 3,000-word research essay (100% weighting). This allows for in-depth exploration of a chosen topic within the field of European integration. Students will receive detailed feedback on their essay to support their learning and development.
PO238 offers a rigorous and engaging exploration of European integration, providing students with essential knowledge, analytical skills, and transferable competencies highly valued in today’s global environment.
