Learning outcomes

After completed course, students are expected to:

• possess deeper knowledge of the European integration as political problem;
• possess good knowledge of how European integration are being described and explained in contemporary research;
• possess good knowledge of how democracy and legitimacy in the EU are being described and explained in contemporary research;
• possess good knowledge of normative problems related to the construction of the EU;
• possess good knowledge of patterns of conflict in the EU compared to national political systems;
• possess good knowledge of the main characteristics of the EU political system compared to fully developed federations;
• possess basic knowledge of how the EU can be further developed in order to be sustainable in the long run.

Content

The aim of the course is to deepen our knowledge of integration in Europe as a political problem. It links descriptive, causal and normative analyses of European integration. The course covers three main themes: First, theories of European integration and supranational governance: How can European integration be described and explained? Why do European governments choose to integrate in spite of the democratic deficit thereby created? Second, the problems of democracy and legitimacy in the EU:How democratic and legitimate is the EU as a political system? Is it possible and desirable to democratise the EU? What are the implications of European integration for democracy in the member states? Third, comparative federalism and the EU: What patterns of conflict do we find in the European Union? What are the main characteristics of the EU political system compared to fully developed federations? Are the current political arrangements sustainable in the long run or should the EU be further developed towards a federation?

Instruction

The course is composed by a series of seminars. All seminars are compulsory. Prior to the seminars all students will be required to prepare a written assignment or an oral presentation. All participants are expected to take active part in seminar discussions.

The literature is composed by books, articles and working material.

Assessment

Examination is based upon participation in seminars, which are compulsory, and upon the assessment of a written seminar paper. The following grades will be applied: passed with distinction (VG), passed (G) and failed (U).

In order to pass, participation in seminars is required as well as completed assignments. The course is finalised by the writing of a seminar paper and a final exam seminar. The seminar paper is decisive for grades.

Course level in relation to degree requirements

Having completed the course, students are expected to possess knowledge and skills in order to independently formulate research problems, acquire relevant information, and critically describe, analyse, and evaluate different aspects of European integration.