Entry requirements

Master's students within the Social Science Faculty are prioritized.

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 EU as a system for political representation;

- possess good knowledge of how the EU:s current institutional set-up can be reformed.

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 four 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 possible solutions are at hand for meeting the EUs current challenges? Third, how does the EU work as a representative political system? What channels for representation and participation exist at the EU level? Are there any differences between the EU and the member states in this regard? Finally, the course examines the EUs role in global politics. How has the EU worked to promote itself as a major player in international relations and why has this been regarded as important? How well has the Union succeeded in becoming a important actor at the world scene?

Instruction

In order to follow the course properly students are required to posses basic knowledge of the European Union, e.g. knowledge equivalent to the aims defined for the course European Union C.

The course is composed by lectures and 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).

The course grade will reflect a combination of all requirements. For passing the course all student are required to participate actively at seminars and hand in all assignments. The course paper will be decisive the final grade, however all contributions made during the course will be taken into account

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.

Other directives

Students within the Master Programme in Politics and International Studies and the Master Programme in Development Studies are required to have obtained at least 15 credits within the programme.

Master's students within the Social Science Faculty are prioritized.