Entry requirements

90 credits in Political Science (A+B+C) or equivalent and 30 credits in Social Science, or 90 credits in Social and Political Studies (A+B+C) and 60 credits in Political Science. Proof of skills in Swedish to a level corresponding to Swedish B in the Swedish secondary school. Proof of skills in English to a level corresponding to English B in the Swedish secondary school. Students within the Master Programme in Politics and International Studies, the Master Programme in Development Studies or the Master Programme in Political Science are required to have obtained at least 15 credits within the programme.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, students are expected to:

• possess in-depth knowledge and understanding of European integration as a political problem;
• possess good knowledge and understanding of how European integration processes are being described and explained in contemporary research;
• possess good knowledge and understanding of the EU as a global actor;
• possess good knowledge and understanding of how problems concerning democracy and legitimacy in the EU are being described and explained in contemporary research;
• possess good knowledge and understanding of normative problems related to the construction of the EU’s institutional set-up;
• possess good knowledge and understanding of the EU as a system for political representation
• possess skills and ability to independently present, analyse and discuss issues related to European integration, both orally and in writing;
• possess skills and ability to independently identify and formulate a problem related to European integration, analyse a relevant material in relation to the problem, and within a predetermined time frame present the results both orally and in writing.

Content

European Integration – Key Theories and Debates

The aim of the course is to deepen our knowledge of integration in Europe as a political problem. It departs from classic debates on the driving forces of European integration and the democratic deficit of the European Union. The course addresses a number of key controversies in the research on the EU, from the early days of European integration to the current euro crisis. The course covers three main themes: First, theories of European integration and supranational governance: How can European integration be described and explained? How has integration been used to further economic and political cooperation, and how has the EU worked to promote itself as a major player on the global stage? 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?

Instruction

In order to follow the course properly students are required to possess basic knowledge of the European Union, e.g. knowledge equivalent to the aims defined for the course The Political System of the European Union B/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.

The course is taught in English.

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 students 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.