PL9225: EU Politics
| School | Politics and International Relations |
| Department Code | LAWPL |
| Module Code | PL9225 |
| External Subject Code | 100491 |
| Number of Credits | 20 |
| Level | L5 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Dr Marta Lorimer |
| Semester | Spring Semester |
| Academic Year | 2024/5 |
Outline Description of Module
The European Union (EU) has remained resilient as a regional bloc of highly integrated Member States despite more recent crises. Indeed, the Covid-19, Eurozone and migration crises, rising Euroscepticism and Brexit have not led to the unravelling of this European project, but to a reinvigorated consideration of its future. Set against this contemporary backdrop, this module provides an introduction to the EU as a multi-level political system, its politics and policy-making. Within a framework of European integration theories, this module examines the current structure of the EU and some major areas of EU policy activity, including the Single Market and the Customs Union. Key themes and debates surrounding European integration are explored, including: how decisions are made at the EU level, and the EU’s democratic credentials; the balance between the EU’s economic integration and “Social Europe”; the evolving relationship between the UK and the EU; and the future of EU.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Demonstrate a comprehensive and contemporary knowledge of the EU as a political and policy-making system.
- Explain the EU's complex, dynamic and evolutionary nature.
- Identify and explain key issues relating to the EU's institutions and policies.
- Conduct comparative analysis between institutions and between key areas of policy activity.
- Critically engage with major themes and debates in European integration, including the EU’s relationship with the UK and the future of the EU itself.
How the module will be delivered
The module will be delivered primarily through large and small group face-to-face sessions. Digital learning activities may be included to support face-to-face delivery. Full details on the delivery mode for this module will be available on Learning Central at the start of the module.
Skills that will be practised and developed
- Management and synthesis of a large amount of information
- Critical analysis and evaluation
- Effective communication
- Academic writing
How the module will be assessed
The module will be assessed by:
Essay (60%)
Exam (40%) comprised of five short answer questions
If you fail the module, you will be required to resit failed/outstanding assessment components. Resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. You will be notified of your eligibility to resit modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period.
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assessment | 60 | Eu Politics - Essay | N/A |
| Exam - Spring Semester | 40 | Eu Politics - Exam | 2 |
Syllabus content
This module will cover the topics below (all content is mandatory):
- An introduction to the history and theories of European integration.
- The roles of major institutions in EU politics and policy-making.
- The politics of decision-making in the EU.
- An examination of key areas of EU policy activity.
- An exploration of the evolving relationship between the UK and the EU.
- A critical assessment of the future of the EU.