Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This interdisciplinary seminar will explore innovative ways of studying the European Union. Students will pursue research on policy, economic, legal, historical, political or cultural aspects of the EU. They will gain insights into the key methodological and theoretical approaches in EU Studies. Prestigious guest lecturers from a variety of disciplines will be invited to present their research emphasizing the challenges they encountered in their research design. Students will likewise present their research work, which will be critically discussed by the unit coordinator, other students, and guest speakers. External experts will intervene live in some seminars via videoconferences.

Objectives

Students who successfully complete this unit will be expected to demonstrate:

1. an in-depth appreciation of the EU's functions and powers and decision-making;
2. in-depth knowledge of some key areas of EU policy in their field of specialization;
3. awareness of the key debates and internal as well as external challenges facing the EU;
4. a developed understanding of the major theories and methods that shape EU studies, their key assumptions, hypotheses and limitations;
5. an informed appreciation of the similarities and differences between them, of the extent to which they are complementary or competing;
6. familiarity with different analytical methods;
7. a capacity to construct a coherent and feasible research design from the initial research idea to the self-assessment of research findings;
8. presentational (clarity and concision) and analytical skills when presenting key readings, their own research or discussing their colleagues' research;
9. an ability to think critically but constructively;
10. strong skills in the critical reading of a variety of texts and the academic scholarship based upon those texts;
11. strong skills in oral and written assessment of the academic scholarship, including methods, assumptions and uses of evidence, and in organising and defending a verbal and written argument based upon those assessments;
12. a capacity to devise, plan and successfully complete a research essay;
13. a capacity to reflect upon and make critical use of a range of resources including, where relevant, on-line materials, including those produced by the European Union itself.
14. Students completing the unit at fifth year level will be expected to demonstrate, in addition: the acquisition of higher level of analytical skills and a greater understanding of the key conceptual and methodological issues involved in studying the European Union.

Assessment

Take home exam (2000 words): 20%
Class participation (incl. presentations)(1000 words): 30%
Research paper (6000 words): 50%

Contact hours

One 3-hour seminar per week for 11 weeks

Prohibitions

ATS4897, APG5897