Postgraduate - UnitAPG5973 - The political economy of European integration

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2014 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

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6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

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

Level	Postgraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Arts
Offered	Clayton First semester 2014 (Day)
Coordinator(s)	Dr Remy Davison

Synopsis

This unit provides an introduction to the key institutions, policies and decision-making processes of the European Union. The unit incorporates interdisciplinary approaches to the political economy of European integration from political science, economics, political economy and international relations. The focus is upon the building and development of the European Union as a unique example of regional economic and political integration since 1950, The unit will also draw upon a wide range of case studies in order to illustrate the problems associated with international integration and international public policy making among unequal partners. The unit canvasses a broad range of case-study material, including the development of economic and monetary union (EMU) and the Eurozone; the Common Agricultural Policy; and the Single European Market.

Outcomes

Students who complete this unit successfully will gain an understanding of the key tenets and debates in integration theory.
Students will develop their understanding of European Union public policy making.

Students will become acquainted with the structures and processes of EU governance.

Students will comprehend the impact of EU public policy upon member countries and particular industry sectors.
Students will gain exposure to the financial, legal and political aspects of public policy implementation.
Students will gain an understanding of the economic, social and cultural costs and benefits of integration among unequal partners.
Students will acquire research skills by undertaking a research analysis of a major policy area, utilizing primary and secondary-source materials.
Students will develop skills in critical 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 these assessments.