LAW4161 - Introduction to European Union law - 2019

This unit introduces students to European Union law. After an overview of the historical development of European integration and the ideological, political and economic factors shaping the Union, the unit focuses on the constitutional and institutional architecture of the European Union as well as selected issues of substantive European law. The unit explores the composition, roles and functions of the EU's main institutions; it analyses the principles and procedures governing law-making in the EU, the enforcement mechanisms of EU law and available judicial remedies; it covers the interactions between the EU and national legal orders. It also analyses the most important areas of substantive European law related to the Internal Market, such as the free movement of goods and workers. It concludes by examining the EU's external relations.

Upon completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. articulate and apply legal principles of constitutional, institutional and substantive law of the European Union, demonstrating sophisticated awareness of the functioning of European law and ability to solve problems in the area of European Union
2. critically analyse and reflect upon the institutional structures and substantive policies of the EU, its relationship with its Member States and the wider world
3. demonstrate appropriate legal research and reasoning skills in relation to European Union law
4. communicate effectively and persuasively with others
5. work autonomously, using feedback to improve on performance

Class presentation and/or discussion: 10%

Optional research assignment: 30% (1,500 words)

Examination: 60% (2 hours) or 90% (3 hours) for those not doing the optional assignment

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information