EUR2080

Europe today: problems of integration

Carolyn O'Brien

8 points
* 2 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton

Objectives Students completing this subject should have an understanding of the institutions and the political and social forces that shape contemporary Europe and the issues facilitating or impeding the process of European integration.

Synopsis This subject seeks to analyse the institutions, political and social forces that shape contemporary Europe and identify specific areas which hinder further integration. The core areas of focus include: governmental structures; party systems and social movements; determining the validity of a single European experience; the process of European integration; issues of identity and nationalism; the emergence of the far right; the expansion of the European Union and NATO and German reunification.

Assessment Class paper (1500 words): 25%
* Essay (3500 words): 60%
* Examination (1 hour): 15%

Recommended texts

Allum P State and society in Western Europe Polity, 1995
Lane J E and Ersson S Politics and society in Western Europe Sage, 1994
Dinan D Ever closer union? An introduction to the European community Macmillan, 1994
Smith G and others Developments in German politics Macmillan/Duke U P, 1992