JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY COURSE CODE: "PL 315" COURSE NAME: "Institutions and Policies of the European Union" SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2014

SYLLABUS INSTRUCTOR: Lars Rensmann EMAIL: [email protected] HOURS: TTH 3:00 PM 4:15 PM TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45 CREDITS: 3 PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: PL 223 OFFICE HOURS: Wed 2-3:30pm, and by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will introduce into the history, main political features, institutions, and issues of European integration and the European Union, from its  origins in post-War Europe in the early 1950s to the Lisbon Treaty and the current ‘years of crisis.’ We will examine the political system of the European Union, European parties, and EU policies; theories and models explaining European integration and power allocation; and current issues. The latter include questions of foreign policy, democratic legitimacy, and the economic, monetary and fiscal crisis that may well pose one of the greatest challenges to the European integration project since its beginning. We will explore the relationship between post-national EU institutions and the EU member states; the EU policy-making process; the power centers and shifting powers of EU institutions; key questions of democratic legitimacy, sovereignty and constitutionalization; as well as EU policies and controversies about the future of the European Union. Students will become familiar with the history and the contemporary polity, politics, policy-making, and policies of the EU and will gain critical understanding of new political formations and institution-building in our globalized world.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT: The course consists of six major sections. In the first section we will analyze and reconstruct the historical institutional development, critical junctures, and political-philosophical foundations of the European integration process and the European Union. The second section discusses contemporary theories of European integration--including intergovernmentalism, neofunctionalism/supranationalism, and multi-level governance--against the backdrop of International Relations (IR) theory. We will hereby discuss different models and approaches to explain European integration (or the lack thereof). The third section scrutinizes the EU’s existing major supra-national political institutions and their functions. Here the EU’s current institutional frameworks and political system will be critically examined.   The fourth section will look at the policy- and decision-making process. We will explore exemplary key policies areas on the European level, as well as the EU’s specific impact on national polities. Policy fields include “hot”--and controversial “hot-button”--issues of EU politics. For instance, we will examine the EU’s economic & monetary policy in times of Europe’s banking and fiscal crisis, and the future of the EU’s monetary union (EMU); EU social and cohesion policy; the question of Turkey’s accession and future EU enlargement; and the EU’s foreign, security and defense policies and the role of the EU as a global actor. We will hereby address the relationship between member states and the EU and the former’s power to influence the latter. We also broaden the horizon by incorporating comparative analyses of the EU and other polities (especially by comparing the EU with the United States). The fifth section deals with European political parties, European public opinion, elections, and interest groups. In this section, we will scrutinize the dynamics of European-level party politics, the changing attitudes of European citizens towards the EU, and the EU’s ‘democracy crisis’ from both empirical and normative perspectives. We hereby take into account recent European electoral outcomes and protests that express opposition towards the EU and/or EU policies. In the sixth and final section of the course, we will discuss the prospects and future challenges--indeed the very future--of the EU as a “polity” or “international organization.” Particular attention will be paid to the question of Europe’s cultural identity and the possible evolution (and limitations) of a transnational European public sphere. In this context, we consider alternative paths of political-cultural Europeanization, such as sports, that could serve as a democratic means of European integration. The class is designed for students interested in European politics, Europeanization, and comparative political systems.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will be introduced to major institutions and actors of the European Union and theories explaining its institutional evolution and policy-making. Students will be able to critically explore the relationship between the EU polity and national governments as well as the power, conditions and causal mechanisms involved in policy- and decision-making processes. And they will learn about key areas and issues of EU policies that significantly affect national policy-making in Europe. Students will also be able to analyze the EU legal and institutional framework and the impact of the EU and its policies. In and through their coursework students will expand critical research and writing skills in international affairs and comparative politics and apply different advanced models to explain European integration and policy-making.

TEXTBOOK: Book Title Author Publisher ISBN number Library Call Number Comments Format Local Bookstore Online Purchase European Union Politics, 4th Edition Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán Oxford University Press 978-0199694754

REQUIRED RESERVED READING: Book Title Author Publisher ISBN number Library Call Number Comments Ever Closer Union: An Introduction to European Integration Desmond Dinan Lynne Rienner 978-1588266071     RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING: NONE

GRADING POLICY -ASSESSMENT METHODS: Assignment Guidelines Weight In-class midterm exam, questions and written answers 8 questions critically applying scholarly knowledge 30% Final exam, questions and written answers 8 questions, critically applying scholarly knowledge 30% Participation & oral presentation Active participation, reading, and in-class oral presentation 10% Research/term paper, 7–8 pages Independent research paper, based on drafts, addressing a specific research problem 30% -ASSESSMENT CRITERIA: AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course. BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments. CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings. DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail. FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant. -ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS: Attendance is mandatory. Since the class discussions comprise an absolutely essential component of this course, course attendance is compulsory; the grade for your active participation will comprise 10 percent of the final grade. In order to make participation a meaningful experience for everyone, and most importantly for you, you will have to read assigned materials before class sessions and participate in class discussions. Please refer to the university catalog for the attendance and absence policy.

ACADEMIC HONESTY As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Syllabus: Readings and Weekly Topics September 2: Introduction to the Course I: Turning the Eye on Europe in Times of Crisis – What is the EU? Introductory Lecture & Course Organization September 4: Introduction to the Course II: The EU – Basic Concepts Readings: Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, “Introduction,” in Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, eds., European Union Politics, 4th Edition (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013), Chapter 1, pp. 1-11. PART I: POLITICAL HISTORY AND DEMOCRATIC FOUNDATIONS OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION September 9: From the Very Origins of a European Community and its First Decades… Required Readings: Derek W. Urwin, “The European Community: From 1945 to 1985,” in Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, eds., European Union Politics, Chapter 2, pp.11-25. Additional Readings: Desmond Dinan, Ever Closer Union: An Introduction to European Integration, 4th Edition (Boulder: Lynne Rienner, 2010), Ch. 1, 2, pp.11-68; Winston Churchill, “The Tragedy of Europe;” Robert Schuman, “The Schuman Declaration: Preambles to the Treaties of Paris and Rome,” Jean Monnet, “A Ferment of Change,” in Brent Nelson & Alexander Stubb, The European Union: Readings on the Theory and Practice of European Integration (Boulder: Lynne Rienner, 2003), pp.7-26. September 11: … to the Maastricht Treaty & the Creation and Development of the European Union Required Readings: David Phinnemore, “The European Union: Establishment and Development,” in Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, eds., European Union Politics, Chapter 3, pp.26-40. Additional Readings: Desmond Dinan, Ever Closer Union, Ch. 3,4, pp.69-131; Jacques Delors, “A Necessary Union”; “Preamble to the Treaty on European Union (The Maastricht Treaty),” in Nelson & Stubb, The European Union, pp.55-66. September 16: Europe at a Crossroads: Eastern Enlargement and ‘Constitutional’ Change Required Readings: Clive Church & David Phinnemore, “From the Constitutional Treaty to the Treaty of Lisbon and Beyond,” in Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, eds., European Union Politics, Chapter 4, pp.41-56; Additional Readings: Desmond Dinan, Ever Closer Union, Ch. 5, pp.133-159. September 18: Does Europe Need a Constitution? A Debate on Democracy and Legitimacy in the EU Required Readings: Stijn Smismans, “Democracy and Legitimacy in the European Union,” in Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, eds., European Union Politics, Chapter 25, pp.341-353. Additional Readings: Joschka Fischer, Jaques Chirac, Tony Blair, and Paavo Lipponen, “Reflections on a Constitution for Europe,” in Nelson & Stubb, The European Union, pp.69-88. PART II: THEORIES AND MODELS OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION AND GOVERNANCE September 23: Neo-Functionalism and Supranationalism Required Readings: Carsten Stroby Jensen, “Neo-functionalism,” in Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, eds., European Union Politics, Chapter 5, pp.59-70. September 25: Intergovernmentalism Required Readings: Michelle Cini, “Intergovernmentalism,” in Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, eds., European Union Politics, Chapter 6, pp.71-84. September 26: Understanding the European Union: New IR Theories & Political Science Models Required Readings: Ben Rosamund, “Theorizing the European Union after Integration Theory,” in Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, eds., European Union Politics, Chapter 7, pp.85-102. (MAKE-UP FOR THANKSGIVING) September 30: Governance in the European Union: Multi-Level Governance vs. the EU as Regulatory State Required Readings: Thomas Christiansen, “Governance in the European Union,” in Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, eds., European Union Politics, Chapter 8, pp.103-114. FIRST READING REFLECTION DUE. PART III: THE EU’S POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR DYNAMICS October 2:  The EU System and Institutions: Overview and the European Commission Required Readings: Morton Egeberg, “The European Commission,” in Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, eds., European Union Politics, Chapter 10, pp.129-141. Additional Readings: Desmond Dinan, Ever Closer Union, Ch.7, pp. 187-224. October 7: The European Council and the Council of the European Union Required Readings: Jeffrey Lewis, “The Council of the European Union and the European Council,” in Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, eds., European Union Politics, Chapter 11, pp.142-158. Additional Readings: Desmond Dinan, Ever Closer Union, Ch.8, pp.225-258. RESEARCH PAPER TOPICS/ASSIGNMENT TO BE HANDED OUT. October 9: The European Parliament Required Readings: Charlotte Burns, “The European Parliament,” in Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, eds., European Union Politics, Chapter 12, pp.159-171. Additional Readings: Desmond Dinan, Ever Closer Union, Ch.9, pp.259-288. October 14: The Courts, the European Central Bank, and other Bodies Required Readings: Ilias Kapsis, “The Courts of the European Union,” in Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, eds., European Union Politics, Chapter 13, pp.172-182. Additional Readings: Desmond Dinan, Ever Closer Union, Ch.10, pp.289-326. October 16: Midterm Review October 21: IN-CLASS MIDTERM EXAM October 23: The European Central Bank (Continued) PART IV: EU POLICY-MAKING AND POLICY FIELDS IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE October 28: Policy-Making in the EU Required Readings: Alex Warleigh-Lack & Ralf Drachenberg, “Policy-Making in the European Union,”  in Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, eds., European Union Politics, Chapter 15, pp.199-212. October 30: EU Policies I: Economic and Monetary Policy in Times of Crisis Required Readings: Amy Verdun, “Economic and Monetary Union,” in Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, eds., European Union Politics, Chapter 22, pp.296-308. November 4: EU Policies I (Continued): Economic and Monetary Policy in Times of Crisis Required Readings: Dermont Hodson and Uwe Puetter, “The European Union and the Economic Crisis,” in Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, eds., European Union Politics, Chapter 27, pp.367-379. November 6: EU Policies II: Social Policy, Common Agricultural Policy & Cohesion Policy Required Readings: Gerda Falkner, “The European Union’s Social Dimension,” in Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, eds., European Union Politics, Chapter 20, pp.268-280. November 11: EU Policies III:  Enlargement Continued? Turkey and the European Union Required Readings: Joost Lagendijk, “Turkey’s Accession and the Role of the Justice and Development Party,” in: Ahmet T. Kuru & Alfred Stepan, eds., Democracy, Islam & Secularism (New York: Columbia University Press, 2012), pp.166-188. Additional Readings: Donald M. Payne, “Turkey and the European Union,” Mediterranean Quarterly 17, 2 (2006): 1-6; Michael S. Teitelbaum & Philip L. Martin, “Is Turkey Ready for Europe?,” Foreign Affairs 82, 3 (2003): 97-111. SECOND READING REFLECTION DUE. November 13: EU Policies IV: The EU as a Global Actor: Toward a Common Foreign, Defense and Security Policy of the EU Polity? Required Readings: Robert Dover, “The European Union’s Foreign, Security, and Defence Policies,” in Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, eds., European Union Politics, Chapter 18, pp.240-253. November 18: Comparing the European Union’s Institutions and Policy-Making with the United States Required Readings: Sergio Fabbrini, “Is the EU Exceptional? The EU and the US in Comparative Perspective”, in Sergio Fabbrini, ed., Democracy and Federalism in the European Union and the United States: Exploring Post-National Governance (New York: Routledge, 2005), pp.3-24. PART V: PUBLIC OPINION AND PARTIES IN THE EU November 20: Public Opinion in and towards the European Union Required Readings: Lauren M. McLaren & Simona Guerra, “Public Opinion in the European Union,” in Michelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán, eds., European Union Politics, Chapter 26, pp.354-366. November 25: European Elections, Political Competition and Parties in the European Parliament Required Readings: Simon Hix, “Democracy, Parties, and Elections,” in Hix, The Political System of the European Union 3rd Ed. (New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011), pp.175-207. November 27: THANKSGIVING BREAK PART VI: IN SEARCH OF EUROPEAN DEMOCRACY & IDENTITY: PRESENT AND FUTURE CHALLENGES December 2: Towards a Transnational European Public Sphere & European Identity? Culture, Allegiances, Networks, and Sports Andrei S. Markovits & Lars Rensmann, Gaming the World: How Sports are Reshaping Global Politics and Culture (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2010) (Excerpts); Anthony King, “Football Fandom and Post-National Identity in the New Europe,” British Journal of Sociology 51, 3 (2000) pp. 419–442. RESEARCH PAPER DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE CLASS PERIOD. December 4: The Future of the European Union: How Democratic, Sustainable and Legitimate is the EU? Final Lecture and Discussion; FINAL REVIEW. December 6-12: FINAL EXAM (Look for Announcements)