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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 315"
COURSE NAME: "Institutions and Policies of the European Union"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2016
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Francesca Galli
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: M 8:30AM 11:15AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: PL 223
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course aims to provide students with a firm understanding of the origins, dynamics, institutions, and policies central to the process of European integration. In so doing, students will examine such issues as the relationship among the different EU institutions, and their relationships with the Member States, as well as EU trade, monetary, foreign, and security policies.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

Course Aims

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 shall 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 familiarize themselves with the history and the contemporary polity, politics, policy-making, and policies of the EU and will gain critical understanding of new structures and institutions in an increasingly globalized world.

Summary of Course Content

The course consists of six major sections. In the first section we shall analyze and reconstruct the historical institutional development, critical junctures, and politico‐philosophical foundations of the European integration process and the European Union. The second section briefly discusses contemporary theories of European integration, including inter-governmentalism, neo-functionalism/supra-nationalism, and multi-level governance against the backdrop of International Relations (IR) theories. We shall 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 shall explore together key policies areas at the European level, as well as the EU’s specific impact on national policies. Policy fields include “hot” and controversial “hot-button” issues of EU politics such as the EU social policy or the EU counter-terrorism policies (please see the weekly schedule for further details). We shall also address, where relevant, elements of comparative politics and the bilateral EU-US relationship. The fifth section deals with European public opinion, elections, and interest groups. In this section, we shall scrutinize the dynamics of European level party politics, the changing attitude of EU citizens towards the EU and the EU’s “democracy crisis”. We shall hereby take into account 2014 European electoral outcomes and the more recent protests that express opposition towards the EU and/or EU policies. In the sixth and final section of the course, we shall discuss the prospects and future challenges of the EU as a “polity” or “international organization”. Particular attention will be paid to Europe’s cultural identity, immigration and the possible the possible development of a transnational European public sphere.

The class is designed for students interested in European politics, Europeanization, and comparative political systems.

Each session will be made of two parts, including a short break. The course will also host guest lectures to give students a taste of how the EU works in practice! 

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Learning Objectives

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 TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
European Union PoliticsMichelle Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán (eds)Oxford University PressISBN-13: 978-0199694754     
Ever Closer Union: An Introduction to European IntegrationDesmond DinanLynne RiennerISBN-13: 978-1588266071     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Mid-term exam Both the in class and final exams will count as 20 per cent of the final grade. You will receive eight questions. They relate to the reading materials, lectures, and discussions, and they will require you to critically rethink, transfer and apply what you have learned. You will have to pick and answer (no more than) five questions.20%
Final exam Both the in class and final exams will count as 20 per cent of the final grade. You will receive eight questions. They relate to the reading materials, lectures, and discussions, and they will require you to critically rethink, transfer and apply what you have learned. You will have to pick and answer (no more than) five questions.20%
1 press-review and 1 policy memo There will be also 1 press-review and 1 policy memo, 500 words each. On the one side, they display not only an understanding of the key claims, arguments and problems and show a critical reading that questions assumptions. On the other side they force students to get a grasp of topic and current issues at stake within the EU. 20%
Participation and presentation Participation. Attendance is mandatory. Since 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 each class sessions and participate in class discussions. Presentation. You commit to make a short academic presentation in class. It will not be longer than 5 minutes and be prepared in collaboration with another student. 10%
Final research paper You will get much help exercising your writing skills, and you should make use of office hours and other communicative resources (as much as of the library and its databases!). It is the professor’s job to help you work on your writing. Not using this resource is a waste of tuition money and gives you a comparative disadvantage. Office hour visits before the final paper are strongly recommended. The final research paper of 7-8 pages will address a topic of your own choice (though the topic is subject to approval). 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 REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until 6 May. 
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

Weekly topics and readings

Each session will be made of two parts, including a short break. The course will also host guest lectures to give students a taste of how the EU works in practice!

January 18

(1) Introduction to the course I: Turning the Eye on Europe in times of crisis. What is the EU?

Introductory Lecture and Course Organisation.

(2) Introduction to the course II : The EU – basic concepts and institutions

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.

[hereafter : European Union Politics]

PART I: POLITICAL HISTORY AND DEMOCRATIC FOUNDATION OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

January 25

(1) From the Very Origins of a European Community and its First Decades…

Required Readings: European Union Politics, Ch. 2.  

Additional Readings: Desmond Dinan, Ever Closer Union: An Introduction to European Integration, 4th Edition (Boulder: Lynne Rienner, 2010), Chs. 1, 2.

[hereafter : Ever Closer Union]

(2)  to the Maastricht Treaty & the Creation and Development of the European Union

Required Readings: European Union Politics, Ch. 3. 

Additional Readings: Ever Closer Union, Chs. 3, 4, 5.  

February 1

(1) Europe at a Crossroads: Eastern Enlargement, “Constitutional” Change, Current Crisis.

Required Readings: European Union Politics, Ch. 4.

Additional Readings:  Ever Closer Union, Ch. 6. 

(2) Does Europe Need a Constitution? A Debate on EU Democracy & Legitimacy.

Required Readings: European Union Politics, Ch. 25.

PART II: THEORIES AND MODELS OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

AND GOVERNANCE

February 8

(1) Neo-functionalism, supra-nationalism, inter-governamentalism.  

Required readings: European Union Politics, Chs. 5 and 6.

(2) Understanding the European Union: New IR Theories and Political Science Models.

Required readings: European Union Politics, Ch. 7. 

PART III: THE EU’S POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR DYNAMICS

February 15

(1) The EU system and institutions: overview and the European Commission.

Required readings: European Union Politics, Ch. 10.

Additional readings: Ever Closer Union, Ch. 7.

Guest speaker. Name and exact topic yet tbc.  

(2) The European Council and the Council of the European Union

Required readings: European Union Politics, Ch. 11.

Additional Readings: Ever Closer Union, Ch. 8.

February 22

(1) The European Parliament.

Required Readings : European Union Politics, Ch. 12.

Additional Readings: Ever Closer Union, Ch. 9.

(2) The Courts, the European Central Bank and other bodies

Required Readings : European Union Politics, Ch. 13.

Additional Readings: Ever Closer Union, Ch. 10.

RESEARCH PAPER TOPICS/ASSIGNMENTS TO BE HANDED OUT

February 29

(1) Mid-term review.

(2) Guest speaker: Donatella Solda (Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca, Rome). Exact topic yet tbc.

Required readings: article or book contribution soon available via Moodle.

March 4

(1) In class mid-term exam.  

PART IV: EU POLICY-MAKING

(2) Policy-making in the EU.

Guest speaker: Costanza Hermanin (OSI Foundation, Brussels), tbc.

Required readings: European Union Politics, Ch. 15.  

Additional readings: article or book contribution soon available via Moodle.

March 7

(1) EU policies I: Economic and monetary policy in times of financial crisis

Required readings: European Union Politics, Chs. 22 and 27.

(2) Guest speaker. Name and exact topic yet tbc.

March 14

(1) EU policies II: enlargement continued? Turkey and the European Union.

Required readings: article or book contribution soon available via Moodle.

(2) EU policies III: the EU as a global actor.

Required readings: European Union Politics, Ch. 18.

Additional readings: article or book contribution soon available via Moodle.

March 21

(1) EU policies IV: Social policy, common agricultural policy and cohesion policy.

Required readings: European Union Politics, Chs. 20.

(2) Guest speaker: Federico Pancaldi (European Commission, Brussels).

Required readings: article or book contribution soon available via Moodle.

March 28: Easter break

April 4

(1) Current developments in the EU counter-terrorism policy I: how to address the foreign fighters and returnees phenomena at best?

Required readings: article or book contribution soon available via Moodle.

(2) Current developments in the EU counter-terrorism policy:  current or potential EU-US relationship in counter-terrorism matters.

Required readings: article or book contribution soon available via Moodle.

PART V: PUBLIC OPINION IN THE EU

April 11  

(1) Public opinion – the role of the media in addressing EU matters.

Required readings: article or book contribution soon available via Moodle.

(2) Public opinion – Digital diplomacy in the EU: examples and counter-examples.

Guest Speaker: Antonio Deruda (Digital communication consultant, Rome), tbc

Required readings: article or book contribution soon available via Moodle.

PART VI: IN SEARCH OF EUROPEAN DEMOCRACY, IDENTITY AND UNITY: PRESENT AND FUTURE CHALLENGES, OR : WHAT WENT WRONG ?

April 18

(1) The European Union as an “Immigrant Nation”: Immigration Policy, and Diversity in the EU.

Required readings: article or book contribution soon available via Moodle.

(2) The rise of populism.

Guest speaker: Eva Giovannini (Journalist, Ballarò, Raitre).

Required readings: article or book contribution soon available via Moodle.

April 25

The future of the European Union: how democratic, sustainable and legitimate is the EU?

Final Lecture and discussion; and FINAL REVIEW. 

Week of May 2-6: Final exam (exact date yet to be identified).