LFU:online

Students can explain and describe the processes and the functioning of the European Union. Based on specific workshops on history, institutions, policy-making, policies and current debates, the participants of this course understand the driving forces of European integration (and disintegration) as well as the main characteristics of the political system of the EU.

Starting with the historical developments and continuing with the institutional setting ('polity-dimension') of the EU, students will also encounter the most relevant interinstitutional proceedings ('politics-dimension') and learn about some important areas of EU-competence ('policy-dimension'). The main goal of this seminar is to provide students with basic, yet scientifically profound and highly up-to-date knowledge on the most important issues and conflict lines within the political system of the EU.

The seminar will provide insights into the political system of the EU based on case-specific workshops. Typical institutional proceedings are explained as practical and concise as possible, with always considering the broader historical context and legal framework. Regular reading exercises and individual presentations will introduce/guide through the above-mentioned topics and lay the foundations for group discussions and interactive learning tools.

Regular participation in the seminar, active cooperation as well as short tests and a presentation.

Cini/Nieves (2016): European Union Politics, Oxford University Press.

Corbett/Jacobs/Neville (2016): The European Parliament, John Harper.

Hodson/Peterson (2017): The Institutions of the European Union, Oxford University Press.

Ranking of Registration: Incoming Students are preferred.