International Relations Major (Level 2)
International Relations Minor (Level 2)
International Relations Single Honours (Level 2)
Politics Dual Honours (Level 2)
Politics Major (Level 2)
Politics Minor (Level 2)
Politics Single Honours (Level 2)
This module introduces students to the study of the European Union and its historical setting, then proceeds to describe and analyse the workings of its main institutions and selected policies. The institutions covered are the Commission, Council of Ministers, the European Parliament and the Court of Justice. Issues discussed include 'how democratic is the EU', 'how does the EU change the domestic politics of its members', 'is the EU a global power?, and finally 'what is the effect of new countries joining the EU'. The assessment for this module is based on: one 2,000-word essay (50%), and one 2-hour unseen written examination (50%).
To familiarise students with the operation of the European Union through an analysis of its main institutions and selected policies.
To introduce students to the increased political tension within the EU.
To instill in students a critical ability to understand the politics of the European Union within its member states.
Critically evaluate selected policies of the European Union will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Explain the responsibilities of the main institutions of the Euroepan Union and critically evaluate their role in the policy-making process. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Compare and contrast the experiences of two or more member states of the European Union in terms of the impact of membership on their domestic politics. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
5 hours: 5 1 hour tutorials
30 hours: tutorial preparation
60 hours: essay preparation
40 hours: private study
The student chooses an essay question from an approved list supplied in the module guide.
The student has to answer two questions from the questions on the exam paper.
This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.