THE INSTITUTIONS AND POLITICS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
This course is designed to be an introduction to the history, political institutions, and policy of the European Union. It is oriented toward upper division students who have already taken COP 2001 (intro to comparative politics) or its equivalent. I assume some familiarity with the political institutions of Western Europe, though pertinent information will be reviewed where relevant.
The creation and development of the European Union is one of the most fascinating political events of the last 50 years. It represents a unique opportunity to study the evolution of a political system without having to rely solely on historical documents. In the past half-century the EU has grown from a set of weak / poorly defined institutions with a limited policy domain and an emphasis on national sovereignty into a extensive political system with increasingly strong supranational actors influencing all aspects of political and economic life. What began in 1951 as an experiment in cooperation in the coal and steel sectors among six nations has grown to be a formal political and economic union between 15 nations. The goal of this course will be to examine this transformation both theoretically and historically.
REQUIREMENTS:
Completing ALL the readings and regular attendance will be required of all students. Material covered in class will not always be covered in the readings and vice versa, you will be responsible for all material regardless of where presented. Active participation in class discussions is strongly urged. Questions and comments will always be welcome.
Grades will be based on attendance and written work. The latter will consist of one 25 page paper due at the end of the course (see separate handout) and 3 in-class short answer quizzes (based on readings and lectures). Attendance and participation will be worth 10%, each quiz will be worth 15% and the paper will be worth 45% of the final grade.
The required textbooks are available at Goerings's Book Center (1310 W. University Ave) except Guéguen (library reserve). All students should purchase the texts individually. If students want to share books to save on costs, be aware that readings are often extensive and sharing may become complex.
TEXTS
Desmond Dinan. Ever Closer Union, An introduction to the European Community. Lynne Rienner Press, 1994.
Jeffery Richardson. European Union: Power and Policy Making. Routledge Press, 1996.
Brent Nelsen and Alexander Stubb. The European Union: Readings on the Theory and Practice of European Integration, 2nd edition. Lynne Rienner Press, 1998.
Daniel Guéguen. A Practical Guide to the EC
Labyrinth (2nd edition). Éditions Apogée, 1996.
READING ASSIGNMENTS
WK 1 The History of the European Union (1950-1966).
Read: Dinan Chap. 1-2, N & S readings #1-#6.
WK 2 The History of the European Union (1967-1986).
Read: Dinan, Chap. 3-4, N & S readings #7-#8.
WK 3 The History of the European Union (1987-1998). PAPER TOPICS DUE
Read: Dinan, Chap 5-6, N & S readings #9-#11.
WK 4 Institutions of the European Union: The Commission. QUIZ I
Read: Dinan, Chap. 7, Richardson reading #5, Guéguen, pp. 18-37.
WK 5 Institutions of the European Union: The Council.
Read: Dinan, Chap. 8, Richardson readings #7, Guéguen, pp. 38-48.
WK 6 Institutions of the European Union: The European Parliament.
Read: Dinan, Chap. 9, Richardson reading #6, Guéguen, pp. 48-71.
WK 7 Institutions of the European Union: The Court of Justice and Others.
Read: Dinan, Chap. 10, Richardson, reading #9, N & S #22, Guéguen, pp. 72-98.
WK 8 Integration Theory I. ABSTRACT DUE
Read: Richardson readings #2-#3. N & S readings #12,#13, #15-#18
WK 9 Integration Theory II.
Read: N & S readings #19, #23-#25.
WK 10 Treaty Revisions: The SEA and Maastricht. QUIZ II
Read: Dinan, Chap. 12, N & S readings #20- #21 + Koehane and Hoffman article.
WK 11 Introduction to Policy-Making in the EU.
Read: Dinan, Chap. 11, 13-14, Richardson readings #4, #8, #12, and #16.
WK 12 Monetary Union and the Euro.
Read: Dinan Chap. 15, N & S reading #26 + additional readings to be assigned.
WK 13 External EU Relations and Security Issues.
Read: Dinan Chap. 16-17, Richardson readings #13-#14 + possible additional readings.
WK 14 The Democratic Deficit: Is the EU a Democracy? QUIZ III
Read: Richardson readings #10 -#11, + additional readings to be assigned.
WK 15 Catch-up, Review and Questions and Answers. PAPER DUE