Content

Content

Minor The Political Economy of European Integration

Team

Lecturers: dr. Alberto Quintavalla, dr. Maria Campo Comba, prof. dr. Klaus Heine

Specific information

Number of credits: 15 ECTS

Maximum number of students that can participate: 25
Minimum number of students that can participate: not applicable

This course is highly recommended for those who will desire to pursue a Master in European studies. This course will be taught in English and will consist of three consecutive modules which build on each other. No special skills are required.

Mixed Teaching Methods

This minor will consist of mixed-method teachings where interactive lectures and practical skills/cases are a part of the curriculum.

Brussels Trip

In cooperation with the European Parliament, the minor will visit different European institutions in Brussels. Here, students will have to opportunity to talk to officials from both the commission and the European parliament, visit the hemicycle and  meet actual members of the European parliament. In addition, students will visit NGOs and lobby groups.

Overview modules

Module 1: European integration as a multidisciplinary field of research

  • ECTS: 5
  • Content: The module aims at introducing European integration as a multidisciplinary field of research (law, economics, political science, sociology). At the beginning, the students need to develop a structured inventory of subject areas where European integration issues play a role. This will make clear that European integration issues play an important part in nearly every aspect of life and work in Europe. It will then be shown qualitatively and quantitatively what impact European integration already has. The students will learn basic economic concepts for the study of European integration, and these concepts will be presented in a way that is accessible for students of all disciplines. The teaching content comprises an understanding of economic exchange and economic welfare and its transfer to international trade.
  • Teaching method: Lecture with interactive elements.
  • Teaching materials: A syllabus and materials will be distributed.
  • Contact hours: 15

Module 2: Political economy of european integration

  • ECTS: 5
  • Content: Political economy is meant here as an economic perspective that systematically considers the relevance of political and legal factors for economic analysis. Federalism will be introduced as a means and a concept to respect local preferences and to fix local problems. The economic theory of democracy and bureaucracy will be applied to the European Union. Furthermore, there will a series of lectures on competition policy, with a particular focus on digital markets. Lastly, a lecture will be devoted to environmental policy.
  • Teaching method: Lecture with interactive elements.
  • Teaching materials: A syllabus and materials will be distributed.
  • Contact hours: 15

Module 3: European integration in the field

  • ECTS: 5
  • Content: The aim of this module is to deepen the students’ understanding of European integration by applying their gained knowledge to specific fields, which may be related to their main studies (e.g. law, history, management, or political science). At the end of the module, the lecturers will assign a topic for a research paper to each student considering paper proposals by students. There will be individual meetings with students. In these individual meetings, the students discuss and elaborate on the research paper with the lecturer. Each individual meeting lasts approximately 45 minutes.
  • Teaching method: Individual meetings between students and the lecturers will be planned.
  • Teaching materials: A syllabus and materials will be distributed.
  • Contact hours: 15

Examination

Each module is graded separately. Module 1 is examined by a written exam. Module 2 is examined by a group presentation. Module 3 is examined by an individual research paper (term paper).

Composition of final grade:

This minor will have been passed successfully if two courses have been passed and the average grade of all the courses is not below 5.5. Every module counts equally. Attendance to the lectures is compulsory.

Feedback method:

Students may consult the Jean Monnet Chair of Economic Analysis of European Law for making an appointment. Oral comments on the research paper are given at the working groups.