NOTE: The information below relates to the last time this course was taught. This webpage will be updated prior to the Winter 2008-09 term.

THE EUROPEAN UNION

Global Studies 366 

Winter 2006-07

European integration developed from the ashes of World War II, a means of rebuilding economies and preventing future wars.  This process has developed into the current European Union, one of the most unique political actors in the world today. This course examines the history, institutions, political processes, and policies of the European Union. Understanding the EU is a complicated matter – it is part international organization, part national government, but not fully either. In order to understand this complexity, the first part of the course will review the history of European integration to understand how a continent ravaged by the most vicious wars in history during the first half of the 20^th century was able to politically and economically unite in the second half. Parts II and III of the course will examine the core institutions and policies of the EU. In Part IV we will explore the role that the EU will play in 21^st century world affairs. Finally, we will delve into the main challenges facing Europe in the near term.

Course Syllabus (PDF)                   Paper Assignment (PDF)

Paper Citation Guide (PDF)

Europa -- Gateway Site to the European Union

READINGS:       

John McCormick, The European Union: Politics and Policies, 3^rd Edition.

Robert Kagan, Of Paradise and Power: American and Europe in the New World Order.

Mark Leonard, Why Europe Will Run the 21st Century.

Various Articles (see below)

You are also expected to keep abreast of European current events. The following websites will be most helpful.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:  Your grade will be based on the following:

(A) Two Exams (25% each) on December 22^nd and January 19^th. Exams will include a mix of objective and analytical questions drawn from both the readings and the lectures.

(B) Critical Review of Kagan and Leonard (25%). For this paper you will write a compare and contrast analysis of two books dealing with the crucial question of the role of Europe in the 21^st century.  Your paper will be due on Monday, January 15^th, prior to our discussion of these books in class. However, you will have an opportunity to revise and resubmit your paper after our discussions. Revised papers are due on Friday, February 9^th.

(C) Final Exam (25%) Date/Time TBA. This will be an all essay exam focused on incorporating material from throughout the course of the term to understand the key processes and outcomes of European integration.

NOTE: Click on the lecture title for POWERPOINT SLIDES for that lecture. New slides will be added as the course progresses. For the list of READINGS below, any article followed by ‘[Academic Search Premier]’ can be obtained  through the Logan Library’s Academic Search Premier database.

Topics and Readings

 Part I: The History of European Integration

 Week 1-2 (November 27-December 8) 

Part II: The Institutions of the EU

Week 3-4 (December 11-January 22) 

 FIRST EXAM ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22^nd

Christmas Break, December 23-January 7

 Weeks 5 (January 8-12)

CRITICAL REVIEW OF KAGAN AND LEONARD DUE

MONDAY JANUARY 15^TH 

Part III: Politics and Policies

 Weeks 6 (January 15-19) 

SECOND EXAM, FRIDAY JANUARY 19^TH

Week 7 (January 22-26) 

Part IV: The Role of Europe in the 21st Century

Week 8-9 (January 29-February 9) 

 PAPER REVISIONS DUE, FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9^TH

Part V: Key Issues for the New Europe 

Week 10 (February 12-16) 

FINAL EXAM -- MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19th, MOENCH E104, 6-8pm