European Studies

This is a Political Science course, and Political Science perspectives dominate, although historical, economic, geographical, and sociological perspectives are also addressed since European Studies is a multidisciplinary field. The aim is to provide a good basis for a critical and analytical approach. Students develop the ability to recognise structures and contexts of societal development and to analyse and interpret courses of events. The course comprises two course modules as follows: Module 1: Continuity and Change in Europe, 7.5 credits This module gives an introduction to the tradition of ideas and the basic concepts and theories studied within the subject area of European politics. The module comprises five themes, each of which represents a perspective on how political processes at the European level can be studied. Central theoretical subject areas include theories on integration and questions such as - How is the EU to be understood? What role do EU institutions and EU policy play in the integration process? and What role does the EU play in international politics? The EU as a political system and a phenomenon is considered in relation to a historical context. Since this is a distance course, both modules include at least one mandatory seminar in which students present their knowledge orally. These seminars are scheduled for each semester. Module 2: Specialisation and Individual Project, 7.5 credits This is a specialisation module which includes an independent project. The module is divided into two parts. Part one is based on a current situation or event in EU politics. Part two comprises independent reading and writing assignments. Students are expected to present an independently written text investigating a chosen problem area relevant to the course content. Students are expected to adhere consistently to recognised academic conventions for presentation and referencing. Students present their projects in a seminar at the end of the course, where they are analysed and discussed in terms of problem selection and results. Since this is a distance course, both modules include at least one mandatory seminar in which students present their knowledge orally. These seminars are scheduled for each semester.