• Module coordinator: Dr Dirk Rochtus
• Language: English
• ECTS credits: 6

Course objectives

The objective of the course is to provide the student with insight in the political history of the European integration, the functioning of the main institutions of the EU, and the international relations of the EU. The course also tries to find an answer to the question how to fulfil the historic task to make the EU and the European Continent coincide by dealing with recent topics concerning the enlargement.

Entry requirements

A general interest in contemporary history will help to understand the specific dealing with the political history of the European integration. Much more important still is the willingness of the student to follow recent developments in the integration process of the EU.

Teaching method

The module will be offered in the form of lectures in which students will be given the opportunity to interact through discussions. Cases and texts will be investigated and discussed about. Guest speakers (individual lectures and/or conferences) will offer the opportunity to discuss the relationship between theory and practice. Students will participate where possible in conferences organized by think-tanks dealing with EU-affairs.

Assessment

The assessment is based upon an examination (written or oral) and a short individual paper about a specific topic related to the politics and policy of the EU. The students are free to choose a topic after having consulted the lecturer.

Course material

• A syllabus based on powerpoint presentations,
• Additional texts (through Toledo and websites),
• Materials provided by guest speakers.