6 ECTS credits
150 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 6007587FEW for working students in the 1st semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.

Semester

1st semester

Enrollment based on exam contract

Possible

Grading method

Grading (scale from 0 to 20)

Can retake in second session

Yes

Taught in

English

Faculty

Faculty of Social Sciences & SolvayBusinessSchool

Department

Political Science

Educational team

Sean O' Dubhghaill (course titular)

External teachers

Sean O' Dubhghaill

Activities and contact hours

26 contact hours Lecture

Course Content

Module I: European Integration from within and without: All the world’s a stage

Learning objectives for Module 1: This introductory module aims to set the scene of European integration, and the political elements thereof, and introduces the course’s key concepts and operating terminology. We will look at the extent to which the European Union can be regarded as an actor on the global stage, how this has been integrated over time, and how its actorness differs from other global powers.

Module II: The European External Action Service and Securitisation from within

Learning objectives for Module 2: This second module discusses the nature and role of institutions in foreign policy making, as well as the nature and function of diplomacy. After completing the module, students should be familiar with the dynamics, institutional architecture and function of the European External Action Service and the HR/VP.

Module III: Multiculturalism, Xenophobia and populism in Europe.

Learning objectives for Module 3: This third module takes a look at the phenomenon of multiculturalism, its lack of popularity in Europe and at whether or not immigrants are to blame (they are not) and how the European Union’s “failure to manage immigration” has been employed and deployed in populist discourses throughout Europe. We examine the nature of xenophobia and essentialism and how people are or can be forged into us/them dichotomies. After the course, students should have a broader view on the phenomenon of multiculturalism, how certain groups become accepted on the basis of the tolerability of their cultural produce and why others are not.

Case I: Europe’s multilateralism and internal marginality.

Learning objectives for Case 1: This case study provides students with the opportunity to understand the functions of integration, the meaning of marginality (and what kinds of perspectives marginal entities have on European integration writ large), in order to distinguish between areas of limited actorness.

Case II: The politics of the Economic Monetary Union and integration.

Learning objectives for Case 2: This case study provides students with the opportunity to learn about the core the EU: its development from sectoral economic collaboration into a full-blown Single Market and an Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). Students will also learn about the rationales behind this development, its main phases and challenges, as well as the future perspectives. Finally, through an exploration of EU’s economic integration, students will also be able to better understand economic globalisation and developments in other federal systems, such as the United States, China, and Russia.

Case III: European Neighbourhood policy, Integration and the Ukraine Conflict.

Learning objectives for Case 3: In case study 3, students will get a comprehensive overview on the geographic reach of EU foreign policy and European integration. Students will also come to understand the theoretical underpinnings of EU security and the conflict cycle.

Module IV: Collaborative exercise (co-instructed with Prof. Dr. Jamal Shahin).

Learning objective for Module 4: This final class is an interactive, co-stewarded course in which students are invited to adopt positions on the topics examined in the course and are invited to engage their fellow classmates interactively on the basis of those ideas.

Course material

Practical course material (Required) : The government and Politics of the EU, Nugent, Neill, Palgrave

Additional info

NA.

Learning Outcomes

Algemene competenties

See above

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Written Exam determines 100% of the final mark.

Within the Written Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

Written Exam with a relative weight of 1 which comprises 100% of the final mark.

Note: Multiple choice questions and a short essay during exam with closed books

Additional info regarding evaluation

The first assessment (10%) involves recording a 3-6 minute video of yourself that follows a brief. The added benefit of this approach is that it will help the instructor to get to know the names and identities of the students.

Description of assignment:

For the purpose of this assignment, students are required to select one of the three questions below and to provide a short (3-6 minutes) reflection, using the module readings and/or complementary sources. Record your reflection using the Canvas Studio video tool (here's a guide on how to do it (Links to an external site.)).

1. Is the EU globally irrelevant?
2. What is EU actorness?
3. Who are the key actors in Europe's foreign policy and what interests do they have?

The second assessment is a briefing paper and this will count for an additional 30% of the final grade.

Policy Brief Assignment:

Have endeavours to facilitate multiculturalism failed in Europe?

In 5 pages (approx. 2,000 words, please analyse the question above in relation to a Member State country that you select.

Focus: The briefing paper should be written with a practical dimension in mind (i.e., as a substantive piece of informed analysis to be potentially used by policy-makers). For the purposes of this exercise, you are briefing the minister responsible for integration OR cultural affairs (feel free to choose whatever EU Member State you prefer) about the topic of multiculturalism from your viewpoint. Be sure to also provide an explanatory background, and a recommendation for decision makers.

Formatting: The briefing paper requires a title page (with your name, the course module, the indication of programme, and the note title), page numbers throughout, a complete bibliography with a minimum of 3 references using APA style.

Size: 5 pages (approx. 2,000 words).

Finally, students are asked to draft a research paper on a topic relevant to the course that will count for the remaining 50%. This will be a take-home exam, of sorts and will be due in January. Details and requirements for each of the aforementioned assessments will be sent in due time.

Allowed unsatisfactory mark

The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.