THE EUROPEAN UNION
Global Studies 366
Winter 2008-09
Professor TERRENCE CASEY | Office: Moench A205 |
Office Hours: MTRF, 4th & 5th Hours (10:50-12:35pm) | RHIT Mailbox: #93 |
E-Mail: casey1@rose-hulman.edu | PHONE: 877-8281 |
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 20th 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 21st century world affairs. Finally, we will delve into the main challenges facing Europe in the near term.
Course Syllabus (PDF) Paper Assignment (PDF)
European Council Simulation Country Report Template
Europa -- Gateway Site to the European Union
READINGS:
John McCormick, The European Union: Politics and Policies, 4th Edition.
Robert Kagan, Of Paradise and Power: American and Europe in the New World Order.
John McCormick, The European Superpower.
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 (22.5% each) on December 20 and January 23. Exams will include a mix of objective and analytical questions drawn from both the readings and the lectures.
(B) Critical Review of the Kagan and Leonard Books (20%). 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 21st century. Your paper will be due on Monday, January 19th, 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 Monday, February 16th. Full details of the assignment will be handed out separately.
(C) Preparation and Participation in a European Council Simulation (10%). During Week 7 we will be conducting a simulation in which members of the class will be representing the respective countries of the EU. This activity will involve background research on the country you are representing and active participation in the simulation.
(D) 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.
Topics and Readings
NOTE: Click on the lecture title for POWERPOINT SLIDES for that lecture. New slides will be added as the course progresses.
Part I: The History of European Integration
Weeks 1-2 (December 1-12)
McCormick, Chapter 1
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Postwar Europe and the Origins of Integration
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McCormick, Chapter 2
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McCormick, Chapter 3
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McCormick, Chapter 4
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Theories of European Integration
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Neill Nugent, "Conceptualizing and Theorizing," from The Government and Politics of the European Union [Handout] |
Part II: The Institutions of the EU
Week 3-5 (December 15-January 16)
McCormick, Chapter 5
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McCormick, Chapter 6 |
FIRST EXAM RESCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, JANUARY 12th
Christmas Break, December 21-January 4
McCormick, Chapter 7
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McCormick, Chapter 8
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The European Council and Other Institutions
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McCormick, Chapter 9
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McCormick, Chapter 10
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Critical Review of Kagan and McCormick (European Superpower)
DUE MONDAY JANUARY 19th
Part III: Politics and Policies
Week 6 (January 19-23)
Public Policy and Economic Policy
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McCormick, Chapters 11-12 |
Agriculture, Environmental, and Cohesion Policies
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McCormick, Chapters 13-14 |
McCormick, Chapters 15-16 |
SECOND EXAM, Thursday, February 5th
Week 7 (January 26-30)
European Council Simulation |
Monday and Tuesday, Heritage Room, Hulman Union (HMU 265) |
Part IV: The Role of Europe in the 21st Century
Week 8-9 (February 2-13)
The Limitations of European Power |
Kagan, Of Paradise and Power, ALL
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Europe as a Superpower
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McCormick, The European Superpower, ALL
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PAPER REVISIONS DUE, MONDAY FEBRUARY 16th
Part IV: Key Issues for the New Europe
Week 10 (February 16-20)
Can the EU get along with Russia?
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TBA |
How will Europe Weather the Economic Storm?
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TBA |
Does Europe Have a "Democratic Deficit"?
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TBA |
Can the EU Constitution Be Revived?
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TBA |
FINAL EXAM WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25th, 1pm, G310