2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PIED2305 Governing the European Union

20 creditsClass Size: 105

Module manager: Dr Simon Lightfoot
Email: S.J.Lightfoot@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

The media in the UK often portray the European Union (EU) as a huge super state forcing through legislation against the will of national governments. National governments often claim that "Brussels made me do it". Stories abound about the future of the British pint, prawn cocktail crisps, straight bananas etc. This module explores the truth behind these and many other Euromyths by examining how the EU actually works, the roles of the various institutions, and the future of the EU project, both in terms of enlargement and increased democracy. For further information see the School of Politics and International Studies website. If you cannot find the answer to your question then email S.J.Lightfoot@leeds.ac.uk

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to understand:
- the operation (appointment structures, internal workings, decision-making rules, forms of accountability) of the principal institutions of the EU (Commission, Parliament and Council);
- how these institutions interact with each other as a political system through different conceptual techniques;
- how the EU is influenced by those outside it (representation) and how the EU influences European society (through its policies);
- how to use a range of conceptual tools to make sense of and discuss the wide range of material available on the EU.

Syllabus

The main aims of the module are to provide an introduction to the governance of the European Union by explaining the key institution characteristics and investigating how competing contemporary perspectives interpret them and their relationships. In addition to introducing you to an understanding of the machinery of the EU as a set of political institutions and how they interact, the module will also help you to understand why disagreement can exist over the EU. The course looks at the policies, procedures, and politics of the European Union in context. Throughout the course you will be encouraged to integrate these ideas with the full range of sources available on the EU. Because of this the course aims to improve your skills in analysis, presentation, argument and research both in the library and especially through the internet.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Practical	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			167.00
Total Contact hours			33.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Mid term essay.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	1,500 words	30.00
Essay	4,000 words	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/03/2009

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