IR3208 The Politics of the European Union

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

12 noon Tue

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr M O'Dwyer

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Muireann O'Dwyer

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

What is the European Union(EU) and how does it work? This module will introduce students to the study of the EU, and enable them to develop the skills and knowledge to engage in a range of debates about the politics and policies of this organization. It will cover the history of the EU, as well as a range of theories of integration that explain its development. It will examine key debates within EU studies, while also offering a chance for an in-depth examination of contemporary challenges the EU faces. This module will explore both internal and external policies of the EU, through learning about the key actors and institutions.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Anti-requisites

YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU TAKE IR3039 OR PASS IR3039

Assessment pattern

100% coursework

Re-assessment

100% exam

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x weekly lecture, 1 x weekly tutorial, 2 x weekly office hours, additional feedback hours in week 1 of following semester

Scheduled learning hours

20

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

268

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Articulate an understanding of the European Union, including its history and contemporary workings
  • Engage in debates around European integration, with a broad range of theories
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of key EU policy areas
  • Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary challenges and crises faced by the EU