Challenges of European Integration, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

• Political Science or other relevant main field of study, 30 ECTS credits, basic course, with at least 22.5 ECTS credits passed or equivalent.
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6).
  Exemption from Swedish.

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to

• describe and analyze some recent crises and challenges for European integration
• describe and analyze the European Union as a political system, including its main institutions, actors, processes and outcomes
• describe and analyze the impact of the European Union on its member states
• describe, compare and apply the main theories on European integration and the European policy process
• describe and apply normative frameworks such as theories of democracy on the EU

Course content

The course is focused on the workings of the European Union as a political system, its actors, institutions, ideas and processes. The role of the member states in the EU as well as the impact of the EU on the member states are discussed, as is the role of political parties and epistemic communities. Various aspects of bargaining are touched upon, from the perspectives of rationalism and constructivism as well as from theories on European integration. Norms of democratic governance are used to evaluate the workings of the EU.

Teaching and working methods

This course will be delivered by means of lectures and seminars. Homework and independent study are necessary complements to the teachings. 

Language of instruction: English

Examination

The course is concluded with:

• a written examination, which is graded. 
• active participation in seminars (pass/fail). 

Detailed information about the examination can be found in the course’s study guide.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

About teaching and examination language

The teaching language is presented in the Overview tab for each course. The examination language relates to the teaching language as follows: 

• If teaching language is “Swedish”, the course as a whole could be given in Swedish, or partly, or as a whole, in English. Examination language is Swedish, but parts of the examination can be in English.
• If teaching language is “English”, the course as a whole is taught in English. Examination language is English.
• If teaching language is “Swedish/English”, the course as a whole will be taught in English if students without prior knowledge of the Swedish language participate. Examination language is Swedish or English depending on teaching language.

Department