PL2007 - The European Union

[Offered in even-numbered years]

Concentrating on the history and structure of the European Union (EU), students apply insights derived from integration theory as they evaluate the extent to which European integration has changed relations between nation-states and the lives of citizens, critique EU policies and processes, and analyse the role of the EU as an international actor. The lecture program both provides general contextual lectures on the history, functioning and place of the EU in the contemporary world and draws on the availability in Australia of many experts associated with the EU and its institutions. Tutorials ensure that students develop their understanding of: how the EU functions, its relationships with member nations, and the ways in which the EU is important to the rest of the world.

Learning Outcomes

• an understanding of the history, structure and functioning of the European Union;
• a capacity to analyse critically the policies and processes of a major international entity;
• an understanding of integration theory and a capacity to develop and apply insights derived therefrom.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• The ability to deploy critically evaluated information to practical ends;
• The ability to reflect on and evaluate learning, and to learn independently in a self directed manner.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.