Uniting Europe: history, politics, theory
An undergraduate course offered by the School of Politics and International Relations.
Code EURO3001
Offered by School of Politics and International Relations
ANU College ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
Course subject European Studies
Dr Patrick Dumont
Uniting Europe: history, politics, theory (EURO3001)
The European Union is the most advanced supranational polity on the plant, but how did it get that way? Was it the Grand Design of far-sighted visionaries, or merely an unintended consequence of past decisions and policies? This course poses such questions and introduces students to the history and theory of European integration. By examining the political history of the European Union, students will discover the theories used to explain the unique degree of political integration that has characterised the European state system since the end of World War Two.
The course is divided into two parts. The first covers the political history of European integration since World War Two. The second covers the major theoretical positions that have arisen to explain that same process of political integration. The two parts of the course will reinforce each other, with the second part taking the historical development of European integration as its source material but making the theoretical dimensions explicit.
Upon Successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Discuss the main theoretical positions used to explain European integration;
Identify the episodes in post-War European history that have led to advances in integration theory;
Analyse different historical and political explanations of European integration that privilege one theory over others;
Apply knowledge of these theories to predict possible directions in future European integration.
One research essay on Part A, 2000 words (40%) (LO2, 4)
One research essay on Part B, 2000 words (40%) (LO3, 4)
Short assessment on Parts A and B, 1000 words (20%) (LO 1, 4)
130 hours of total student learning time made up from: a) 36 hours of lectures and tutorials; and, b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
To enrol in this course you must have completed EURO2003
McAllister, Richard (2010). European Union: an historical and political survey. London: Routledge.
Eilstrop-Sangiovani, Mette. (2006). Debates on European Integration: a reader. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Contemporary Europe