The Political Economy of European Integration

This course examines theoretical and practical issues of the European Integration and touches upon economic and legal implications of the EU.

Take a look at the video and learn more about this minor.

‘The strongest feature of the course is the combination of Economics, Law, and Politics comprehensively altogether. Students who aspire to specialize in Political Economy, International Trade and Public Policy, or simply wish to broaden their knowledge about the EU should definitely do this Minor’
Alya Satriawan – Erasmus School of Economics

‘I would recommend this course to anyone who wishes to learn more about the history, workings and mechanisms of the EU. Moreover, the course is structured, the essay allows one to choose a subject and dig deeper into it and the trip to Brussels has been the highlight of the course!’
Pauline van der Vaeren – Rotterdam School of Management

The effects of European Integration can be felt everywhere. At the supermarket you can buy food from other EU countries and the Bologna process led to a harmonization of academic degrees, making it easier for students to study at different universities in the EU. The Erasmus programme allows many students to go abroad and explore both cultural and educational differences. Furthermore, recent events such as Brexit and COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the political relevance of European Integration.

This course examines practical and theoretical issues concerning European Integration and touches upon economic and legal implications of the European Union: What is the political background of European Integration? How does it affect us in daily life? Is it possible to preserve a country’s specificities, like culture or social security, while at the same time benefitting from more economic exchange?

This course includes:

• Different lecturers giving insights in their specific field of expertise
• A possible trip to Brussels to visit the EU institutions and meet EU decision makers

After following this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyse the methodological and theoretical backgrounds of economic theories (such as economic integration, international trade and federalism) by using economics terminology and making use of graphs;
2. Summarise the foundations and basic principles of the European legal system by using legal terminology;
3. Critically assess a European policy area from a legal and economic perspective involving the insights of economic theories and legal rules in their argument.

Attendance
The lecture attendance is compulsory. Specific arrangements for part-time students are possible.

Brussels Trip
The lecturers intend to plan a visit to different institutions relevant to European policy-making such as the Commission, NGOs and companies.

Teaching methods
This course is taught in English. No special skills are required. However, students with an affinity to economics and business may have an advantage. While most of the lectures are frontal, small working groups will be formed for drafting an individual short term paper and preparing a presentation.

Brussels Trip
The lecturers intend to plan a visit to different institutions relevant to European policy-making such as the Commission, NGOs and companies.

Teaching materials
At the start of the course, a syllabus and study resources will be distributed. The distributed materials are meant as suggestions of literature that could be used for studying. It is expected from students to consult independently multiple sources for a full understanding of a topic.

Slides will be provided before each lecture.

Method of examination
The method of examination for this course comprises three parts. Each module has a separate exam. Module 1 has a written exam with open questions. Module 2 consists of a group presentation. Module 3 is an individual research topic implying a graded term paper. Every module counts equally.

An example of a research paper will be placed on Canvas during the block.

Composition final grade
The Minor is passed successfully if two modules have been passed and the weighted average grade of the three modules is not below 5.5. Please note that uneven final grades will be rounded according to the exam regulations of Erasmus School of Law.