Course - Introduction to the European Union - EUR1001
Introduction to the European Union
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About the course
Course content
What is the European Union (EU)? How does it work? What are the main EU policy-making bodies? How do member states relate to the EU institutions? How do EU institutions interact and work with one another? In what fields does the EU produce public policy? The EU is a complex, unique organization that is neither a state, a federation nor an international organisation like, for instance, the Council of Europe, the United Nations or NATO. This course is an introduction to the political system of the EU and provides a detailed overview of the various institutions, their interactions and the way they make policy. It also offers a broad survey of key policies of the European Union, such as Economic and Monetary Union, Common Agricultural Policy, Common Foreign and Security Policy, etc. The course discusses the institutional set-up of the EU, EU policy making processes and policy areas.
Learning outcome
Successful candidates are expected to have acquired the following knowledge and skills:
Knowledge
Students
- have a basic understanding of the political system of the EU
- have a basic knowledge of the EU's institutional structure and workings, including the main EU institutions and how they make policy
- have a basic knowledge of EU policy fields
- are familiar with core concepts such as supranationalism and intergovernmentalism
- understand the relationship between the EU and its member states
Skills
Students are able to
- analyse the role of EU institutions in making policy and legislation
- utilise knowledge about the EU in discussions pertaining to EU institutions, policy areas and policy-formation
- analyse critically the implications of the EU as a supranational political system
- utilise and communicate concisely the acquired knowledge of the EU in relevant contexts
- assess critically the reliability and validity of public information about EU institutions, their interaction and EU policy formation
Learning methods and activities
Lectures and group sessions. Logbook. Students must submit and pass 3 logbook entries in order to sit for the exam.
Compulsory assignments
- Oblig
Further on evaluation
All 3 log book entries must be approved in order to sit the exam.
Required previous knowledge
No previous knowledge about the EU or EU studies required.
Course materials
The reading list will be available at the beginning of the semester.
Subject areas
- European Studies
- European Studies
Contact information
Course coordinator
Department with academic responsibility
Examination
Examination
Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025
Home examination
Submission 2025-12-04 Time Release 09:00
Submission 15:00 Duration 6 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment