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.

At the conclusion of this course you will be:

1. Familiar with the main theoretical positions used to explain European integration;

2. Conversant with the episodes in post-War European history that have led to advances in integration theory;

3. Able to identify different historical and political explanations of European integration that privilege one theory over others;

4. Able to use your 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)

The workload for this course is comprises a total of 120 hours spread over 12 weeks of teaching with a one-hour lecture and one two-hour tutorial per week if enrolments remain below 90.  Beyond that the course will revert to a two hour lecture and one hour tutorial format.

EURO2003 The European Union: institutions, policies and challenges.

This course would be best suited for those with two years' study in International Relations, Contemporary Europe and/or Political Science.

McAllister, Richard (2010). European Union: an historical and political survey. London: Routledge.

Eilstrop-Sangiovani, Mette. (2006). Debates on European Integration: a reader. Basingstoke: Palgrave.

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