This module aims to analyse the political and legal dynamics of European integration and of the specificities of the European Union (EU) institutions. Students will critically assess the process of European integrations and the challenges to it the EU decision-making process and the impact of the EU in a global society. Students will critically evaluate main policies and practice of policy-making in the EU system and their impact on the Member States. This module will assist students to develop an ability to apply the abstract concepts of EU Policies and Politics to real world examples drawn from current controversies within the EU. Students will analyse the key challenges facing the European Union in the 21st century. Special attention will be paid to the future of the EU and the EU’s international relations.
Due to the analytical and practical scope of the module makes, students will apply a thorough theoretical understanding of European Union rules to practical cases in the development of European integration, the institutions, and competences of the EU, the adoption of secondary measures, the internal market, competition law, and legal enforcement. Students will be asked to tackle problems which span multiples potential topics. This module aims to give the student an ability to apply the advanced theories of the EU to real world examples drawn from current controversies within the EU.