In this course we will examine the political structure, formation and development of the European Union, as well as Germany’s role in the process of European Unification. Special emphasis will be put upon the analysis of the political challenges that lie ahead. Another focus will be the integration of Eastern European countries and its consequences for the reformation of the EU.
Method of presentation:
Lectures, class discussions, excursions.
Required work and form of assessment:
Final grades will be based on: midterm (20%), final exam (25%), term paper (25%), and oral participation (30%). Class attendance is required.
content:
1. Introduction: Where is Europe? What is Europe (Geography, Economy, Political Structure, Population)? Where is Germany?
2. Is a European Constitution necessary and possible? Current situation of the EU.
3. Europe after WWII – Germany between surrender and a new beginning.
4. First attempts of uniting Western Europe: the Schuman Plan and the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)
5. The Treaties of Rome (EEC).
6. Germany's position within the EU: political and economical position
7. Institutions of the EU: the European Council and the Council of Ministers; the EU Commission; the European Parliament, European Law Court
8. German Unification 1990 and its consequences for European integration
9. The political importance of the European Monetary Union. The introduction of the EURO and its consequences.
10. Overcoming the Division of Europe and the Integration of Eastern European countries
11. The EU and its position in the world: transatlantic relationships, relations to the U.S., ACP-Countries and Russia.
12. The EU- Responsibilities and the member states
13. Perspectives: Could the historical experiment of uniting the European continent fail? United States of Europe – utopia or realizable future?
Required readings:
Reader: European Union – Past, Present, Future. 2006. (text selections)
Jopp, Mathias. Germany’s European Policy: Perceptions in Key Partner Countries. Bonn, 2002.
Laquer, Walter. Europe in Our Time: A History 1945-1992. New York, 1992.
Wessels, Wolfgang. Fifteen into One? The European Union and its Member States. Manchester, 2003.
Germany And European Unification
In this course we will examine the political structure, formation and development of the European Union, as well as Germany’s role in the process of European Unification. Special emphasis will be put upon the analysis of the political challenges that lie ahead. Another focus will be the integration of Eastern European countries and its consequences for the reformation of the EU.
Lectures, class discussions, excursions.
Final grades will be based on: midterm (20%), final exam (25%), term paper (25%), and oral participation (30%). Class attendance is required.
1. Introduction: Where is Europe? What is Europe (Geography, Economy, Political Structure, Population)? Where is Germany?
2. Is a European Constitution necessary and possible? Current situation of the EU.
3. Europe after WWII – Germany between surrender and a new beginning.
4. First attempts of uniting Western Europe: the Schuman Plan and the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)
5. The Treaties of Rome (EEC).
6. Germany's position within the EU: political and economical position
7. Institutions of the EU: the European Council and the Council of Ministers; the EU Commission; the European Parliament, European Law Court
8. German Unification 1990 and its consequences for European integration
9. The political importance of the European Monetary Union. The introduction of the EURO and its consequences.
10. Overcoming the Division of Europe and the Integration of Eastern European countries
11. The EU and its position in the world: transatlantic relationships, relations to the U.S., ACP-Countries and Russia.
12. The EU- Responsibilities and the member states
13. Perspectives: Could the historical experiment of uniting the European continent fail? United States of Europe – utopia or realizable future?