EU Studies Integrative Seminar
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The Integrative Seminar is mandatory for all European Union Program students. It provides students with an understanding of the origin, development and workings of the European Union, and how these are related to political developments at both the national and international levels. It further constitutes the context in which preparatory sessions preceding each field trip are held and post field trip analysis is conducted. The most important function of the integrative seminar is to serve as a capstone for discussion and analysis of coursework and field study insights, as well as a launching pad for the Model EU simulation.
All IES courses require attendance and participation. Attendance is mandatory per IES policy. Any unexcused absence will incur a penalty of 3% on your final grade. Any student who has more than three (3) unexcused absences will receive an “F” as the final grade in the course. Absences due to sickness, religious observances, and family emergencies may be excusable at the discretion of the Center Director.
In the case of an excused absence, it is the student’s responsibility to inform the Academic Dean of the absence with an Official Excused Absence Form, as well as any other relevant documentation (e.g. a doctor’s note), and to keep a record thereof. This form must be turned in as soon as possible before the class, in the case of a planned absence, or immediately after the class, in the case of an unplanned absence, in order for the absence to be considered excused. It is also the student’s responsibility to inform the professor of the missed class. Students can collect and submit the Official Excused Absence Form from the office of the Academic Dean.
TESTS MISSED DURING UNEXCUSED ABSENCES CANNOT BE MADE UP!
The use of laptop computers during class is not permitted. Cell phones are to be switched off. Updated information on your course and readings can be found on the Moodle platform at https://eu.elearning.iesabroad.org/.
Students will complete the course having developed a comprehensive understanding of the political and economic processes over the wide range of the 27 EU countries. They will be able to produce academic analyses of the achievements, the short-comings, and the potential of the European project. In addition, they will then have developed comparative political-cultural competencies, allowing them a fresh perspective on their domestic political system.
They will be able to exhibit an in-depth understanding of complexities of the decision-making and policy making processes in the EU, and evaluate the effects of these processes on individual countries. In addition, they will be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the interrelation between the EU institutions and the political structures of the EU member states, including such concepts as subsidiarity and Europeanization. Finally, students will learn to use their insights into the multiplicity of power relations between the various member states.
The above objectives will be achieved by classroom lectures and discussions, independent study and research supplemented by first-hand experience on the field trips (including meetings with EU officials, specialized academics, and lobbyists working on or with the EU), and by active participation in the simulation of a European summit which also presents students with the opportunity to develop negotiating skills and articulate a given position.
Mandatory attendance, classroom/field trip participation and reading and written assignments (25%), field trip reflections (20%), two exams (30%), Model EU preparation & participation (25%)
Grade Evaulation:- Two exams (10% each) - 20%
- EU poll project - 10%
- Two Field Trip Assignments (10% each) - 20%
- Participation in class and on Moodle (15% / 10%) - 25%
- Model EU Policy Statement - 5%
- Model EU Draft Proposal (collaborative assignment) - 10%
- Model EU Participation - 10%
Session |
Content |
Readings |
Intensive Introductory Week |
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I. HISTORY OF THE EUROPEAN UNION |
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Session 1
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The Course, the World, Europe and the European Union: Why a European Union? – What is the European Union? – Who can join? – How is policy made? – The EU and its citizens |
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Session 2
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Theories of European Integration: Theories of European Integration – Intergovernmentalism and supranationalism: Opposing or complementary theories? Theories or processes? |
Bache/George/Bulmer, 3-20 |
Session 3
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The History of the EU I: From War to Community, 1945 to 1958 |
Bache/George/Bulmer 79-123 |
Session 4
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The History of the EU II: Building European Community, 1958 to 1986: From EEC to SEA
“The Jew”: A Living History Walk through Freiburg (DATE TBA) |
Bache/George/Bulmer 124 - 158 |
Session 5
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The History of the EU III: Building European Union, 1992 to 2001: From Maastricht to Nice |
Bache/George/Bulmer 159 - 191 |
Session 6
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The History of the EU IV: The EU between major achievements, stalled reforms and international crises – David Cameron and the End of Europe |
Bache/George/Bulmer, 192-222 |
Session 7
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The EU and its member states – Examples from Germany: The role of the member states in the EU – Germany in the EU and in the news |
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Session 8
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The Model EU and Exam Review: Briefing on the Model EU simulation – Review for first exam |
Model EU Information Package (moodle), Study guide |
Session 9
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Exam 1 |
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Session 10
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Field Study Preparation & The EU and its member states – Examples from Czech Republic: Czech Republic in the EU and in the news
APPLICATIONS FOR MODEL EU POSITIONS DUE THE DAY AFTER CLASS |
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Field Study Trip I (Berlin and Prague). Europe: From Division Towards Integration |
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Session 11
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Field Trip I Reflection
Assignment of Model EU positions |
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II.THE INSTITUTIONIONAL ARCHITECTURE OF THE EU: THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS AND THE DECISION MAKERS |
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Session 12
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The EU Institutions 1: Institutional Architecture |
Bache/George/Bulmer 223 - 254 |
Session 13
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The EU Institutions 2: The European Commission
CREATIVE WRITING ASSIGNMENT: FICTIONAL LETTER FROM BERLIN OR PRAGUE DUE
EU POLL PROJECT QUESTION DUE (DATE TBA) |
Bache/George/Bulmer 255 - 271 |
Session 14
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The EU Institutions 3: The European Council and the Council of Ministers
PRESIDENCY, SECRETARIAT AND JOURNALIST MEETING: HOW TO WRITE THE AGENDA? WHAT TO DO AS A JOURNALIST? (AFTER CLASS) |
Bache/George/Bulmer 272 – 291 |
Session 15
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The EU Institutions 4: The European Parliament |
Bache/George/Bulmer, 292 - 313 |
Session 16
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The EU Institutions 5: The European Court of Justice & Institutional Review
EU POLL PROJECT POLLS DUE |
Bache/George/Bulmer 314 -329 |
Field Study Trip II to the European Parliament (Strasbourg). The workings and functions of the EP. |
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Session 17
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Field Trip Preparation
EU poll project analysis due
Agenda and Country profiles DUE
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Field Study Trip III: European Institutions in Western Europe
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Session 18 |
Field Trip Reflection |
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III. POLICY MAKING AND POLICY FIELDS OF THE EU: SELECTED EXAMPLES AND CONTEXTUALIZATION WITH THE MODEL EU |
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Session 19 |
Policies and Policy Making in the European Union: The European Policy Agenda – The EU Policy Process – Minor Policy Areas – Major Policy Areas
Field trip video blog due |
Bache/George/Bulmer, 347 - 369 |
Session 20 |
Model EU Policy Issue I/II: Topics defined by Model EU Presidency: Historical background – Topic overview - Specific Model EU Agenda items |
Bache/George/Bulmer, pages tba |
Session 21 |
Model EU Policy Issue I/II: Discussion of various country positions: Each country briefly presents its opinion – Different approaches – Possible Coalitions |
Policy Statements |
Session 22 |
Model EU Policy Issue III/IV: Topics defined by Model EU Presidency: Historical background – Overview of the area – Specific Model EU Agenda items |
Bache/George/Bulmer, pages tba |
Session 23 |
Model EU Policy Issue I/II: Discussion of various country positions: Each country briefly presents its opinion – Different approaches – Possible Coalitions |
Policy Statements |
Session 24 |
Model EU Focus: Joint proposals – Negotiations strategies – Using the media |
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Session 25 |
Exam 2 |
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Session 26 |
Field Trip Briefing: EU Member States: The preparation session is split up according to field trip, not classes Model EU: policy statement due
FOR JOINT PROPOSALS, WORKING GROUPS NEED TO SEND IN TOPICS AND LIST OF GROUP MEMBERS TO THE SECRETARIAT |
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Field Study Trip IV: Respective Trip Option |
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Session 27 |
Field Trip IV Reflection
DELEGATION AGENDA PROPOSALS NEED TO BE FINALIZED
PRESIDENCY AND SECRETARIAT MEETING: PROCEDURE |
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Session 28 |
Model EU Opening: Tour de Table – Final Setting of the Agenda – Coalition Caucuses |
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IV.CAPSTONE: MODEL EUROPEAN UNION SUMMIT |
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Session 29 |
Mock Debate on current topic in preparation for Model EU
Heads of Government / State have to prepare a short opening statement. |
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Session 30 |
Model EU |
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Session 31 |
Model EU |
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Session 32 |
Reflection on the term and the Model EU: The EU as a multinational composite product which is more than the sum of its parts: European Union – more than a least common denominator / European Union – more than just its member states combined |
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- Bache, Ian, Stephen George and Simon Bulmer (eds.). Politics in the European Union. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011³.
- Artis, Michael (ed.). The Economics of the European Union: Policy and Analysis. Oxford: University Press, 2007.
- Åslund, Anders (ed.). Europe after Enlargement. Cambridge: University Press, 2007.
- Bain, Jessica (ed.). European Union Identity: Perceptions from Asia and Europe. Baden-Baden: Nomos, 2007.
- Baldwin, Richard and Charles Wyplosz. The Economics of the European Union. Maidenhead: McGraw Hill, 2004.
- Bulmer, Simon and Christian Lequesne. The Member States of the European Union. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2005.
- Casarini, Nicola (ed.). European Foreign Policy in an Evolving International System: The Road Towards Convergence. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan, 2007.
- Dinan, Desmond. Europe Recast. A History of the European Union. Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2004.
- Dinan, Desmond. Ever Closer Union. An Introduction to European Integration. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2005³.
- El-Agraa, Ali M. (ed.). The European Union: Economics and Policies. Harlow: Prentice Hall, 20078.
- Fraser, Cameron. An Introduction to European Foreign Policy. London: Routledge, 2007.
- Giddens, Anthony. Europe in the Global Age. Cambridge: Polity Press, 2007.
- Hill, Christopher and Michael Smith. International Relations and the European Union. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2005.
- Hix, Simon. The Political System of the European Union. Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2005².
- Howorth, Jolyon. Security and Defence Policy in the European Union. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan, 2007.
- Judt, Tony. Postwar. A History of Europe Since 1945. New York: Penguin, 2005.
- Kohler-Koch, Beate (ed.). Debating the Democratic Legitimacy of the European Union. Lanman: Rowman & Littlefield, 2007.
- McCormick, John. The European Superpower. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan, 2007.
- Molle, Willem. European Cohesion Policy. London: Routledge, 2007.
- Neal, Larry. The Economics of Europe and the European Union. Cambridge: University Press, 2007.
- Nugent, Neil. The Government and Politics of the European Union. Basingstoke: Palgrave, 20066.
- Peterson, John and Michael Shackleton (eds.). The Institutions of the European Union. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2006².
- Rifkin, Jeremy. The European Dream. How Europe’s Vision of the Future Is Quietly Eclipsing the American Dream. New York: Jeremy Tarcher, 2004.
- Telò, Mario. Europe: A Civilian Power? European Union, Global Governance, World Order. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan, 2007.
- Wallace, Helen, William Wallace and Mark Pollack (eds.). Policy Making in the European Union. Oxford: Oxford UP, 20055.
- Weidenfeld, Werner. Understanding the European Constitution. Gütersloh: Bertelsmann Foundation, 2007.
- The first is an intensive introductory phase during which you will be learning about the history of the EU and look at two member states, Germany and Czech Republic, in more detail. You will visit these two member states on the first field trip. There will be a test about the material covered at the end of this phase.
- The second part begins with the twice weekly regular classes and is devoted to the institutional architecture of the EU as well as the four major EU decision-making institutions: the Council of the European Union, the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Court of Justice. During this phase, we will conduct an EU Poll project.
- The third section of the course provides an introduction to EU policy fields. It covers all policy fields discussed during the Model EU. First the background and historical development of these policies is discussed, before these are placed into context with current policies and politics in the EU. In addition to introducing the policy fields, students present their assigned country’s position on each field and discuss commonalities as well as differences between their various positions. Eventually, this section empowers students to find suitable partner delegations for joint proposals.
- Moreover, there are six classes integrated into the course which are devoted to the preparation of and reflection on the field-study trips. These classes are designed to ensure that students derive as much information and inspiration from the field-study lectures as possible and that they are able to connect their insights with the academic work, both classes and Model EU, in Freiburg.
- Provide country profiles
- Provide critical commentaries on the agenda items
- Evaluate the summit outcome