Professor Andreas Bieler and Dr Simona Guerra, School of Politics

This module seeks to provide students with an understanding of the rationale and key stages of European integration, as well as of the institutions of the European Union and its functioning. Topics covered will include an overview of the History of European integration, key approaches to integration, the main institutions (Council, Commission, Court of Justice, European Parliament) as well as several policy areas (foreign policy, monetary policy, enlargement). Recent developments including the 2008 Treaty of Lisbon will be covered as will be the debates about the alleged democratic deficit of the EU.