Programme overview and aims

EU institutions and policy-making processes are no more complicated those located at the national level. However, a number of factors reinforce the perception that the EU is disconnected from the citizens, and that it simply imposes its will on member states.

The module aims to: *Develop an understanding of EU policy processes; *Explore the main theoretical approaches associated with EU decision-making dynamics and policy processes; *Examine the relative importance of the actors involved in EU policy-making; offer an in-depth understanding of a series of EU policy areas (trade, agriculture, environmental protection, justice, and others); *Analyse the relevance of theoretical approaches to the realities of EU policy-making.

The module requires active participation from the students. You are expected to keep up with the readings and engage in the discussions. Please check the module’s Moodle pages for further information about the programme.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, you should be able to: *Describe the workings of EU policy processes; critically discuss the key characteristics of EU policy processes; *Assess the relative merit of the main actors involved in the dynamics of EU policy-making; analyse in-depth, both orally and in writing, at least two policy sectors and be able to understand their dynamics in terms of EU policy-making processes.

Timetabled teaching activities

1 x lecture and 1 x seminar per week for 2 terms. Revision schedule in term 3.