2013/2014  KAN-MLM_70  The European Union as an International Actor – Themes and Debates

English Title

The European Union as an International Actor – Themes and Debates

Course information
Language	English
Exam ECTS	7.5 ECTS
Type	Elective
Level	Full Degree Master
Duration	One Semester
Course period	Autumn Monday 13.30-15.10, week 37-41, 43-49 Changes in course schedeule may occur
Time Table	Please see course schedule at e-Campus
Min. participants	30
Max. participants	40
Study board	Study Board for MA in International Business Communication
Course coordinator
Kristian L. Nielsen - Department of International Business Communication (IBC)
Main academic disciplines
International Political Economy International Politics Political Science Political leadership, public management and international politics
Last updated on 26-06-2013

Learning objectives

Upon completing this course, students should be able to: Show understanding of the major debates relating to EU actorness and presence in the international system; Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of EU power, and the means by which it acts; Discuss the major recurring themes in EU foreign policy and the constraints it operates under; Relate these themes to current affairs and use them as tools for analysis; Formulate a research topic relating to these themes, including the appropriate use of theory; Write a fully-referenced research paper on the course's themes

Course prerequisites

A general working knowledge of the European Union’s history and institutions is desirable.

Examination

The European Union as an International Actor – Themes and Debates: Examination form Home assignment - written product Individual or group exam Individual Size of written product Max. 10 pages Assignment type Written assignment Duration Written product to be submitted on specified date and time. Grading scale 7-step scale Examiner(s) One internal examiner Exam period December/January Make-up exam/re-exam Same examination form as the ordinary exam

Course content and structure

This course considers the external relations of the European Union. It focuses particularly on the major debates about EU ‘actorness’ in the international system, and on the political and institutional constraints under which EU foreign policy operates. The course also focuses on issues such as the form of influence the EU exerts and how, and discusses the nature of EU power.

Teaching methods

The course will consist of teacher’s presentations, coupled with active discussions. Students are expected to participate actively in these discussions based on the reading material.

Expected literature

Reading list: Christopher Hill & Michael Smith (eds.), International Relations and the European Union, 2nd. edition, (Oxford: OUP, 2011). Selection of articles NB: This is a preliminary list, and no literature should be purchased before the final course syllabus has been published in LEARN.