2012/2013  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 36-41, 43-47 Changes in course schedeule may occur
Time Table	Please see course schedule at e-Campus
Study board	Study Board for MA in International Business Communication
Course coordinator
Kristian Lau Nielsen - Department of International Business Communication
Main Category of the Course
International Political Economy International Politics Political Science Political leadership, public management and international politics
Last updated on 14-08-2012

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

Prerequisite

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

Research paper: Type of test Home Assignment Marking scale 7-step scale Second examiner No second examiner Exam period December/January Aids Please, see the detailed regulations below Duration Please, see the detailed regulations below

Examination

Research paper, free choice of topic, 12 standard pages (2275 characters/page). The paper deadline is at noon on the 17th of December, in the Student Hub at SP. Deadline for the re-exam is at noon on the 4th of February. Please check the dates in the exam plan.

Course content

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 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