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2016/2017  KAN-CMLMV1022U  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
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Min. participants 30
Max. participants 50
Study board
Study Board for MA in International Business Communication
Course coordinator
  • Kristian L. Nielsen - Department of Management, Society and Communication (MSC)
Main academic disciplines
  • International political economy
  • Political leadership and public management
  • Political Science
Last updated on 29-02-2016
Learning objectives
To achieve the grade 12, students should meet the following learning objectives with no or only minor mistakes or errors: 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:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 15 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 Winter
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.
Student workload
Classes 25 hours
Preparation for classes 130 hours
Final paper 50 hours
Further Information

Changes in course schedule may occur
Tuesday 09.50-11.30, week 36-41, 43-48
Expected literature

Reading list:

  • John Vogler, Richard G. Whitman, Charlotte Bretherton, The External Policies of the European Union, (London: Palgrave-MacMillan, 2016).
  • 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. 
Last updated on 29-02-2016