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2018/2019  BA-BEUBV1001U  Foreign Policy of the European Union

English Title
Foreign Policy of the European Union

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Autumn, Spring
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Max. participants 60
Study board
Study Board for Bachelor of Arts in European Business
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
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 19-02-2018

Relevant links
Learning objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
  • Understand the major debates about EU actorness and the various forms of EU power and their application;
  • Demonstrate knowledge of EU policies towards neighbouring regions;
  • Demonstrate knowledge of some of the key EU policies in a number of areas;
  • Critically evaluate EU positions on some key issues in current international politics;
  • Understand the dynamics of some of the EU's major bilateral relationships with other powers;
  • Discuss the basis for the critique that EU foreign policy is too ineffective;
  • Write a fully-referenced paper based on the course themes;
  • Formulate a research question relating to the course themes, and employ theory as appropriate.
Course prerequisites
A working knowledge of European integration and the main EU institutions is preferable.
Examination
Foreign Policy of the European Union:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
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 Winter and Summer
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 across a range of the most important policy fields. In doing so, it discusses to what extent the EU is emerging as a proper actor in the international system. The course also examines the EU's position on some of the major issues of current international politics, as well as some of its bilateral relationships with other powers.
Description of the teaching methods
The course will consist of teacher’s presentations and active classroom discussions. Students are expected to participate actively in these activities based on the reading material.
Feedback during the teaching period
Students will receive feedback on their paper outlines and problem statements, as well as suggestions for improvements, either by e-mail or, if needed, through one-on-one meetings. There will also be in-class discussions on paper writing.
Students are also welcome to seek additional feedback on the paper after the assessment.
Student workload
Classes 36 hours
Preparation for classes 130 hours
Final paper 40 hours
Expected literature

Christopher Hill, Michael Smith, Sophie Vanhoonacker (eds.), International Relations and the European Union, 3rd edition, 2017. 

Selected articles and documents.

NB: This is a preliminary list, and may be subject to change before the course starts. Make sure to check the course website in Learn.
Last updated on 19-02-2018