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2023/2024  BA-BEBUO1012U  Political Economy of European States

English Title
Political Economy of European States

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory (also offered as elective)
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for BSc in European Business
Course coordinator
  • Kevin McGovern - Department of Management, Society and Communication (MSC)
Main academic disciplines
  • International political economy
  • Political leadership and public management
  • Political Science
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 23-06-2023

Relevant links
Learning objectives
  • Demonstrate knowledge of institutional diversity in the political economy of selected European states
  • Understand the complexity of challenges facing European societies and diverse policy responses
  • Define a relevant problem based on a policy area taught in the course
  • Critically relate to theories and concepts taught in the course
  • Conduct an independent analysis drawing upon a range of sources
  • Communicate and discuss the results clearly, using appropriate terms and concepts
  • Show awareness of the economic, political and social issues of policy choices
Course prerequisites
In order to take the course, participants must be familiar with processes of European integration and the EU policy framework (recommended reading: Bulmer et al: Politics in the European Union 2020 5th edition OUP), as well as basic macroeconomic concepts and principles.
Examination
Political Economy of European States:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Oral exam based on written product

In order to participate in the oral exam, the written product must be handed in before the oral exam; by the set deadline. The grade is based on an overall assessment of the written product and the individual oral performance, see also the rules about examination forms in the programme regulations.
Individual or group exam Individual oral exam based on written group product
Number of people in the group 2-3
Size of written product Max. 3 pages
Assignment type Synopsis
Release of assignment Subject chosen by students themselves, see guidelines if any
Duration
Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
30 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and external examiner
Exam period Winter
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
If a student participated in writing a group synopsis but was sick at the time of the oral examination, the re-examination will be based on a resubmission of the original group synopsis.

If a student participated in writing a group synopsis, but did not pass the examination, the student can choose either to resubmit the original group synopsis or to write a new, individual synopsis within a specified time period.
Description of the exam procedure

A period of three weeks is allowed to write the synopsis. Students select a topic based on a policy area within the framework of the course.

 
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

In recent decades Europe has undergone a process of market integration and harmonization in economic governance and the regulation of business. These developments notwithstanding, there exists significant diversity between states in the institutions and policies that frame economic activity. For example, the institutions and policies of macroeconomic governance, labour market regulation and welfare policies, corporate governance and ownership, the regulation and structure of financial markets, and the development of immigration policy.

 

This course examines the nature and content of such institutional diversity between European states, as well as the economic, historical, political and cultural factors that underpin commonalities and differences in the political economy of European states. With regard to theoretical and empirical approaches, the course builds upon the second semester course ‘Denmark in a comparative perspective’. The theory taught in PEES thereby derives principally from comparative political economy, but supplemented by specific theories, frameworks and concepts relevant to individual policy areas.  Despite significant differences in the range of theoretical perspectives in the course, there is a shared focus on political and economic institutions, and how these affect the organization of economic activity in European states. The course attaches importance to critical reflection on both theories and policy choices, and the economic, political and social implications thereof. Empirically, the course focusses on institutional and policy differences between some of the largest economies in Europe, for example Germany, France, Spain, and the UK, as well as selected countries in Eastern Europe. Policy areas selected will be some of the most important to companies active in these national markets.
Description of the teaching methods
The course utilizes blended learning, consisting of a combination of on-campus and online pre-recorded lectures, and on-campus exercise classes, with the latter organized around student presentations of relevant academic texts, articles and official publications, as well as class discussions of selected topics. There will also be specific online feedback on assignments, occasional online exercises and additional sources on Canvas. Students work collaboratively in the preparation of presentations, assignments and the exam synopsis.
Feedback during the teaching period
Student feedback will occur regularly throughout the course via exercise classes, in which there will be weekly presentations by students as well as set questions on the texts. Written online feedback is provided on the slides students prepare for their presentations in class, as well as direct feedback on the oral performance. Students also submit a draft of the introduction and research question for their exam topic, and receive online written feedback.

Students are encouraged to participate fully and constructively in two-way communication in exercise classes, and as far as possible lectures too. Students are welcome to take advantage of office hours for a one-to-one dialogue with lecturers.
Student workload
Lectures 24 hours
Classes 22 hours
Preparation for classes 130 hours
Expected literature

Details of literature will be provided in the course plan at the start of the semester.
Last updated on 23-06-2023