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2025/2026  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 Business, Language and Area Studies
Course coordinator
  • Lindsay Whitfield - 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 16-05-2025

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, within the context of the global economy
  • Demonstrate an understanding of 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
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 The Assignment is released in Digital Exam (DE) at exam start
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. For the synopsis, students are offered a selection of questions and choose one for their synopsis.

 

The use of Generative AI (GenAI) tools or apps is not allowed for this exam
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. However, European countries have experienced secular stagnation and in the past decade fallen behind the US in terms of growth and competitiveness, as highlighted in the 2024 Draghi report. European industries also face increasing competitive pressures from Chinese firms, especially in new technologies. These developments notwithstanding, there exists significant diversity among European countries in the institutions and policies shaping their economies, industries and firms. This course examines the nature and content of the common challenges that European countries faces as well as their diversity, focusing on domestic and regional factors as well as the evolution of the global political economy.

 

The theory taught in PEES thereby derives principally from comparative political economy and its intersection with international political economy. It considers debates between mainstream macroeconomics, post-Keynesian economics, and neo-Schumpeterian economics, discussing the evolution of these economic idea and debates about them in historical context as well as in the contemporary period. The course also delves into specific country experiences and covers economic policies featuring in current European public debates.
Research-based teaching
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
  • Classic and basic theory
Research-like activities
  • Analysis
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
Description of the teaching methods
The course combines lectures with exercise classes in which the students discuss and debate the core readings through various types of activities.
Feedback during the teaching period
Students are encouraged to participate fully and constructively in two-way communication in the lectures and exercise classes. Student feedback will occur regularly throughout the course via exercise classes. 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 available on Canvas.
Last updated on 16-05-2025