Ramon Llull University - Barcelona
IQS School of Business (AACSB Accredited)
Forum-Nexus Program
Undergraduate Division
Introduction
Comprising 27 countries with a combined population of almost 500 million people, the European Union generates about one third of the world's economic output. The EU constitutes today a highly complex supragovernmental organization, with its own institutions and a complex policy-making system. Facing tremendous challenges brought about by the integration of a large number of new members, capitalizing on opportunities stemming from economic integration and being an emerging force in international politics, the European Union is a uniquely interesting topic for students of all majors.
Course Description
This course provides an inter-disciplinary overview of the history, evolution and current challenges facing the European Union. It focuses on the economic and political rationale for closer integration, on the difficulties of reconciling sharply different cultural, legal and political traditions, on the stresses caused by immigration and enlargement, and on the recent challenges presented by the global economic and financial crisis.
The course puts a strong emphasis on practical applications in real world business and professional situations. This practical dimension will be enhanced through exercises, cases, workshops and visits to leading European companies and organizations. Each visit will expose the participants to different aspects of the class and will highlight the practical relevance of the concepts learned.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
Understand the lessons of European history that led to the creation of the European Union.
Be familiar with the political and economic factors that led to the various stages of EU enlargement.
Identify the main characteristics of each of the unofficial 'blocs' within the EU: Northern countries, Southern countries, Eastern countries.
Understand the role of the main institutions of the EU.
Reflect on the current challenges facing the EU: further enlargements, immigration, foreign policy, economic stagnation.
Develop an understanding of the importance of the Euro and the role of the European Central Bank.
Be familiar with the impact of the historical rivalries and alliances among France, Germany and Britain in determining the direction and pace of the European integration process.
Understand the spectrum of prevailing attitudes towards the EU in Spain, France, Switzerland, Italy and Greece.
Course Requirements
The course requires active student participation. Students are expected to read the assigned textbook chapters and articles before every class. Punctual attendance is required. There will be a midterm exam, a final exam and a team project. Each student is required to participate in a minimum of four professional visits.
Teaching Procedures and Methodology
Teaching methods used in this course include lectures, discussions, team assignments, and professional visits. Learning in this course requires the student's constructive participation and active involvement in both class discussions and small group discussions. Small group discussions, in particular, are a key mechanism for facilitating learning from other team members. Thus, it is essential to attend all group activities inside and outside classes. The professional visits will expose the participants to different aspects of the class and will highlight the practical relevance of the concepts learned. The visits will be accompanied by individual or group assignments.
Required Textbook
"Understanding the European Union", by John McCormick, Palgrave Macmillan, 4th Ed., 2008
Team Project
The Eastern European countries constitute the bulk of the newest members of the European Union and are those that have faced the most dramatic challenges and changes. At the same time they are the countries that offer the most interesting prospects for economic growth opportunities. Teams will consist of 3-4 students and will be formed on the first day of class.
Each team will select three Eastern European countries that have joined the European Union in 2004. The group will then compare and contrast the similarities and differences in the countries' economic and political performance in three distinct phases.
Phase 1: 1989-2004
Investigate what political and economic policy changes each of these countries had to introduce in order to fulfill the admission requirements of the EU. Take into consideration their economic heritage as socialist economies and totalitarian political systems, being part of or heavily controlled by the Soviet Union. Assess the process of introducing free-market reforms as well as a democratic political system.
Phase 2: 2004-2008
Assess the progress made and challenges faced by each country in the first four years of membership, focusing on the economic and political dimensions.
Phase 3: 2008-Present
Investigate the economic performance and political landscape in each country under the heavy burden of the global economic crisis. Which countries have been better able to deal with the crisis? Why?
The project report should be between 6 and 8 pages long (Font: Arial, 12; Line Spacing: 1.5).
Components of Final Grade
Midterm exam
20%
Final exam
30%
Team project
25%
Assignments
15%
Class participation
10%
Grading Scale
93-100%
A
90-92.9%
A-
87-89.9%
B+
83-86.9%
B
80-82.9%
B-
77-79.9%
C+
73-76.9%
C
70-72.9%
C-
67-69.9%
D+
63-66.9%
D
60-62.9%
D-
below 60%
F
Course Outline
Module 1
The lessons of European history.
The evolution of European integration.
The impact of the 2008-2009 global economic crisis on the EU.
Economic, political and social conditions in Italy and Germany.
Italian and German attitudes towards the EU.
The European Commission.
The Council of Ministers.
The European Parliament.
The European Court of Justice.
The Treaty of Rome.
The Maastricht treaty.
The costs and benefits of European integration.
Characteristics and impact of the Single Market Program
Module 2
Understanding cultural differences within the EU.
Economic, political and social conditions in France.
French attitudes towards the EU.
The changing membership of the EU.
The growing importance of Eastern Europe.
The debate over Turkey's admission to the EU.
The EU and the World Trade Organization.
Labor movement and immigration in the EU.
The changing pattern of immigration over the years.
The Schengen Agreement.
Moslem minorities in the EU: Assimilation and marginalization.
Midterm exam.
Module 3
Economic, political and social conditions in Spain.
Spanish attitudes towards the EU.
The Euro and the long road to monetary union.
The European Central Bank.
The future of the Euro.
European protectionism and the Common Agricultural Policy.
EU foreign policy.
EU foreign aid.
Environmental policies.
The Lisbon strategy.
The Mediterranean policy.
The Constitutional treaty
Module 4
Economic, political and social conditions in the UK.
EU relations with the US.
EU relations with Latin America.
EU relations with Mediterranean countries.
EU relations with Russia.
EU relations with Asia.
EU relations with NATO.
Social and Employment policies.
Competition and industrial policies.
The future of EU enlargement.
Final exam
Schedule of Classes and Professional Visits
The detailed schedule of classes and professional visits for each session is available online at www.forum-nexus.com/schedules Please note that this course will be offered as a Section 1 class.
Academic Integrity
The Ramon Llull University places a high value on the integrity, good conduct and academic honesty of all students. Students are expected to maintain high standards of academic integrity at all times. Any instance of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, will result in a grade of F for the course.
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