PS 439G: THE POLITICS OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

Fall 1999  CB 220  12:30-1:45

Dr. Matthew GabelOffice:POT 1631
e-mail:mjgabe1@pop.uky.eduOffice Hours: Tues. 2:00-3:30
Wed. 10:30-12

Purpose of the Course

This course is designed to provide a general understanding of the European economic and political integration that is represented by the European Union (EU).European integration is an important component of contemporary international relations and international political economy.For example, in ethnic violence in Eastern Europe, the EU foreign policy institutions has spear-headed diplomatic and military responses (in connection with NATO).The EU is also the largest market in the world economy and as such plays a major role in international economic and political relations.And, if current plans for a single EU currency are realized, this influence on international political economy is likely to grow further.
Beyond its relevance for current international economics and politics, European integration is interesting because it is a unique response to international conflict, representing an unprecedented degree of pooled sovereignty among European nations.Consequently, the process of European integration is possibly the most important post-war political development in Western Europe.

Course Organization

The Course is divided into three parts.The first section of the course will focus on the history of European integration and the policies for which the EU is responsible.This will provide a basic introduction to what the EU is, what it does, and the process of political integration.The second part of the course will focus on the institutions of the EU and process of supranational governance.We will pay particular attention to how the development of EU law has promoted political integration. The third section draws on the first two sections to examine two currently important issues regarding the future of European integration:the EU’s role in world security and the representation of interests in the EU political system.

Requirements

Each student will also write a research paper (3500-4000 words).The research paper will compare or contrast an aspect of European integration with a similar aspect of American political development.For example, one could write about the US experience with the creation of a single currency (the Greenback) in the 19th century and how that compares with the current EU efforts at economic and monetary union.Paper topics must be approved by the professor.

Students sit three exams.Also, students will complete in-class assignments that may or may not be graded.

The weighting of the final grade is as follows:

First exam: 20%

Second exam: 20%

Final exam: 20%

Paper: 20%

Class assignments/ participation: 20%

*Note that make-up exams will only be given under extraordinary circumstances

Cheating and Plagiarism:According to University Rules, the minimum punishment for

cheating or plagiarism is an "E".

For further information on definitions of cheating and plagiarism and on university policies on grading and absences, see the university document at http://www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/Code/part2.html .

Readings

1.The following books are available in the bookstore:

The Political System of the European Union. Simon Hix.1999.MacMillan Press.

Ever Closer Union. Douglas Dinan. 1999. MacMillanPress.

The European Court of Justice. Renaud Dehousse.1998. MacMillan Press.

Global Europe. Christopher Piening.1997. Lynne Reinner Press.

2.Students are encouraged follow contemporary events in the European Union. Probably the best two sources of current news on the EU are The Economist magazine and the Financial Times.I will make heavily discounted subscriptions to the Financial Times available to students.Also, the Financial Times is available on the web (for free) at www.ft.com.



Tentative Schedule


 
Date 
Topic
Reading
August 26
Introduction
Dinan, Introduction
August 31
no class
September 2
A Brief History of Modern Europe
Dinan, introduction
September 7
Post War Europe 
Dinan, 1-7; Piening ch. 1
September 9
A Brief History of European Integration
Hix, 1 
September 14-23
Policy Integration
Hix, 8,10-13
Dinan, 12-16
September 28
Exam
September 30-
October 7
Executive Politics
Hix, 2; Dinan 8
*paper topic due Oct. 7
October 12-19
Legislative Politics
Hix, 3, 10; Dinan 9-10 problem set
October 21-
November 2
Judicial Politics 
Hix, 4; Dinan, 11
November 4
exam II
November 9-16
Representation of interests in the EU
Hix, chs. 5-7
November 18-30
The Role of the EU in International Relations
Hix, 12; Piening; Dinan, 17-18
December 2-9
The Future of European Integration
*paper due December 9
Dec 14 (10:30)
Final Exam