Undergraduate Course: EU as Global Actor (PLIT10062)
Course Outline
| School | School of Social and Political Science |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | The precise nature of the European Union (EU) remains problematic for traditional explanations of international relations. The EU is neither a state nor an international organization. This course investigates the politics and legal measures that determine the extent to which the EU is a global actor. The course introduces theoretical and conceptual approaches to understanding the EU as a global actor. The course introduces theoretical and conceptual approaches to understanding the EU as a global actor. These theories and concepts are evaluated in a variety of international policy areas: trade/economic policy, development/humanitarian assistance policy, the Common Foreign and Security Policy, and Common Security and Defence policy. The course also explores the EUs varied relations with other major powers: the United States, Russia and China/Asia. |
| Course description |
The precise nature of the European Union (EU) has long been in question in international affairs. Non-members have had difficulty understanding and dealing with such an actor that is neither a traditional state nor an intergovernmental international organization. While the EU has significant decision-making authority in certain policy areas, it lacks influence in others. This mix of competencies in external relations can confuse non-members and strain relations among EU member states and the Union's supranational institutions. This course will investigate the complexities of the EU's role and authority in international affairs across different substantive policy areas and its relations with peripheries and other actors.
Outline Content:
Section 1: Theory and Concepts
Section 2: Empirical application of central concepts across multiple policy areas
Section 3: Conclusions
Student Learning Experience:
This is an MA (Honours) Politics and IR option course lasting one semester only. Students are expected to attend one lecture and one seminar each week. Lectures and seminars are scheduled to last for one hour each. Students must make at least one oral presentation in seminars. All students are expected to prepare and participate actively in discussions
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should have at least 4 Politics/International Relations courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this). We will only consider University/College level courses.
** as numbers are limited, visiting students should contact the Visiting Student Office directly for admission to this course **
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| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- understand the significance of the European Union (EU) as an actor in international affairs.
- acquire knowledge of various conceptual approaches to understanding the EU in international affairs.
- determine the most important obstacles to the EU's exercise and enhancement of its external authority.
- understand the role of EU member states, institutions, and non-Union third parties in the development and exercise of the EU's external authority.
- compare the EU's external authority across several substantive policy areas and relations with its peripheries and other actors.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Special Arrangements |
This course has a quota. Preference will be given to Politics and International Relations students. |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Chad Damro
Tel: (0131 6)50 6698
Email: |
Course secretary | Miss Claire Buchan
Tel: (0131 6)51 5067
Email: |
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