ST-419 History, institutions and policies of European integration (Summer semester) (Autumn 2026)
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Course Leader:
- Stefan Gänzle
- Lecture Semester:
- Autumn and Summer
- Teaching language:
- English
- Duration:
- ½ year
Table of contents
The course is connected to the following study programs
- European Integration, 1-semester Programme
- Master's Programme in Political Science and Management
Teaching language
English
Recommended previous knowledge
Introductory knowledge of EU politics is recommended (e.g. ST-202). Alternatively, students are advised to prepare using John McCormick, Understanding the European Union: A Concise Introduction (Palgrave, 2025) and Michele Cini & Nieves Pérez-Solórzano Borragán (eds.), European Union Politics (Oxford University Press, 2025).
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- describe the drivers and motives behind the process of European integration
- explain the functioning of European Union policies, the organisational structure of EU institutions, and their interaction with the Member States
- distinguish between key concepts and theories of European integration and apply relevant analytical tools
- critically assess established approaches as well as alternative and dissenting perspectives
Contents
The course examines core features of the European Union as a political system and covers, inter alia:
- the history of European (differentiated) integration, with particular emphasis on developments since 1951
- cultural, socio-economic, legal, and political dimensions of European integration
- theories of regional integration, with a focus on Europe
- EU institutions and Member States
- decision-making and policymaking processes in the European Union
- selected EU policy areas, including the Economic and Monetary Union
- future perspectives of European differentiated integration and disintegration
Teaching and learning methods
The course is offered during the summer term and is based on lectures, seminars, and group work. Active participation is expected. Total workload is estimated at 270 hours.
Examination requirements
Minimum 80% attendance.
Examinations
Five hour written examination with graded assessment. Graded A-F.
Student evaluation
The person responsible for the course decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.
Offered as a free-standing course
Yes, subject to capacity.
Reduction of Credits
This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:
| Course | Reduction of Credits |
|---|---|
| ST-401 – History, Institutions and Policies of the European Integration. | 10 |
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem)
Oct. 15, 2026 2:43:47 PM