STV2500 - EU decision-making processes and policy areas
Course content
The European Union (EU) has increasingly become a political system in its own right, and with the eastern enlargement it is also becoming more all-European. A wide range of theories are now applied to understand “what is going on” in the EU.
The first part of the course gives an introduction to key theoretical perspectives on the EU and addresses important aspects of EU decision-making processes, in terms of democracy as well as of power. We will discuss the alleged democratic deficit and see how political parties behave at the European level.
In the second part of the course we take a closer look at five key policy areas in the EU. At present, the following topics are covered (the chosen policy areas are subject to change between semesters):
• The enlargement process
• Economic integration
• Agricultural and food safety policies
• External relations
• Climate policy
Learning outcome
The course is designed to expand the students’ knowledge of the European Union (EU) theoretically as well as empirically. Empirically, the aim is to give students in-depth knowledge of key policy areas in the EU and a deeper understanding of how the EU qua system works. Theoretically, the aim is to help students reflect critically over the causes and outcomes of European integration, and to show how political science theory can be used across levels.
Admission
Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.
International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Higher Education Entrance Qualification.
Recommended previous knowledge
Students should be familiar with the EU institutions and have basic knowledge of integration theory. This may be achieved by taking one of the following courses: STV1201 EU som politisk system, HIS2372 Fra Marshallplan til Maastricht, EAS1000 EU-systemet og EU-landenes europapolitikk, or STV1200 Internasjonal politikk (innføring).
Teaching
Teaching takes place throughout the semester. There will be a total of 10 lectures (each of 2 hours duration).
Examination
A four hour written exam.
Examination support material
Students may use a dictionary during the exam. The dictionary is to be handed in to the reception at the Department of Political Science (seventh floor, Eilert Sundts hus) at the latest two business days before the day of the exam.
Language of examination
It is generally possible to submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Regulations for justification of examination results and appeals
Resit an examination
You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam.
Special examination arrangements
If you have a disability or a health problem that entails significant inconvenience in an examination situation, you may be considered for special examination arrangements. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.
Evaluation
Feedback from our students is essential to us in our efforts to ensure and further improve the high quality of our programmes and courses. All courses are subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students on a particular course to participate in a more comprehensive, periodic evaluation of this course.