166-544 The EU and Globalisation

Admission to the MIP one year program

This subject focuses on current debates on European Integration and Globalisation. It introduces students to concepts of integration, multi-level governance, polity, globalisation and social model. It applies these concepts to contemporary analytical debates and public discourses on the EU's political development and external reach. It examines the stance of political scientists, sociologists, economists and legal scholars regarding the EU's usefulness as a model of integration. It scrutinises divergent conceptions of the EU and its political development. It examines globalisation's central place in narratives of EU development. The role of the EU as a 'metrosexual superpower', a civilian power and debates about soft and hard power are critically examined. The EU role as environmental leader and the EU Constitution are critically assessed. The implications in the changes in the transatlantic relationship and EU relations with Australia and the Asia Pacific are examined. It is expected that the value of interdisciplinary analysis will be illustrated.

• be able to demonstrate competence in critical, creative and theoretical thinking through essay writing, seminar discussion and presentations, conceptualising theoretical problems, forming judgements and arguments from conflicting evidence, and by critical analysis;

• be able to demonstrate proficiency in the application of selected methods of analysis of international politics;

• be able to demonstrate an understanding of the academic protocols of research and presentation.

A research essay of 5000 words 100% (due during the examination period).

A reader will be provided.