MA Political Science - European Politics & Policy Pathway (Standard Route)

The course unit aims to:

1. Explore the political theory of the European Union by applying standards of normative assessment to the social, political and economic institutions that have formed at a supranational level in Europe
2. Develop students’ research skills.
3. Develop students’ capacities for collaborative work and group learning.

• Knowledge and Understanding: Understand the key concepts in political theory (legitimacy, democracy, justice), gain detailed knowledge of the patterns of European integration and their normative significance.
• Intellectual skills: understand the interplay of political, social, economic, social, and legal factors shaping European integration and evaluate them from the standpoint of normative political theory
• Practical skills: develop further their research and argumentation skills through writing a ‘response comment’ and a research paper.
• Transferable skills and personal qualities: design, plan and write a substantial research project in the form of a research essay.

• Following a brief introductory session, the course will be taught on the basis of ten two hour seminars. The course will be taught around key readings.
• Seminars will require active learning and participation by students both via plenary discussion and small group work. There will also be small group discussions (break-out rooms etc.) around core texts throughout the seminars, giving students the opportunity to engage in sustained philosophical discussions.