This lecture course gives the students a good overview of theories of European integration, an understanding of how theories have developed, and an insight in how they can be applied and used in analysing the EUs external relations, notably foreign, security and defence policy. The course will both strengthen the students ability to think theoretically and their empirical knowledge about European integration. It also gives opportunities to read and interpret relevant documents and apply the analytical tools to the understanding of timely events.

Draft programme: 

17.3. Introduction

19.3. Functionalism and federalism

24.3. Realism, intergovernmentalism

26.3. Constructivism

31.3. Constructivism, 'hands-on' exercise

9.4. Explaining enlargement

14.4. The EU as a strategic actor

16.4. Inter-organisational relations

21.4. The EU as a normative power

23.4. Explaining disintegration; conclusions

For 5 ECTS, the students are expected to participate actively in the lectures, including a hands-on group work session, familiarize themselves with the materials distributed during the course, and write a learning diary (6-7 pages) as well as an essay (8-10) on a topic agreed with the teacher. More instructions will be provided during the first lecture.

Students of the RES programme can use this course to compensate RES11.