The European Parliament brings together 751 MEPs from 28 EU member states. Initially just a talking shop, the EP is nowadays arguably one of the most powerful legislatures in the world. Decision-making in the Parliament is in turn based on interaction between committees and party groups. The objective of this course is to understand behavior and political dynamics in the Parliament.

The course consists of introductory lectures and seminars where students are expected to carry out empirical research on parliamentary behaviour. In the seminars the students must produce both an essay and an oral presentation on a particular aspect of the Parliament's work. 

Attendance is compulsory throughout the course.

Email registration to tapio.raunio@uta.fi by March 13 essential