The European Union: Origins, Evolution and Impact

The course provides an analysis of the emergence and development of the European Union from the aftermarth of World War II to the present. The forces, the events, and the individuals that have shaped the European Union (EU) up to now will be presented together with the strenght and weaknesses of this project. The EU is the most interesting political entity in history beyond the nation-state trying to reconcile national and supranational interests and values – EU‘s motto is: "Unity in diversity", in varietate concordia. The common currency and a common trade policy have not been met by a common foreign and security policy, or a common tax or immigration policy. The EU project is still in the making. The EU is a controversial political-economic entity facing challenges as showed by the events in its recent past: the failed constitutionalization process; the eurozone debt crisis; Brexit; and the immigration crisis. From the European Economic Community to the Singel Market, from the Maastricht Treaty to the euro the course will show the evolution, the institutions, the interests, and the powers of the EU.

3 credit hours. Pre-requisites: POL 101 or IA 100.