Economics/Political Science: European Union

The course is designed to introduce students to the history, the political institutions, and the political economy of the European Union. Whenever possible, we shall compare the Union's institutional arrangements and its political economy to that of the United States. Topics will include the theory of economic integration, fiscal federalism, contemporary decision making in the Union, and assessment of democratic institutions in Europe. Also, we will discuss and study important and contemporary debated questions such as the monetary union, trade policies, environmental and enlargement policies, etc. Each class will be a mixture of lecture and
discussion, with occasional video and other media presentations. The lectures complete, but do not replace, the reading of the material suggested in every topic. During the course, it is strongly recommended to pay attention to the news about the European Union as they appear in national or international media.

1. Introduction:
a. Key Facts and Figures About Europe and the Europeans
b. History: From the Early Post-War Period to the Eastern Enlargement

2. Institutions and Integration:
a. Law, Institutions, and Decision Making
b. The Economics of Preferential Trading Areas and Regional Integration
c. The Budget

3. Common Policies:
a. Common Agricultural Policy
b. Competition and State Aid Policy
c. Economic Geography: Regional and Social Policies
d. Monetary Integration: History and Principles

4. Present and Future:
a. Negotiating with International Customers, Partners, and Regulators
b. Future of the E.U.: Problems and Challenges

Bibliography:
See References In:
1. http://europa.eu/index_en.htm
2. http://eup.sagepub.com/
3. http://www.eurunion.org/profile/facts.htm
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_the_European_Union
5. http://www.euractiv.com/en/euro
6. http://biblioteca.universia.net/html_bura/ficha/params/id/22509572.html