PPR331: The European Union and the World

Tutor: Basil Germond
Term: Not available 2013/14

Course Description

This course introduces students to the external dimension of the European Union's politics and policies with a particular emphasis on security aspects. It comprehensively discusses the EU's foreign and security policies. It explores various aspects of the EU's encounter with the external world, including peace operations in the Balkans and Africa, the struggle against piracy at the Horn of Africa, counter immigration in the Mediterranean, transatlantic relations, EU-China relations, and EU's reactions to 2011 North African events. Finally, it considers the limitations to the EU's power, and questions the Union's achievements as a security actor.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

• Understand and critically assess the EU's role, leverage and activities as a global actor;
• Understand and critically assess the scope, successes and failures of the EU's foreign and security policies and activities;
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the EU as a global actor;
• Develop an analytical and interpretative framework within which to situate ongoing issues regarding the EU as a global actor;
• Demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical awareness of established debates, theoretical literature and emerging insights in the field;
• Be able to review and assess the major texts/thinkers in the field (demonstrated through verbal and written assessment) and to articulate their own position in relation to the thinkers/themes/key concepts/debates of the course;
• Demonstrate they have acquired presentational and organisational skills through the seminar component of the course;

Assessment

40% coursework and 60% exam.
Coursework: 1 essay of 3000 words. Exam: 2 hours.

Teaching Method

Lecture (1.5 hours) and seminar (1 hour) weekly.

Introductory Reading

C Bretherton & J Vogler The European Union as a Global Actor

S Biscop & J Andersson The EU and The European Security Strategy

J Howorth Security and Defence Policy in the European Union

K Smith European Union Foreign Policy in a Changing World.

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