University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Template revised October 2005)
Code: UPPN5Q-15-M Title: European Governance Version: 1
Level: M UWE credit rating: 15 ECTS credit rating: 7.5
Module type: Project
Owning Faculty: SSH Field: Politics
Valid from: September 2008 Discontinued from:
Contributes towards: Awards up to MA
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Excluded combinations: None
Learning outcomes:
On completion of the module the typical student will be expected to:
• Demonstrate knowledge of, differentiate between and critically assess the validity of the main theoretical approaches to the study of European Governance (component A).
• Convincingly explain different modes of interaction between European regional organisations, states, non-state actors and markets and evaluate their consequences in specific national and sub-national contexts (component A).
• Compare and contrast contemporary policy dilemmas in European governance through analysis of relevant text sources (component A).
• Carry out individual research into approaches to European governance and effectively communicate findings from a particular example and case in writing (component A).
• Develop a critical analysis of a specific case locating key actors in the multi-level and polycentric institutional structure of the European Union (component A).
• Construct clear and persuasive arguments using a wide range of factual and scholarly material relating to the development of a European political order (component A).
Syllabus outline:
The module covers five main themes in the study of European Governance:
1. Theorising and conceptualising European governance – discussion of the contending approaches used to understand and explain the emergent system of regional rule–making, and the importance of analytical differences between governance thinking as related to integration–theory, EU public policy and corporate authority structures.
2. Understanding key policy dilemmas in European governance – focused analysis of policy variation in core areas with particular reference to changes in the distribution of control powers between EU institutions and the governments of the member states.
3. Compliance and enforcement of rules and regulations in the EU context – examination of the risks and opportunities as well as different political preconditions for intra– and interregional cooperation with special reference to the role of transnational actors and civil society.
4. Explanation of the continuing evolution of complex governance arrangements in the wider Europe – identification of a technocratic strategy of de-politicisation as part of enlargement and regional security arrangements which require and shape new institutions and mechanisms of conflict resolution.
5. Critical assessment of the practice of European governance – focused discussion of the work of authors who have linked the various elements of the module with normative considerations of good governance, accountability and legitimacy as well as organisational efficiency and effectiveness.
Teaching and learning methods:
The course is organised round a set of 12 of lectures which set the framework for students’ own interrogation of the relevant literature and the development of a case study proposal. Seminar groups will be used to help students focus on particular substantial and methodological issues within the overall subject field of the module. Seminar groups will aim to reflect student interests through a tutor chaired discussion (which will also involve group working where appropriate). Students are expected to carry out autonomous research in addition to directed work and the module is structured on this basis – self directed reading is expected to take up 60% of independent study time, and assignment preparation and completion 40 % of independent study time.
Reading Strategy:
Essential reading will be provided electronically or as printed study packs. Students will be encouraged to read widely using the library catalogue, a variety of bibliographic and full text databases, and Internet resources. Guidance to some key authors and journal titles available through the Library will be given on UWE Online. It is expected that assignment bibliographies and reference lists will reflect the range of reading carried out.
It is important that students can identify and retrieve appropriate reading. Throughout the module, students will attend seminars offering advice on the selection of appropriate databases and the development of search skills. There are some excellent books published in this subject area. Students will be encouraged to buy at least one book. A list of recommended titles will be provided in the Module Handbook and updated annually.
Indicative Reading List:
The following list is offered to provide validation panels/accrediting bodies with an indication of the type and level of information students may be expected to consult. As such, its currency may wane during the life span of the module specification. However, as indicated above, CURRENT advice on readings will be available via other more frequently updated mechanisms.
Books:
Bache, I. / Flinders, M. Multi–level Governance, OUP 2004
Bieler, A./ Morton, D. (eds) Social Forces in the Making of the New Europe, Palgrave 2001
De Bièvre, D. / Neuhold, C. (eds) Dynamics and Obstacles of European Governance, Elgar 2007
Hooghe, L. / Marks, G. MLG and European Integration, Rowman & Littlefield 2001
Kjaer, M. Governance, Polity 2004
Kohler–Koch, B. (ed.) Linking EU and National Governance, OUP 2003
Majone, G. Dilemmas of European Integration, OUP 2005
Maloney, W.A. / van Deth, J.W. (eds) Civil Society and Governance in Europe, Elgar 2008
Mattli, W. The Logic of Regional Integration, CUP 1999
Pierre, J. (ed) Debating Governance, OUP 2000
Scharpf, F.W. Governing in Europe, OUP 1999
Schimmelfennig, F. / Sedelmeier,U. The Europeanization of Central and Eastern Europe, Cornell 2005
Smith, K. The Making of EU Foreign Policy, Palgrave 2004
Telò, M. Europe: A Civilian Power? Palgrave 2007
Walzenbach, G. (ed.) European Governance, Ashgate 2006
Journals:
European Journal of International Relations
European Union Politics
International Organisation
Governance
Global Governance
Journal of European Integration
Journal of European Public Policy
Journal of Common Market Studies
Policy and Politics
West European Politics
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) n/a
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
1. case-study proposal (500-1000 words) 20%
Element weighting
2. supervised mini-project (3000 words) 80 %
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
1. case-study proposal (500-1000 words) 20%
Element weighting
2. supervised mini-project (3000 words) 80%
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is not required.
Specification confirmed by …Approved by Chair’s action on behalf of VARC……
Date …03/06/08……