Bachelor
2026/2027
Integration Processes in Europe
Type:
Elective course (International Programme 'International Relations and Global Studies')
Delivered by:
Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs
When:
2 year, 1, 2 module
Open to:
students of one campus
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
3
Contact hours:
40
Course Syllabus
Abstract
This course introduces the origins, dynamics, and results of European integration. We track how the idea of integration has changed over time and why.
Classes cover key developments in economics, security, politics, society and culture that pushed states toward closer cooperation. We move in clear historical order from early cooperation to the most recent steps.
Learning Objectives
- The course aims to initiate a systematic and holistic view on the EU, its historical development, principal institutions, key policy areas, decision-making procedures and future development.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- To describe the role of the EIB, the Committee of regions, and the Economic and Social Committee in the EU;
- To explore historical development of the EU, students are able to find out the evolution of the European integration;
- To get an opportunity to evaluate their influence on the development of the EU and two principle theories of the EU integration (intergovernmentalism and institutionalism);
- To get an opportunity to study in which spheres either member states, or EU institutions play a key role;
Course Contents
- What is the European Union?
- History of European Integration I
- History of European Integration II
- European Council and European Commission
- European Parliament and Council of the EU
- Bodies of Control: EU Judicial System, ECA, OLAF, EU Ombudsman, EU Prosecutor Office
- Economic and Social Committee, Committee of Regions, European Investment Bank
- Key Policy Areas of the EU
- The Future of the EU
Assessment Elements
- In-class ParticipationIt is absolutely necessary for students to actively participate in the class every time they attend. Students must prepare for in-class work in advance in order to be able to actively participate in the discussion. The statements and answers to the questions must contain well formulated arguments that clearly show your position. To do this, students must demonstrate a quality preparation for the seminar: read all the assigned literature and be ready to perform your critical evaluation of it.
- Midterm TestThe midterm is supposed to be carried out in a written form in the format of test.
- PresentationIn the final block of seminars, students will be offered a choice of topics for group presentations. Grades for group presentations will be determined individually based on the student's mastery of the material, presentation, and question-and-answer performance.
- Final ExamFinal exam is conducted in oral form. The student cannot use any additional materials or Internet via the exam, otherwise he or she would be excluded from it. The questions are distributed randomly among the students (10 minutes for preparation).
Interim Assessment
- 2026/2027 2nd module0.4 * Final Exam + 0.15 * Presentation + 0.2 * Midterm Test + 0.25 * In-class Participation
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- European Union history : themes and debates, , 2010
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Pinder, J., & Usherwood, S. (2013). The European Union: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsrep&AN=edsrep.b.oxp.obooks.9780199681693