Important notice
The course guide is provisional.
The PDF version of the course guide may take a few days to become available in the DDD.
Basic Knowledge of the European Union
Code: 43001Credits: 15
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| European Integration | OB | 0 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- Cristina Blasi Casagran
- Email :
- cristina.blasi@uab.cat
Teaching staff
- Susana Beltran Garcia
- Montserrat Pi Llorens
- José Luis Roig Sabaté
- Rosella Nicolini
- Andrea Lanaia
- Antoni Abat Ninet
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
Prior knowledge of the European Union is not required, but if you lack it, you will need to complete additional readings at the beginning of the course and a preparatory course, which the lecturers will assign individually based on your prior knowledge.
The course will be taught from the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Objectives
The objective of this module is to achieve a previous homogeneisation of the general knowledge of the european integration process, and about the aspects and elements that characterize the EU. By this module the students will obtain the basic and essential knowledge that will be the basis for their access and success to the modules of specialisation. This module is a reflection of one of the fundamental values of the master: the interdisciplinarity. For this reason this subject is considered as a mandatory module for all students.
Learning outcomes
- Solve problems in new or little-known situations within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to the field of study.
- Continue the learning process, to a large extent autonomously
- Identify the different ways in which European institutions function and are organised.
- Qualitatively assess the capacities for action of European institutions.
- Recognise the potential of the different legal measures adopted by EU institutions.
- Identify the importance of legal measures for solving problems arising in case studies.
- Critically analyse EU strategies for conceiving and developing its policies.
- Interpret the degree of participation of the different political, social and economic actors in the implementation of EU policies.
- Seek out information in the scientific literature using appropriate channels, and use this information to formulate and contextualise a research topic.
- Work in multidisciplinary teams.
- Analyse, synthesise, organise and plan projects and assignments related to the area of study.
Contents
The objective of this programme is to provide students with foundational training in the core aspects of the master's degree. This module focuses particularly on the institutional aspects, legal system, external action, and governance of the EU. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education that is crucial for successfully following the specialised modules and for the preparation of the final master's thesis (TFM).
Topics:
- Geography, History, Objectives, and Values
- Market Institutions and the Process of Economic Integration
- EU Institutions: The Commission, the Council, the European Council, and the European Parliament
- The External Dimension of the EU: The High Representation of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and the European External Action Service
- Institutional Balance. Decision-Making in the EU
- Control Functions: Judicial Control, Political Control, and Economic Control
- International Payment Systems: The Euro and the European Central Bank
- Legal Framework and Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
- Committees and Agencies
- Relationships between Different Levels in the EU
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| teaching | 75 | 3 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 |
| search and reading of european union materials and documents | 15 | 0.6 | 2, 5, 6, 9 |
| conferences and seminars | 30 | 1.2 | 2, 3, 4, 7 |
| tutorials | 30 | 1.2 | 1, 3, 4, 5 |
| readings and debates | 29 | 1.16 | 1, 2, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11 |
| personal work | 190 | 7.6 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
The teaching of the subject will be face-to-face. This module offers an introductory approach to the Europea Union. For this reason it will be developed basically by theoretical courses but at the same time autonomous work will be required to the students. This module will be supplemented by specific seminars and conferences. Students will recieve also personalized tutoring hours.
Assessment
Continuous assessment activities
| Title | Weight | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attendance to regular courses | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 |
| Exam Part II | 45 | 3 | 0.12 | 2, 3, 4, 7 |
| Exam Part I | 45 | 3 | 0.12 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
This module will be assessed on the basis of two different activities to be carried out at different times during the course.
A first written test will take place at the end of the first five topics of the programme, and will consist of a developmental exam, with personal reflection, on the subjects explained up to that point. This test will be worth 45% of the final grade for the course.
A second evaluation will consist of a written development of topics of the programme, with personal reflection, which will be carried out on the remaining subjects of the programme, with a value of another 45% of the final grade.
The remaining 10% of the final mark will correspond to class attendance, which is compulsory for at least 80% of the sessions, including seminars and lectures.
Students who take a single assessment must pass the two exams and must submit a paper on a given topic, which will be worth 10% of the final mark.
Personal reflection is very important in the evaluation. It is not a question of memorising, but of knowing how to explain the content of the question and demonstrate that concepts and functions have been understood.
Bibliography
Baldwin, R. and Ch. Wyplosz (2022): Economics of European Integration, 7th Edition, Mc Graw Hill (available online Biblioteques UAB)
Krugman, P., Wells, R., and Graddy, K. Fundamentos de Economía, Editorial Reverté, any edition in Spanish and English (available online Biblioteques UAB)
Mangas, A.; Liñán, D.J: Institutions and Law of the European Union, Tecnos, 2024
Wessel, R.A (Ed) , Larik, J. (Ed): EU External Relations Law. Text, Cases and Materials, Hart Publishing/Bloomsbury, 2026
In addition, the instructors will indicate other relevant literature in their field for the course.
Software
The subject does not require any specific software.
Course groups and languages
The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE
| Type of teaching | Group | Language | Semester | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (TEm) Theory (master) | 1 | Spanish | first semester | afternoon |