Course 2007-2008 a.y.

Course Objectives

The course aims at analyzing the economic issues related to the process of European integration through a theoretical and a political perspective.
Through the study of economic integration theories, students acquire a critical perspective of the development of European Institutions and the historical phases which lead to the European Union, and to the Economic and Monetary Union.

Course Content Summary

The course is composed of three sections and one specialised part.
The first part of the course is devoted to the study of the different theories of economic integration, considering the market of goods (customs unions, free trade areas), of factors of production (common markets) and the co-ordination of economic policies (economic union). A link is made between the theoretical instruments and the actual evolution of the European integration process.
The second part explores the main European policies, their common objectives, instruments and financial means, and their evolution over time.
The third part of the course is centred on the effects of the Economic and Monetary Union for the common economic policies and the European system of governance, with a particular focus on the process of structural reforms (Lisbon Strategy).
In the specialised part the EU policy toward third countries is presented in a theoretical and historical perspective.

Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

Oral exam and intermediate written exam (optional); mandatory take-home assignment on the EU policies.

Textbooks

• C. ALTOMONTE, M. NAVA, Economics and Policies of an Enlarged Europe, Edward Elgar, 2005.
• Additional notes/readings will be provided when dealing with specific topics covered in the program through the Learning Space of the course.

For further and updated information consult the IEP web site or contact S.I.D. - Servizio Informazione Didattica - Institute of Economics - via Gobbi, 5 - Room 313.