Course 2006-2007 a.y.

Course Objectives

The course aims at analysing the economic issues related to the process of European integration through a theoretical and a policy perspective.
Through the study of economic integration theories, students are able to have a critical perspective of the basic issues leading to the development of the European Institutions and the different historical phases of the European Union, ultimately giving birth 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 partial written exam (optional); mandatory take-home assignment on the EU policies.

Textbooks