History and Theory of European Integration - Einzelansicht

This course deals with the process of European integration from a historical perspective. Starting with the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), students will trace the most important steps of this process, among others the treaties of the ECSC, the European Economic Community (EEC) and the Treaty of Maastricht. In addition to the constitutionalisation of the EU through the treaties, the contribution of external events and informal processes to European integration is an important topic of this course.

Hence, the first objective is to familiarize students with the history of European integration. Since the process of European integration is intrinsically related to theory development, the second objective is to equip students with theoretical explanations of how this process unfolded. Hence, analysing how actual integration has shaped theories of integration (and vice versa) is crucial for understanding contemporary debates in the EU.

The mandatory reading includes the following books:

Dinan, Desmond (2004). Europe Recast. A History of European Union. Palgrave Macmillan: Basingstoke, Hampshire et al.

Rosamond, Ben (2000). Theories of European integration. Palgrave Macmillan: Basingstoke, Hampshire et al.

In addition, classic texts on European integration will be discussed in class and as part of some of the assignments.

A detailed syllabus listing class sessions and the respective literature will be provided in the first session.

In order to pass the course, students will have to submit a number of small assignments throughout the semester.