Course Description:
European economic and monetary governance is among the most important patterns of the European integration process. This course offers an introduction to this topic by highlighting contemporary developments of the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). Insights of European Studies in combination with classical and contemporary literature of political economy will be employed to focus on general dynamics as well as on current developments of the EMU. Among scheduled topics are steps towards the EMU in historical perspective (e.g. from Bretton Woods towards the Eurozone), the role of key actors in the European integration process, such as the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Court of Justice and the European Central Bank, as well as the embeddedness of the EMU in the European multilevel governance system.
Although the focus of the course is on institutional dynamics of European economic and monetary governance and their theoretical reflection against the backdrop of EU Studies and political economy, we will discuss contemporary developments of the policy field and use historical as well as contemporary primary sources, such as policy papers of the European Commission, as basis for applying our analytical skills on "real cases".
Because the course builds heavily on participants input, students are expected to have read the recommended preperatory literature, approx. two (English language) texts per session, and to participate in different roles (presenter, discussant, media commentator, group work, etc.).
All students are required to visit the lecture of Prof. Dr. Michael Kaeding on Introduction to European Integration [Einführung in die Europäische Integration].
Participation in Prof. Kaeding's lecture is a prerequisite for attending this course.
Students receive knowledge of the operation of the EMU and its key actors, and gain understanding of structural asymmetries against the backdrop of politics of European economic and monetary governance.
Please note that the course and the required literature will be offered in English. Term papers (written exams) can be submitted in German language. |