2025
European Union Political System
Name: European Union Political System
Code: ECN13113L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Legal-Political Theory and International Relations
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English, French
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of the semester, students should be able to:
- Understand the European Union by tracing its evolution and situating it within its historical context.
- Comprehend the theories of European integration.
- Analyse the functioning of the key institutions and political processes of the European Union.
- Develop critical analysis skills to interpret the complexity of the European polity.
- Enhance oral and written communication skills, including the ability to formulate political recommendations related to the EU political system.
- Understand the European Union by tracing its evolution and situating it within its historical context.
- Comprehend the theories of European integration.
- Analyse the functioning of the key institutions and political processes of the European Union.
- Develop critical analysis skills to interpret the complexity of the European polity.
- Enhance oral and written communication skills, including the ability to formulate political recommendations related to the EU political system.
Contents
1. Genesis and historical evolution of the legal and political European project
2. Contextualising and theorising the European political project
3. European institutions and political actors in the EU
4. Policies and decision-making processes in the EU
5. Evaluating the European political system and responses to crises: democracy and legitimacy in the EU.
2. Contextualising and theorising the European political project
3. European institutions and political actors in the EU
4. Policies and decision-making processes in the EU
5. Evaluating the European political system and responses to crises: democracy and legitimacy in the EU.
Teaching Methods
Lectures and practical classes (debate and group work).
The work methodology used in this Curricular Unit includes the lecturer explaining the contents of the course, individual study by the students and carrying out exercises in person and in digital spaces (activities/debates), programmed according to each topic, with the aim of relating and framing theoretical knowledge in practical cases from the contemporary world.
Likewise, students who opt for the continuous assessment system must write and orally present a paper on the programme's themes, in groups of no more than 3 people.
The work methodology used in this Curricular Unit includes the lecturer explaining the contents of the course, individual study by the students and carrying out exercises in person and in digital spaces (activities/debates), programmed according to each topic, with the aim of relating and framing theoretical knowledge in practical cases from the contemporary world.
Likewise, students who opt for the continuous assessment system must write and orally present a paper on the programme's themes, in groups of no more than 3 people.
Assessment
Continuous assessment
Written group work/Policy Brief (and its oral presentation) (60%);
Attendance and participation in debates: (40%).
or
Final assessment
A written exam that consists of essay-type questions, requiring students to develop critical analysis responses (100%).
Written group work/Policy Brief (and its oral presentation) (60%);
Attendance and participation in debates: (40%).
or
Final assessment
A written exam that consists of essay-type questions, requiring students to develop critical analysis responses (100%).
Teaching Staff
- Evanthia Balla [responsible]
Certificações
