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Unit outline_

EUST2005: Institutions of the European Union

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The European Union is currently the world's largest economy and a major player on the international stage in humanitarian policies. It is also the world's most complex supranational political organisation consisting of 28 nation-states, each with its distinct culture, political life and social reality. This unit explores the European Union through the study of its integration processes, bodies of governance, and the main policies instituted over the last seven decades with the ultimate goal of a European federation.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit European Studies
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
12 Junior credit points from Table A or 12 credit points at 1000 level in European Studies
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Vrasidas Karalis, vrasidas.karalis@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Vrasidas Karalis, vrasidas.karalis@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation group assignment Group presentation
Debate format: see instructions on Canvas site
20% Multiple weeks 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment Essay
Essay: see instructions on Canvas.
55% STUVAC
Due date: 16 Jun 2023 at 23:59
3500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment Analysis of readings/annotated bibliography
See Canvas site for detailed description.
25% Week 06
Due date: 03 Apr 2020 at 23:59
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

All content has now moved online.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Work demonstrates an excellent analytical framework discussed in depth and knowledgeable engagement with the topic; uses a wide range of primary and secondary sources to excellent effect; provides a thoughtful and original discussion of well-chosen examples/case studies; makes skilled use of writing style appropriate to the task; shows a high level of creativity and critical thinking.

Distinction

75 - 84

Work demonstrates a sound analytical framework discussed to some depth and knowledgeable engagement with the topic; uses a wide range of primary and secondary sources to good effect; provides a coherent and in-depth discussion of well-chosen examples/case studies; makes skilled use of writing style appropriate to the task; shows originality and depth of reflection.

Credit

65 - 74

Work demonstrates a sound analytical framework and knowledgeable engagement with the topic; uses a good range of primary and secondary sources to good effect; discusses well-chosen examples/case studies in some detail; employs a clear and mostly correct writing style appropriate to the task; shows original and critical thinking.

Pass

50 - 64

Work demonstrates at least a minimal analytical framework and engagement with the topic; a clear and coherent discussion in a writing style appropriate to the task; uses a limited but well-chosen range of primary and secondary sources and demonstrates a reasonable understanding of them; uses appropriate examples.

Fail

0 - 49

Work has no analytical framework and demonstrates insufficient engagement with the topic and primary and secondary sources; responses do not reflect the subject, are unclear or confused, and do not reveal an adequate understanding of the topic or sources.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction and overview: what is the European Union Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Introductions, Q&A on unit structure and assessment, signup for presentations Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 02 The construction of the EU as a political and legal entity, from its beginnings to 2004 enlargement Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Discussion of the readings: Enlargement, conditionality and integrative flexibility Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 The Treaty of Lisbon and the federalisation of the EU Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Discussion of the readings: narratives of Europe Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Monetary union, from EMU to eurozone crisis Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Group presentation 1: A “United States of Europe”? Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Analysis and (proposed) reform since the eurozone crisis Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Discussion of the readings: monetary union, social disunion Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 06 European law & the CJEU Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Discussion of the readings: CJEU and EU privacy rights Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 07 Schengen and security Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Group presentation 2: The right to privacy and anti-terrorism surveillance and data collection Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 EU/CoE human rights regimes Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Discussion of case studies 1. Same-sex partnerships 2. Religious symbols esp. hijab in the workplace Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 EU foreign policy Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Discussion of the readings: the neighbourhood and beyond Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 10 The EU and global moral authority in tough times Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5 LO7
Group presentation 3: The EU’s new leadership and foreign policy: normative authority with or against pragmatic engagement? Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5 LO7
Week 11 Illiberal democracies, nationalisms and euroscepticisms Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Group presentation 4: Addressing democracy deficits and illiberalism among EU members: what strategies for the Commission? Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Regionalisms and minorities: territory, governance, culture and language Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7
Discussion of the readings: Catalunya, Wallonia, the Roma Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 13 Where to for the EU? Current challenges and future perspectives Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Group presentation 5: A hypothetical: the EU , Scottish secession and Irish reunification Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: Students are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board which will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
  • Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
  • Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Please consult Ereserve and others links on the Canvas site for all information on readings.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate understanding of the historical trajectory of European integration
  • LO2. comment on different aspects of the process and its impacts in political, socioeconomic and cultural terms
  • LO3. interrogate the main ideologies, theories and polices underpinning the process of EU integration and institutionalisation
  • LO4. analyse specific key moments in the process of integration and explore the institutional responses of the EU
  • LO5. evaluate policies and strategies implemented so far
  • LO6. discuss the factors that operate as impediments to integration
  • LO7. evaluate the differential impacts of the process of European integration on different member states and populations, and EU policy responses

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The current coordinator did not teach this unit in 2019, but the successful 2018 format, commended by students, has been retained for 2020.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.