Democracy and the European Union

The course is a core course in European Studies in the first cycle and given as a single subject course. The course is also given as a single subject course for exchange students.

The aim of the course is to provide a deeper understanding of European integration and the democratic quality of European governance in the European Union (EU). Students will learn about the institutions and practices of the EU and gain an overview of, and ability to critically reflect upon (orally and in written form), current research on the relationship between European integration and democracy within the social sciences. The course focuses on three themes: The democratic deficit debate, European identity, and public opinion and the EU.

On successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Demonstrate an understanding of the debate about a democratic deficit
• Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of European identity in relation to democracy.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of public opinion in the EU.

Competence and skills

• Discuss scholarly literature and compare different perspectives on democracy and the EU, orally and in writing.
• Independently produce text in accordance with good academic practice, including proper citation technique and use of references.
• Communicate clearly and proficiently in English both orally and in writing.

Judgement and approach

• Critically reflect upon the democratic quality of European governance, the role of European identity, and public opinion in the European Union (EU).

Teaching is conducted through lectures and seminars.

Language of instruction: English

Students will be evaluated based on their performance in both written and oral assignments. The course consists of 7,5 credits and to get the credits the student must complete three forms of assignments: Active seminar participation (1.5 credit), Oral presentation at the seminar (2 credits), and an exam (4 credits).

Students can be asked to re-work graded assignments and re-submit them, albeit not exams. If the student does not re-submit the reworked assignment on time, the student will be failed on the assignment. A student who does not attend a compulsory part of the course can do an alternative assignment. The assignment will be described in the course guide.

Restrictions on the use of generative AI are stated in the course guide. Students are obliged to inform themselves about the current rules for examining elements such as assignments, seminar papers and other forms of exams in the course in question.

A student who has taken two exams in a course or part of a course without obtaining a pass grade is entitled to the nomination of another examiner. The student needs to contact the department for a new examiner, preferably in writing, and this should be approved by the department unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 of the Higher Education Ordinance).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for special educational support, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, the examiner may decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment.

In the event that a course has ceased or undergone major changes, students are to be guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the ordinary examination session) over a period of at least one year, but no more than two years, after the course has ceased/been changed.

The grading scale comprises: High Pass (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

To obtain the Pass grade, the student must receive a Pass grade on all assignments. To obtain High Pass for the entire course, a student must receive a High Pass (VG) for the exam (4 credits) and a pass for all other assignments.

To obtain the Pass grade the student must fulfil all the learning outcomes. To obtain High pass, the work of the student should show a very good ability to connect theoretical analyses to practical outcomes, a good, independent analytical ability and that the written assignment fulfils high academic standards in terms of structure and language.

The student will be given the opportunity to do a course evaluation. The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

Students are recommended to have 60 credits in Social Sciences before taking this course.