Faglig innhold

European integration is no longer just a question of membership in the European Union (EU) but there are various alternative ways of integration and cooperation without being a member. Also, even with the EU not all countries participate in all areas of cooperation. Because of the EU’s deepening and widening, differentiation has become a key feature of European integration. In the light of Brexit and a certain enlargement fatigue, this is likely to remain so for the foreseeable future.

Against this backdrop, and with the Norwegian case as a point of departure, this module offers in-depth knowledge of and critical perspectives on the manifold forms and degrees of present-day differentiated integration outside and within the EU. It responds to the strong demand from society and professionals for up-to-date knowledge and expertise on the workings of Norway's particular association with the EU in various policy areas through the European Economic Area (EEA) and other agreements (bilateral) as well as other countries (for example Iceland, Switzerland, Andorra, Turkey and Georgia) utilizing a comparative approach. Of particular interest are also the relations between the United Kingdom and the EU after the UK left the bloc in 2020 as well as Ukraine’s position towards the EU in the light of last years’ developments and Russia’s brutal war against the country. In addition, the course examines ways of differentiated integration within the EU which several member states (Denmark, Sweden and various central European countries all remaining outside the Eurozone) have chosen for. In bringing to light the multiple, variegated and frequently overlooked ways in which the EU allows for integration and cooperation among member states as well as non-member states, it also counters the tendency of many citizens - within and outside the EU - to think of membership in binary terms.

Læringsutbytte

Successful candidates are expected to have acquired the following knowledge and skills:

Knowledge

Candidates have

• in-depth knowledge of and critical perspectives on the manifold forms and degrees of present-day differentiated integration;
• in-depth and theoretically informed understanding of the reasons for and implications of Norway’s and other countries' current association with the EU across policy-areas as well as of several EU member states' decision to not fully integrate.

Skills

Candidates are able to

• assess and compare different associations with the EU and/or aspects thereof as well as various models of differentiated integration within the EU in a theoretically informed manner
• communicate their knowledge orally and in writing, using the appropriate terminology.

Læringsformer og aktiviteter

Throughout the course, students work on a individual research paper, the purpose of which is to enhance students' ability to apply knowledge and tools to real-world challenges and to communicate their knowledge in a clear and professional manner. In addition, the semester assignment will take the form of a position paper (in groups of 2). It is expected that the semester assignment and the examination (the research paper) must be completed in English. Exceptions must be clarified with the course coordinator.

Obligatoriske aktiviteter

• Position Paper

Anbefalte forkunnskaper

EUR2101 Norway in Europe. Students who have not completed Norway in Europe or do not have equivalent coursework will be provided with a list of introductory readings to acquire the necessary background knowledge.

Forkunnskapskrav

None.

Kursmateriell

Available at the start of the semester.

Studiepoengreduksjon