Course content

European integration is no longer just a question of EU membership. Because of the EU’s deepening and widening, differentiated integration has become a key feature. In light of the British Leave vote 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 within and outside 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 issue areas through the European Economic Area (EEA) as well as other countries (e.g. Turkey, Ukraine, Iceland and Switzerland) utilizing a comparative approach. Of particular interest are also the relations between the United Kingdom and the EU after the former leaving the bloc in January 2020. The course also examines ways of differentiated integration within the EU which several member states (e.g. Denmark and Sweden, both 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 countries whether or not they are member states, it also counters the tendency of many citizens - within and outside the EU - to think of membership in binary terms.

Learning outcome

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.

Learning methods and activities

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.

Compulsory assignments

• Position Paper

Recommended previous knowledge

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.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

Available at the start of the semester.

Credit reductions