OVERVIEW

This course analyzes the complex workings of the European Union, its evolution, political perspectives and the economic balance that has conditioned the process of integration and legislation that have developed over the years..

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course aims to:

1 – develop an understanding of “European government”,  through the analysis of the institutional system;

2 – raise consciousness about the European Union through analysis of the cultural and linguistic diversity;

3 – try to define aspects of European identity, highlighting the main differences and similarities. In this context, an analysis of multilingualism has special meaning, as languages are the fundamental means of transmission of culture, but also an element of diversity. Similarly important is the study of the laws regulating language in the EU. Study of European citizenship is primary, as it is the juridical element that characterizes ‘belonging’ to the EU and the Charter of Fundamental Rights is a key, as it sets values and principles of the EU.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course analyze then the concept of European democracy on the basis of the inevitable consideration that, even if the Union is made up of democratic States, it is not a Super-state nor a federation of States, and thus the models of democracy developed sofar are not comparable, but it is clear that a European legitimization of democracy is needed if a political Union is to be achieved. In this context, an analysis of the European Treaties proves to be of  a special interest, including the strategies of the Member states, the rights of citizens and last chronologically but not least, the “Right of Initiative of European Citizens.” In the assumption that even if Europe is too big for a direct democracy approach , it is also true that new technologies make a “e-democracy” approach  possible, as a way of participating in decision processes.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of 36 classroom lectures in the I semester (schedule set by the department). Lesson summaries can be found on Aulaweb.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

This course is divided into historico-political, legal, economic, and multi-linguistic/multi-cultural analyses of the European Union. The course program can be found in a separate document.

As regards the historico-political part, the fundamental stages of the integration process will be analyzed in class beginning with the founding of the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community up to the current European Union. The evolution, functions and divisions of responsibility (exclusive, shared and supporting) of the institutional system are analyzed as these are key to understanding how European decisions influence Italian political decisions. Regarding the legal aspects, the course will deal with the original character of the system, the principle of precedence of European Law over that of the domestic law of States, different types of European acts (legislative and non-legislative) and their relevance. We will pay special attention to the responsibility of States regarding the violation of European obligations.

The economic aspect deals with analyzing how the single market works, the fulfillment of the four fundamental freedoms (movement of goods, people, services and capital), the creation of the economic and monetary union through the founding of the Central European Bank and the adoption of the Euro.

The course also deals with the main common policies; the content of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights; the importance of EU citizenship; the so-called additional rights and the new instrument of direct democracy, the European Citizens’ Initiative. The analysis of aspects related to multi-lingualism and multi-culturalism focuses on treaty regulations and legislature safeguarding European linguistic and cultural diversity.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The recommended bibliography will be indicated by the teacher at the beginning of the lessons

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

EDOARDO PUSILLO (President)

MARIA STELLA ACERNO

CARLO DEGLI ABBATI

CLAUDIO FERRARI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

October 2017

Class schedule

EUROPEAN UNION LAW

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Final Exam. The exam is divided into a written test and an oral test. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written consists of two questions the student must answer concisely. If the student passes the written test, (s)he can take the oral which consists of one further question. The sum of the two marks is the final mark.

Exam schedule