Theories and Methods in European Studies

Why have European nation states voluntarily pooled sovereignty within the framework of what is now the European Union? How can we account for both the big steps in integration through Treaty change as well as the more incremental integration in between? Who are the main actors driving integration forward? How can we explain that some European countries have decided to be full members of the EU while others remain less integrated? The course presents central theoretical approaches to study European integration within the framework of the European Union and other forms of cooperation among European countries. These approaches are used to assess, explain and understand European integration, and to analyze the system of the EU as it functions today. At the same time, the course teaches students how to select an appropriate theoretical framework for their own research, and to apply that framework to a research topic of their own choosing.

Simultaneously, the course exposes students to the dominant methods in the field of European studies, ranging from historical process tracing, multiple case study analysis, content analysis, and (light) statistical analysis. Students will learn how these various methods are used to evaluate the theoretical approaches in the study of European integration, with the goal of preparing them for conducting their own research during the BA thesis. Students will learn how to formulate research questions, carry out a literature review, and justify their methods selection for their own research projects.

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

Knowledge

Candidates:

• are familiar with normative theories on European integration
• have knowledge of theoretical approaches to the study of the process of European integration (EEC/EC/EU), with emphasis on what explains integration
• have knowledge of the different ways to explain and analyse how the EU functions as a political system, with emphasis on the interaction between the different levels of governance (supranational, national, regional/local)

Skills

Candidates are able to:

• utilize theoretical approaches to analytically discuss the reasons for European integration
• use theoretical approaches to analytically discuss how the EU functions
• write a concise literature review
• select an appropriate theory for a research project of the student’s choosing
• analyze which methodological approaches are best suited to empirically evaluate their research questions and hypotheses

Lectures. Obligatory written assignment (approved/not approved).