Lecturers:

Prof. Dr. Karl Morasch, Prof. Dr. Axel Schaffer

Workload:

150 hours; Contact hours: 24h; Self-study: 126 hours

ECTS:

5 ECTS

Module no. (Course no.):

3770 (37701)

Recommended prerequisites:

Students should possess a basic understanding of microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts as provided in introductory courses in economics.

Content:

The course starts with an introduction to the history and the institutions of the European Union. After that we deal with microeconomic aspects of the European integration, especially considering the impact of the EU as a customs union and with the further integration to a common market. We then proceed to macroeconomic aspects, in particular the implications of the Euro as a joint currency. Based on this, we discuss the international financial crisis of 2008 and the following Euro crisis as well as other recent EU events as the unfolding of the Brexit.

Learning objectives:

Students obtain a sound understanding of the economic aspects of the European Union. Beyond that, the course provides information on the history and the institutions of the EU and knowledge about recent events like the Euro crisis or the Brexit in particular. By working together with students from different countries, participants also get to know the diverse viewpoints from people inside and outside the European Union.

Proof of performance:
Written examination of 60 minutes or grade certification (“Notenschein”). If the proof of performance is provided in the form of a grade certification, this will be announced at the latest at the beginning of the course, together with the specific modalities for obtaining the grade certificate (which could for example comprise a combination of a term paper and a class presentation).

Bibliography:

Baldwin, R., Wyplosz, C., The Economics of European Integration, 6th ed., London: McGraw-Hill, 2019.