Syllabus
PSC 402
European Union Simulation - 1999

Dr. Peter H. Loedel
Office: RJ 206 (x3162) / ploedel@wcupa.edu
Office Hours: MWF 11-12; MW 2-3; R 3-4:15 or by appointment

Course Description:
This course examines the development of European integration by considering the processes of cultural, political, and economic change taking place in the European Union (EU). We will analyze the historical development of the EU and undertake a detailed case study of one of the major policy questions currently being debated in the EU. Our particular policy focus will be on the decision to enlarge the European Union to include new member states from central and eastern Europe. Our analysis of the EU and EU enlargement will involve understanding the organization's policymaking institutions, especially the European Parliament, European Commission and Council of Ministers and Heads of State. You will assume the role of members of these respective institutions.

The simulation course also requires that we assume the role of one of the EU member states. This year we have been given Spain. Spain's unique position within the EU and the enlargement debate should make for a very interesting simulation. Special attention will be given to understanding Spanish politics, political parties (and their respective representatives in the European Parliament) and its role in the EU and enlargement process.

Course format will consist of a mixture of lectures, videos, presentations, multi-media exploration and visiting speakers. At the end of the semester, class members will participate in an intercollegiate simulation of the EU in Washington DC. (see attached statement on the simulation)

This course will provide you with the skills necessary to enter the world of politics, business-economics, journalism, public relations, and communication. Students will develop collaborative learning skills, oral/debate skills, policy analysis and presentation skills, and the ability to adapt and react quickly to the ever-changing stream of politics. At the end of this course, students will have been given the opportunity to experience the joys and frustrations of "politics" – a taste of what you might experience in the "real" world of politics. I think you will enjoy it!!

Finally, a substantial component of this course will proceed on-line - i.e. on the computer. I have developed a this EU web site using that should be seen as an important supplementary tool for this course. Most importantly, you will find a page for the syllabus outlining in detail on weekly assignments, requirements, readings. You can find this page at: http://www.wcupa.edu/_academics/sch_sba.gvt/faculty/loedel/eurounio.htm This web page is your link to the syllabus, research material, past work on the simulation, and additional information necessary for this course. Bookmark it!!

All Assignments - based on weekly exercises - are located on the web.

Books:
There are two required books for this course. You can purchase these books at the SSI Bookstore or at Dynamic Bookstore. There is an additional Reader available only at Dynamic. All readings are required.

Desmond Dinan, Ever Closer Union, 2nd edition, 1999
Graham Avery and Fraser Cameron, The Enlargement of the European Union, 1998
Reader, PSC 402, European Union Simulation, 1999

Course Evaluation: Your final grade will be based on:

• I. Participation in the EU Simulation – 30% - (see attached statement)  To be held in Washington D.C., Holiday Inn at Georgetown: Wednesday-Saturday (December 1nd-4th). Please check your schedule and inform your other instructors of your obligations. Contact me if you have an exam or assignment scheduled for those days. The department will contact your instructor to rearrange your assignments and/or exam. Participation in the simulation is MANDATORY! Your failure to participate (and to a satisfactory level) in this exercise will result in an "F" for the course. A SPECIAL NOTE: The success of the simulation depends on the active engagement of ALL participants.
• II.  Three quizzes – 10% each ( Total of 30%)  You will be tested on your knowledge of Spain, EU Enlargement, and the institutions/powers of the EU. These will be take-home essay exams.
• III. Simulation Official Profile/Statements 20%  You will research your simulation "alter ego", party affiliation (if appropriate) and his/her position on EU Enlargement and Spain in the EU, etc. and present this information to the rest of the class. We will try and contact most if not all of the various people you will be representing.
• IV. Participation in class exercises – including attending various lectures, discussions and involvement in other in-class assignments and presentations – 20%.

Course Schedule - See Syllabus on-line for explicit dates and assignments.

NOTE: Due to the nature of this course (most notably guest speakers, but also some current readings), the course schedule is subject to change. At certain junctures, we will be required to alter the schedule. I will announce any changes in the readings/assignments, etc., in time to prepare you. You should check your email on a daily basis for messages.