Integrating European Markets

The course is given within the Master's Programme in European Studies (two year programme) and is a compulsory core course within the Social Science Track and the double degree tracks for Konstanz and Chapel Hill. Students not enrolled in the programme may attend this course as an independent course if space is available.

The entry requirements for the course is a Bachelor's degree of 180 credits, with a minimum of 90 credits in consecutive courses in a social sciences discipline or equivalent. Students at the Law programme are also eligible the course after three years of studies (180 credits, equivalent of a bachelor degree). Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English B from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

The course addresses the problems of integrating different national market systems into one single market. The interplay between formal legal restrictions, economical functions of the single market and the political policy-making process, as well as their consequences, will be central themes throughout this course. The aim is to provide a thorough understanding of the complex process of the creation of a single internal market within the European Union. The internal market’s consequences for the spatial pattern of manufacturing and services, trade, labour, capital flows and infrastructural development in Europe and its neighbouring countries will be analysed, as well as broader societal consequences. The relation between regional, national and supranational policies and decisions is extensively investigated in the course, with special focus on a number of relevant areas of common policy, as well as policy areas subject to common legislation within the ‘acquis communautaire’, framework. The course is based on thematic lectures, seminars and student’s presentations.

A student who has passed the course will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• have a good overview of the political, legal and economic theoretical discussions within the field of market integration.
• have a broad and extensive knowledge about the process related to policy-making, legislation and practical implementation of the EU single internal market from an administrative and business perspective. 

Competence and skills

• be able to carry out and solve practical cases and problems regarding the integration of the internal market.
• have the ability to present and argue for their own analytical findings orally and in written form.
• independently produce text in accordance with good academic practice, including proper citation technique and use of references.
• communicate clearly and proficiently in English both orally and in writing. 

Judgement and approach

• be able to critically analyze political, legal and economic challenges and problems related to the single internal market.

The course relies on lectures, case-study assignments and compulsory seminars. Lectures covering the various aspects of the integration of the single internal market are given throughout the course. They are intended to guide the students through the course literature and present the main aspects from different theoretical angles.

Language of instruction: English

The assessment takes the form of three case-study assignments (written reports and oral presentations), 1.5 credits each, and a written exam (5,5 credits).

Students can be asked to re-work graded assignments and re-submit them. If the student does not re-submit the reworked assignment on time, the student will be failed on the assignment.

A student who is not able to attend a compulsory part of the course can do an alternative assignment. The assignment will be described in the course guide.

If a student, who has failed the same examined component twice, wishes to change examiner before the next examination, a written application shall be sent to the department responsible for the course and shall be granted unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6, Section 22 of Higher Education Ordinance).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for special educational support, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, the examiner may decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment.

At least five occasions shall be offered the students to pass a course or part of a course (Chapter 6, Section 21 of Higher Education Ordinance).

In cases where a course has been discontinued or has undergone major changes, the student shall normally be guaranteed at least three examination occasions (including the ordinary examination) during a period of at least one year from the last time the course was given. This may not be in conflict with Chapter 6 Section 21 of Higher Education Ordinance.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

In order to achieve Pass (G) for the entire course, a Pass is required on the exam and the assignments. In order to achieve Pass with Distinction (VG) for the entire course, a Pass with Distinction is required on the exam, and a Pass on all the case-study assignments.

The student will be given the opportunity to do a course evaluation. The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.