United States of Europe? The politics and policies of the EU
Join us to understand themes that have engulfed contemporary European Union politics in the past and are likely to place strain on the institutions and their ability to function cohesively in years to come.
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Studying the EU is now more interesting than ever as the community is seeking to find solutions to internal and external challenges.
In order to understand current developments, it is important to appreciate the history of and rationale for European integration which helps with answering the core question: Why do we even have a European Union? To that end the initial sessions will offer a historical summary to illustrate the vision carved out by the generation of founders in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the establishment of the European Economic Community in the 1950s and the evolution of the institutions in Brussels.
We assess the Union’s executive and legislative legitimacy and review criticisms of a “democratic deficit” that have been deepening as political integration progressed. This debate will allow us to familiarize ourselves with the dynamics of party politics, ongoing reforms of European institutions and contentious decision-making processes. We will be reminded that European developments always take place against a backdrop of national politics which we will have occasion to zoom in on. More broadly, learners will take note of the main theories that account for the emergence of supranational and inter-governmental structures. Themes discussed will include the organization of national executives and parliaments, party systems and politics as well as electoral behavior. We cast light on how national governments try to influence EU decision-making. Also, we will address Europe’s political economy by discussing the Single Market and the Economic and Monetary Union.
Lastly, we take some time to assess how different EU member states adapt to or reject further EU integration: the UK’s decision to leave the EU, challenges posed by migration, the collective response to the Covid-19-Pandemic, efforts made by the Union to decarbonize, and review critically the EU’s support for Ukraine following Russia’s military attack.
What will we cover?
- Post 1945: The origins of the European Union - 1960s – 1980s: A community between stagnation and growth - 1990s – 2020s: Crisis after crisis - Explaining European integration: Between Federalism, Functionalism and Euroscepticism - Commission, Council and Parliament: Who is calling the shots? - The final arbiter: The European Court of Justice - Interests at stake: Lobbying in Brussels - The risky experiment: Monetary Union - Moonshot projects: Green Deal and Covid Recovery - A world of enemies and friends: Foreign and Security policy of the European Union
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- understand the historical roots of contemporary European politics; - appreciate the function of the EU’s political institutions; - be familiar with the interests and ideas that shape European politics; - be able to identify the central debates and conflicts in contemporary European politics; - develop the skills to critically analyze European politics and political economy.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.
However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
A mixture of lectures/ short presentations by the tutor, Q&A, quizzes, pair/group work, and class discussions. A comprehensive bibliography will be given at the beginning of the course. Also, (brief) reading materials will be made available on google classroom, an electronic learning platform. Participants will be encouraged to read short texts, and/or watch documentaries, short videos, and/or listen to podcasts about the scheduled weekly topics before and after lessons.
Please note that as the course progresses, I hope to see participants take a more active part in the lessons by joining in group work and class discussions..
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No further costs.
A list of further readings will be provided to participants. The list will include suggestions of books to purchase. On google classroom, you will be provided links to free resources such as newspapers, podcasts, online articles, and videos. While you are not required to buy any learning materials, you may wish to purchase some books, subscribe to specialised magazines, or attend talks or webinars on the issues we are addressing in class in order to deepen and broaden the subject knowledge gained in this course. However, this is not a requirement
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Your tutor will share their courses with you on the day.
Christian Schnee studied history, politics as well as public relations at Universities in England, Scotland and the USA. He holds a teaching degree and completed a doctorate in political communication at the University of Hull. After graduating Christian embarked on a career in German politics - serving as spokesperson to the governing party, special advisor to state government and departmental head for a leading European think tank. Subsequently, he returned to the UK as senior lecturer with the University of Worcester. After a stint of seven years in the West Midlands Christian relocated to London - giving in to the temptation of observing Westminster politics at close range. As senior lecturer at Greenwich University he has developed and led classes in public affairs and public relations. Meanwhile he broadened his teaching portfolio and now teaches British and European politics to American University students studying in London. Over the years Christian has written a number of articles and chapters and produced more than half a dozen books with leading academic publishers. The topics of his publications pivot on European politics and political history.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/united-states-of-europe-the-politics-and-policies-of-the-eu2992532United States of Europe? The politics and policies of the EUhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/u/n/united-states-of-europe-the-politics-and-policies-of-the-eu-hpc291-1080.jpg149149GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Global & regional politics228511771677135421228511771677<p>Join us to understand themes that have engulfed contemporary European Union politics in the past and are likely to place strain on the institutions and their ability to function cohesively in years to come.</p>002992526United States of Europe? The politics and policies of the EU149149https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/u/n/united-states-of-europe-the-politics-and-policies-of-the-eu-hpc291-1080_1.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-07-06T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJul 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC291149149United States of Europe? The politics and policies of the EU11997149Christian Schneeunited-states-of-europe-the-politics-and-policies-of-the-eu/hpc291-2526<p>Join us to understand themes that have engulfed contemporary European Union politics in the past and are likely to place strain on the institutions and their ability to function cohesively in years to come.</p>0000-Available|2026-07-06 00:00:00<p>Studying the EU is now more interesting than ever as the community is seeking to find solutions to internal and external challenges.</p><p>In order to understand current developments, it is important to appreciate the history of and rationale for European integration which helps with answering the core question: Why do we even have a European Union? To that end the initial sessions will offer a historical summary to illustrate the vision carved out by the generation of founders in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the establishment of the European Economic Community in the 1950s and the evolution of the institutions in Brussels.</p><p>We assess the Union’s executive and legislative legitimacy and review criticisms of a “democratic deficit” that have been deepening as political integration progressed. This debate will allow us to familiarize ourselves with the dynamics of party politics, ongoing reforms of European institutions and contentious decision-making processes. We will be reminded that European developments always take place against a backdrop of national politics which we will have occasion to zoom in on. More broadly, learners will take note of the main theories that account for the emergence of supranational and inter-governmental structures. Themes discussed will include the organization of national executives and parliaments, party systems and politics as well as electoral behavior. We cast light on how national governments try to influence EU decision-making. Also, we will address Europe’s political economy by discussing the Single Market and the Economic and Monetary Union.</p><p>Lastly, we take some time to assess how different EU member states adapt to or reject further EU integration: the UK’s decision to leave the EU, challenges posed by migration, the collective response to the Covid-19-Pandemic, efforts made by the Union to decarbonize, and review critically the EU’s support for Ukraine following Russia’s military attack.</p><p>Join us to understand themes that have engulfed contemporary European Union politics in the past and are likely to place strain on the institutions and their ability to function cohesively in years to come.</p><p>- Post 1945: The origins of the European Union<br/>- 1960s – 1980s: A community between stagnation and growth<br/>- 1990s – 2020s: Crisis after crisis<br/>- Explaining European integration: Between Federalism, Functionalism and Euroscepticism <br/>- Commission, Council and Parliament: Who is calling the shots?<br/>- The final arbiter: The European Court of Justice<br/>- Interests at stake: Lobbying in Brussels<br/>- The risky experiment: Monetary Union<br/>- Moonshot projects: Green Deal and Covid Recovery<br/>- A world of enemies and friends: Foreign and Security policy of the European Union<br/> </p><p>- understand the historical roots of contemporary European politics;<br/>- appreciate the function of the EU’s political institutions; <br/>- be familiar with the interests and ideas that shape European politics;<br/>- be able to identify the central debates and conflicts in contemporary European politics;<br/>- develop the skills to critically analyze European politics and political economy.<br/> </p><p>This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.</p><p>However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills. </p><p>Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.</p><p>A mixture of lectures/ short presentations by the tutor, Q&A, quizzes, pair/group work, and class discussions. A comprehensive bibliography will be given at the beginning of the course. Also, (brief) reading materials will be made available on google classroom, an electronic learning platform. Participants will be encouraged to read short texts, and/or watch documentaries, short videos, and/or listen to podcasts about the scheduled weekly topics before and after lessons.</p><p>Please note that as the course progresses, I hope to see participants take a more active part in the lessons by joining in group work and class discussions..</p><p>No further costs.</p><p>A list of further readings will be provided to participants. The list will include suggestions of books to purchase. On google classroom, you will be provided links to free resources such as newspapers, podcasts, online articles, and videos. While you are not required to buy any learning materials, you may wish to purchase some books, subscribe to specialised magazines, or attend talks or webinars on the issues we are addressing in class in order to deepen and broaden the subject knowledge gained in this course. However, this is not a requirement</p><p>Your tutor will share their courses with you on the day.</p>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsvirtual11914997HPC291NONEMon06/07/26 - 03/08/2615:00 - 17:0015:0017:005 sessions (over 5 weeks)55-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetChristian SchneeBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-07-06T00:00:00+00:00Jul 2026Culture, history & humanities149149United States of Europe? The politics and policies of the EUunited-states-of-europe-the-politics-and-policies-of-the-eu/hpc291-2526<p>Join us to understand themes that have engulfed contemporary European Union politics in the past and are likely to place strain on the institutions and their ability to function cohesively in years to come.</p>0000-Available|2026-07-06 00:00:00<p>Studying the EU is now more interesting than ever as the community is seeking to find solutions to internal and external challenges.</p><p>In order to understand current developments, it is important to appreciate the history of and rationale for European integration which helps with answering the core question: Why do we even have a European Union? To that end the initial sessions will offer a historical summary to illustrate the vision carved out by the generation of founders in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the establishment of the European Economic Community in the 1950s and the evolution of the institutions in Brussels.</p><p>We assess the Union’s executive and legislative legitimacy and review criticisms of a “democratic deficit” that have been deepening as political integration progressed. This debate will allow us to familiarize ourselves with the dynamics of party politics, ongoing reforms of European institutions and contentious decision-making processes. We will be reminded that European developments always take place against a backdrop of national politics which we will have occasion to zoom in on. More broadly, learners will take note of the main theories that account for the emergence of supranational and inter-governmental structures. Themes discussed will include the organization of national executives and parliaments, party systems and politics as well as electoral behavior. We cast light on how national governments try to influence EU decision-making. Also, we will address Europe’s political economy by discussing the Single Market and the Economic and Monetary Union.</p><p>Lastly, we take some time to assess how different EU member states adapt to or reject further EU integration: the UK’s decision to leave the EU, challenges posed by migration, the collective response to the Covid-19-Pandemic, efforts made by the Union to decarbonize, and review critically the EU’s support for Ukraine following Russia’s military attack.</p><p>Join us to understand themes that have engulfed contemporary European Union politics in the past and are likely to place strain on the institutions and their ability to function cohesively in years to come.</p><p>- Post 1945: The origins of the European Union<br/>- 1960s – 1980s: A community between stagnation and growth<br/>- 1990s – 2020s: Crisis after crisis<br/>- Explaining European integration: Between Federalism, Functionalism and Euroscepticism <br/>- Commission, Council and Parliament: Who is calling the shots?<br/>- The final arbiter: The European Court of Justice<br/>- Interests at stake: Lobbying in Brussels<br/>- The risky experiment: Monetary Union<br/>- Moonshot projects: Green Deal and Covid Recovery<br/>- A world of enemies and friends: Foreign and Security policy of the European Union<br/> </p><p>- understand the historical roots of contemporary European politics;<br/>- appreciate the function of the EU’s political institutions; <br/>- be familiar with the interests and ideas that shape European politics;<br/>- be able to identify the central debates and conflicts in contemporary European politics;<br/>- develop the skills to critically analyze European politics and political economy.<br/> </p><p>This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.</p><p>However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills. </p><p>Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.</p><p>A mixture of lectures/ short presentations by the tutor, Q&amp;A, quizzes, pair/group work, and class discussions. A comprehensive bibliography will be given at the beginning of the course. Also, (brief) reading materials will be made available on google classroom, an electronic learning platform. Participants will be encouraged to read short texts, and/or watch documentaries, short videos, and/or listen to podcasts about the scheduled weekly topics before and after lessons.</p><p>Please note that as the course progresses, I hope to see participants take a more active part in the lessons by joining in group work and class discussions..</p><p>No further costs.</p><p>A list of further readings will be provided to participants. The list will include suggestions of books to purchase. On google classroom, you will be provided links to free resources such as newspapers, podcasts, online articles, and videos. While you are not required to buy any learning materials, you may wish to purchase some books, subscribe to specialised magazines, or attend talks or webinars on the issues we are addressing in class in order to deepen and broaden the subject knowledge gained in this course. However, this is not a requirement</p><p>Your tutor will share their courses with you on the day.</p>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsconfigurable
