Faculty: Graduate School of Social Science The European Union Studies major focuses on the political, economic, and social aspects of the European Union (EU). Students develop an understanding of EU institutions, policies, and integration processes. Graduates are prepared for careers in EU institutions, international organizations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and consulting firms. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the fundamentals of the European Union and its integration processes. - Develop skills in analyzing EU policies, institutions, and decision-making processes. - Learn techniques for conducting research on EU-related topics. - Explore principles of EU law, economics, and political science. - Analyze and interpret EU data, policies, and trends. - Develop critical thinking, analytical, and research skills for effective EU studies practice. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to the European Union** - Overview of key concepts, principles, and practices in EU studies. - Fundamentals of EU history, institutions, and integration processes. 2. **EU Institutions and Governance** - Principles of EU institutions, including the European Commission, European Parliament, and European Council. - Techniques for understanding and analyzing EU governance and decision-making processes. 3. **EU Policies and Policy-Making** - Principles of EU policies, including economic, social, and foreign policies. - Techniques for analyzing and evaluating EU policy-making processes. 4. **EU Law** - Principles of EU law, including treaties, legislation, and legal frameworks. - Techniques for understanding and applying EU legal principles. 5. **EU Economics** - Principles of EU economics, including the Eurozone, monetary policy, and economic integration. - Techniques for analyzing EU economic policies and trends. 6. **EU Political Science** - Principles of EU political science, including political theory, comparative politics, and EU-member state relations. - Techniques for studying and interpreting EU political dynamics. 7. **EU Integration and Enlargement** - Principles of EU integration and enlargement, including accession processes, regional cooperation, and integration challenges. - Techniques for analyzing EU integration and enlargement strategies. 8. **Internship/Practicum** - Real-world experiences in EU-related settings, including internships in EU institutions, international organizations, or government agencies. - Application of learned skills in practical EU studies scenarios. 9. **Capstone Project in European Union Studies** - Comprehensive project applying skills in EU policy analysis, institutional research, or economic studies. - Delivery of a polished EU studies project, policy analysis, or research presentation. **Assessment Methods:** - EU policy analysis reports, institutional research papers, EU law studies, economic analysis projects, political science studies, integration and enlargement analyses, internship/practicum reports, capstone projects, group projects, and presentations. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "European Union Studies" by various authors. - "EU Institutions and Governance" by various authors. - "EU Policies and Policy-Making" by various authors. - "EU Law" by various authors. - "EU Economics" by various authors. - "EU Political Science" by various authors. - "EU Integration and Enlargement" by various authors. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of political science, economics, and an interest in European Union studies and international relations. **Major Duration:** Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, internships, and capstone projects. For advanced practice, a Master's degree in European Union Studies may be pursued, which typically takes an additional 1-2 years. **Certification:** Graduates may receive a degree in European Union Studies and pursue further education or professional certifications in specialized areas of EU policy or international relations. **Target Audience:** Aspiring EU policy analysts, government officials, international relations specialists, consultants, and researchers seeking careers in EU institutions, international organizations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and consulting firms. This major equips students with the analytical, research, and policy-making skills needed to excel in European Union studies, supporting careers in various roles focused on EU policies, institutions, and integration processes.