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Poslední úprava: Pamela Danielle Cotte, M.A. (31.01.2024)
When dealing with complex economic issues which have economic, social and political impacts, it is critical to be able to look at various sides. Thus, issues will be framed as questions. Both at the EU and the national level, understanding complex issues and problem-solving requires dialogue between groups with diverse interests. To counteract the current tendency of dismissing certain groups or arguments as “stupid”, this course will seek to understand why certain groups might hold these views from the point of view of the economy. Therefore, emphasis will be given to learning how to discuss in a way that creates a safe and respectful environment. Students will be encouraged to think of economic issues as problems to solve creatively, i.e. a problem-solution approach. There is untapped potential in EU diversity since there are multiple policies that can be drawn upon at the EU, national and regional levels. Working in groups on an evidence-based policy paper students will examine best practice and innovation and develop a policy solution. |
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Poslední úprava: Bc. Sára Lochmanová (31.01.2024)
To provide students with a knowledge base of the EU as an economic entity in terms of its institutional structures, powers, policies, financial instruments, impact and limitations. To analyse key current EU economic issues using data, research and other evidence. Students will be encouraged to support their ideas and claims with evidence in all course activities. To develop students’ analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. All points of view will be welcome in this course. Different sides of complex issues will be examined to foster empathy and the ability to respectfully discuss various perspectives and explore values. |
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Poslední úprava: Pamela Danielle Cotte, M.A. (01.05.2024)
KEY DATES FOR ASSIGNMENTS: 5 MARCH POLICY PAPER GROUP AND TOPIC CHOICE 5 APRIL PRELIMINARY RESEARCH RESULTS AND BIBLIOGRAPHY (A SHORT TEMPLATE TO FILL OUT WILL BE PROVIDED) 13 MAY POLICY PAPER DUE 21 MAY PRESENTATIONS OF THE POLICY PAPER FINDINGS
Assessment will be based on the following: 1 ATTENDANCE, PREPARATION AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION - Students are expected to do the required reading or other homework before each lesson to be prepared for the discussions and other activities. - They are expected to fully participate and contribute to all lesson activities. 2 EVIDENCE-BASED POLICY PAPER - This evidence-based policy paper will argue for a specific policy solution. Specific instructions and support from the lecturer will be provided. - Students can choose the policy area from any topic covered in the course and the country they wish to focus on. Groups of 3. Some time in class will be provided. - The framework will be as follows: Part 1: Identify the issue/problem and its importance. Part 2: Examine best practice and innovation in this policy area. Diversity of approaches in EU countries is a huge strength that is seldom utilized. Use evidence-based arguments, i.e. supported with evidence and examples. Part 3: Propose a policy for the selected country. Argue for the policy using data-based evidence and examples. Provide analysis in terms of the economic and social impacts. 3 PRESENTATION OF THE POLICY PAPER FINDINGS - The groups will present their policy findings during the pre-exam week. Detailed instructions will be provided by the lecturer. - This will follow a similar structure as the paper with evidence-based arguments. Visual representations of data such as graphs and tables will be required. Sources must be provided. - Presentation information and materials will be put on SIS. - The presentations will be shared with the group in a shared folder. Evaluation In addition to active participation and preparation, evaluation will be based on analysis, critical thinking, use of strong evidence to support arguments, clarity of arguments and structure. Templates for the structure of presentations and the research paper will be provided by the lecturer. Regarding grading see SMĚRNICE S_SO_002: Organizace zkouškových termínů, kontrol studia a užívání klasifikace A–F na FSV UK. |
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Poslední úprava: Pamela Danielle Cotte, M.A. (31.01.2024)
Sources from EU institutions such as policy papers, EU budget figures, strategy documents, reports, press releases, analyses Data from sources such as Eurostat, the G7, Eurobarometer, consulting companies, Transparency International Articles and readings from books such as Slippery Slope Europe’s Troubled Future, Giles Merritt, Oxford University Press, 2016 Case studies, videos, e.g. possibly Michael Sandel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbBv2ZGC2VI Online and media sources for current events related to the course such as Euroactiv, media from EU countries, the Economist, the BBC |
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Poslední úprava: Pamela Danielle Cotte, M.A. (31.01.2024)
Lessons will be taught in person. Lectures, readings and presentations will provide students with a knowledge base followed by participative activities such as analysis, discussion and debate, problem-solving, role plays and case studies. Pairwork, groupwork and individual work will be used. Groupwork will be used to create an evidence-based policy solution, i.e. a policy paper and presentation of its findings. |
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Poslední úprava: Pamela Danielle Cotte, M.A. (01.05.2024)
As current events unfold and according to students’ interests, topics may be moved, removed or added.
The Lesson 1 and 5 questions are provided as examples of the types of questions that will serve as a base for presentations, discussions and analysis. Details are in the lesson plans and materials.
Lesson 1 United in diversity Types of diversity What opportunities and challenges does diversity create? Is EU economic diversity a strength? Lesson 2 The EU as an economic entity: its institutions, competences, vision Lesson 3 Competitiveness, innovation, growth, regional disparities Lesson 4 EU financial instruments and their effectiveness: cohesion funds, structural funds, CAP (agriculture), education and training, other Lesson 5 Economic integration and regulation; the Eurozone and Schengen; sovereignty and the subsidiary principle To what extent does a single market exist? Is more economic integration and regulation desirable? In what areas? Lesson 6 Post Covid challenges: inflation, growth, inequality and others Lesson 7 Energy independence and the green transition Lesson 8 Employment, demographics and the ageing population Lesson 9 The war in Ukraine from an economic perspective Lesson 10 Are former socialist countries different from an economic perspective? Lesson 11 EU enlargement from an economic perspective Lesson 12 Redistributive mechanisms Lesson 13 EU strengths Best practice and innovation to address economic challenges Diversity of models in the EU as a strength Pre-exam week Presentations of policy findings from group evidence-based policy papers
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