It is advisable to have taken an introductory course in economics or political science. However, the course has an introductory character and students of other specialties can follow it with additional readings appropriate to their level.

- Development of analytical skills and critical thinking - Communication and written skills in exams, papers and case studies - Communication and speaking skills in class presentations - Interpersonal skills, including the ability of teamwork - Understanding the key elements for the development of Spanish society and politics, particularly from the Transition to democracy to the present - Understanding the key factors of the history of the EU - Knowledge of the main institutions, socio-political processes and public policies in Spain and the EU - Impact of the EU in Spain - Current social and political problems and challenges ahead in Spain and the EU

The course is divided into the following blocks: PART I. SPAIN: THE CREATION OF A MODERN DEMOCRACY HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION DESIGN OF A DEMOCRATIC REGIME: ELECTIONS, PARTIES AND ELABORATION OF THE CONSTITUTION CONSTRUCTION OF A WELFARE STATE: PARTY COMPETITION, INTERMEDIATION OF INTERESTS AND POST-AUTHORITARIAN SETTLEMENTS SPAIN AND THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM PART II. EUROPEAN UNION: HISTORY, INSTITUTIONS AND FUNCTIONING HISTORICAL LEGACY AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE EUROPEAN PROJECT THEORIES ON EUROPEAN INTEGRATION INSTITUTIONS, ACTORS AND POLICIES ECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNION COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY SOCIAL AND REGIONAL POLICIES THE EU IN THE WORLD PART III OTHER THEMES AND CHALLENGES IMPACT OF THE EU IN SPAIN THE 2008 ECONOMIC CRISIS AND ITS EFFECTS THE EU AGAINST THE USA: PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES OF THE EUROPEAN SOCIAL MODEL DEMOCRATIC DEFICIT THE "BREXIT"

Teaching time is distributed according to the following activities: - Conventional classes (50 for 100 teaching hours). This will include analysis of cases illustrating the lectures. - Workshop and in class work (10 per 100 school hours). Specific analyses entrusted to student teams and public debates on national news that are made regarding any of the topics taught in class. - Explanations, presentations by teams of students and written exercises on basic reading program stipulated in the Syllabus (30 per 100). This course is equivalent to 6 ECTS credits, 150 hours in total approximately Theoretical explanations of the teacher and several activities in class: 42 hours Study of the subject by the student: 50 hours Preparation of presentations, writing papers and case studies: 40 hours Make up classes, tutoring, hand in of papers, etc.: 16 hours Exam: 2 hours