Skills related to the development of analytical and critical thinking. Communication and writing skills in presentations, papers and case studies. Communication skills and speaking in public. Interpersonal skills such as the ability to work in teams or role-play. Knowledge management related to the environment and circumstances of European political reality. The student will be able to identify policy convergence in Europe with the analytical tools provided. Improved capacity to analyze a political system, its position in Europe and the main features and its evolution.

The national politics of European countries are increasingly intertwined with the supranational developments on the continent. The main goal of the course will be to apply the theoretical tools of political science to the analysis of the emerging European multilevel political systems. The course's specific focus will be on different elements of the political regime of the European Union (EU), the key public policies it produces, and the underlying political community. The course emphasises the logic of European integration reflected in its historical development, theoretical approaches to the dynamics of supranational integration, the political and institutional functioning of the European political system, the design and outcomes of EU public policies, and its political and democratic legitimacy. Students¿ understanding of the different topics will be deepened through practical exercises and debates on current issues in European politics. By the end of the course, students will have a clear understanding of the European integration process, comprehend the extent to which a political system exists in today's European continent, be familiar with the functioning of EU institutions, and be able to analyse the evolution of European politics with theoretical and analytical rigour and from a critical perspective. 1. The European Union as a political system 2. European integration: Historical perspective 3. European integration: Theoretical approaches 4. Executive policy in the EU 5. Legislative policy in the EU 6. Judicial policy in the EU 7. Economic policies: Single Market and Economic and Monetary Union 8. Expenditure policies 9. Democracy, parties, elections 10. Public opinion and European identity The course is part of the following Jean Monnet initiatives of the Erasmus+ Programme: The "PromethEUs" Chair of Interdisciplinary European Governance and the Madrid Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary EU Studies.

Theoretical explanations by the teacher followed by classroom activities in which students will apply their acquired knowledge and develop different skills. The goal is to involve students in the learning process. To do this, the teacher will provide the basic knowledge and tools necessary to develop analytical and critical thinking. For this purpose, students will be required to read selected materials or write essays. Likewise, discussions on current topics, presentations and role-play will be encouraged for the students to expand their communication and interpersonal skills. These activities can be complemented by screenings of documentaries/films related to matters relevant to the subject. The latter instrument is educational entertainment and useful for abstracting some find some translation of general issues to specific topics. Credits: ECTS 6, approx. 150 hours Theoretical explanations of the teacher and various activities in class: 54 hours Weekly tutorials: 24 hours Review of a book by the student: 10 hours Making a group or individual work: 35 hours Study of the subject and preparing presentations by students: 25 hours Taking the exam: 2 hours