ADM511 DYNAMICS OF GOVERNMENT IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
| Course Code: | 3100511 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 8.0 |
| Department: | Political Science and Public Adm. |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Graduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Prof.Dr. AYLİN TOPAL |
| Offered Semester: | Fall Semesters. |
Course Objectives
This course aims to understand the EU's unique governance system as a hybrid of intergovernmentalism and supranationalism. It analyzes the formal and informal power dynamics between the institutions of the EU, i.e. the Council, the Commission and the Parliament. Again, in light of theories that explain EU integration, the course critically evaluates and assesses the tensions between national and supranational sovereignty and how crises(Brexit, migration, the 2008 crisis and COVID-19) hinder or foster EU cohesion.
Course Content
This course provides an in-depth analysis of the institutional architecture, decision-making processes, and political dynamics shaping governance in the European Union (EU). Students will explore the interplay between supranational institutions (e.g., European Commission, European Parliament), member states, and interest groups, with a focus on power distribution, accountability, and crisis management. Key themes include legislative procedures (ordinary/ special), the role of the Court of Justice, and the impact of enlargement, Euroscepticism, and differentiated integration (e.g., Eurozone, Schengen). Case studies will cover recent challenges such as Brexit, migration policy, and the EU?s response to geopolitical shifts (e.g., Ukraine war, China relations).
Course Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Map the EU’s legislative process and veto points.
Compare the influence of large vs. small member states in Council negotiations.
Critique the “democratic deficit” debate using institutional performance data.
Trace the evolution of EU competencies (e.g., from single market to defense union).
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Level of Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | The ability to interpret and assess the ways in which power is generated and used socially, institutionally, economically and culturally at the local, national and international levels. | ✔ | |||
| 2 | The ability to conduct interdisciplinary studies and research when assessing the social phenomena in the field of Political Science and Public Administration. | ✔ | |||
| 3 | To attain a sound formation regarding the basic topics, like state-society relations, history of political thought, organisational theory, Turkish politics and comparative politics, in the field of Political Science and Public Administration. | ✔ | |||
| 4 | The ability to use the classical and new approaches in social sciences comprehensively and critically. | ✔ | |||
| 5 | To acquire the methodological knowledge and scientific skills which would enhance the capacity to conduct scientific research and produce publications including a M.S. thesis. | ✔ | |||
| 6 | The ability to evaluate the different dimensions of the problems in the policy areas which are studied through the use of different theoretical perspectives and to develop strategies on this basis. | ✔ | |||
| 7 | To uphold ethical principles in science, academy and life. | ✔ | |||
| 8 | To approach the issues by an independent, critical and inventive cognitive orientation, which could also support the professional career development. | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution