All programmes > Economics of European Integration

Economics of European Integration (B-KUL-D0M09A)

6 ECTSEnglish39 Second term
Abraham Filip |  Pröbsting Christian (substitute)
OC Economische wetenschappen FEB Campus Leuven

Aims

The course deals with key aspects of the European economic and business environment in which companies operate. The objective is to provide an insight in the economic developments that are changing the European and global market place today.

 

Upon completion of this course, the student:

is familiar with historical, economic and institutional developments involving the economic integration in the European Union;

understands underlying theories (such as the gains from trade and optimum currency areas) and is able to present them graphically and verbally

has made relevant connections between theory and real world examples, through references to media material, readings or case studies, able to critically discuss the economic issues involved in the EU’s main economic policy areas

finds an increased interest to read economic-related materials in the media

 

Previous knowledge

At the beginning of this course students should be familiar with basic microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts and theories, as well as basic knowledge of international economics as they are taught in first year BA courses. Students could consult Gregory Mankiw, Principles of Economics Cengage as an introduction to concepts in macroeconomics and microeconomics. The best preparation in international economics can be found in Paul Krugman and Maurice Obstfeld, International Economics, Theory and Policy, Pearson Education.

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

6 ects. Economics of European Integration (B-KUL-D0M09a)

6 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture39 Second term
Abraham Filip |  Pröbsting Christian (substitute)
OC Economische wetenschappen FEB Campus Leuven

Content

Chapters refer to Baldwin and Wyplosz textbook
 
Week 1 :
 Introduction and overview of the course 
The political dimension: history and institutions of the EU
 Readings:
Chapters 1-2
 
 Week 2 : 
 Subsidiarity and the Opening up of markets
 Readings:
Chapters 3-4
 
Week 3 : 
 Economics of Preferential Trade liberalization

Readings:
Chapter 5
  
Week 4 :  
 The Internal market and its effects (market size, scale and growth effects)
 Readings:
Chapters 6-7
  
Week 5 :  
Labour markets, migration and social policy 
 Readings:
- Chapter 8
 
Week 6:   
 Competition policy & state aids
 Readings: 
·         Chapter 14
·         A. van Mourik, Economics of Competition Policy (Toledo)
  
Week  7: 
 The Common Agricultural Policy
 Readings: 
Chapter 12
 
Week 8:  
 Regional Problems and Policy in the EU

Readings: 
Chapter 13

 
Week 9:  
EMU: Monetary history of Europe and the EMS
Readings: 
Chapters 16
  
Week 10:  
 The economics of the EMU
 Readings:
Chapters 17
 
Week 11:  
 Fiscal policy coordination in the EU
 Readings: 
Chapter 18
Aad van Mourik, The economics of tax harmonization in the EU (Toledo)
 
Week 12:  
 The Common Trade & Aid Policy

Readings:
Chapters 15
 
 
Week 13:  
 EU preferential trading agreements, do they work?
 Readings: 
·         Panagariya, A. (1999). The Regionalism Debate: An Overview. World Economy, June 1999, pp. 477-511. (Toledo)
·         Panagariya, A. (2002). EU Preferential Trade Policies and Developing Countries. World Economy, November 2002, pp. 1415-32. (Toledo)
 

Course material

• The course will make use of the following textbook: R. Baldwin and C. Wyplosz, The economics of European Integration, McGraw Hill, 4rd ed. This textbook is obtainable from Ekonomika Cursusdienst.
• In addition we use a couple of papers from other sources, to complement the book. This additional literature will be made available on Toledo.
• Power point slides will be available on Toledo as well.
• The course does not completely follow the structure of the book. Extra materials will be discussed in class. All material discussed in class as well as the chapters covered from the book are exam material.
 

Toledo
* Toledo is being used for this learning activity.

Format: more information

The focus of this course is on explaining the learning content. Students are expected to critically and thoroughly study the models and theories presented during the lectures.  

Evaluation

Evaluation: Economics of European Integration (B-KUL-D2M09a)

Type : Exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Written
Type of questions : Multiple choice, Open questions
Learning material : Course material

Explanation


Type: Exam during the examination period

Description of evaluation: Written

Type of questions: Multiple choice questions with guess correction (6 points out of 20) and open questions (14 points out of 20)

Learning material: Text book (R. Baldwin and C. Wyplosz, The economics of European Integration, McGraw Hill, 7th ed.) + slides made available on Toledo

Features of the evaluation
The written exam will be a closed book exam.

Determination of final grades
The grades are determined by the lecturer as communicated via Toledo and stated in the examination schedule. The result is calculated and communicated as a number on a scale of 20.

Information about retaking exams

Second examination opportunity
The features of the evaluation and determination of grades are similar to those of the first examination opportunity, as described above.