Teacher(s)
Language
English
Main themes
The overall theme of the course is the progressive construction of the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice(AFSJ) of the European Union (EU). The course is organized around four major sub-themes: historical perspectives, theoretical approaches, actors, and policies.
Historical perspectives on the AFSJ: overview of both the legal and political milestones and of the power dynamics at play in the construction of the AFSJ.
Theoretical approaches to the study of the AFSJ: recap of classical theories of EU studies (neo-functionalism, inter-governmentalism, (post)integration theory, governance, Europeanization, neo-institutionalism), introduction to 'alternative' theoretical approaches (e.g. sociology of the EU, international political sociology, pragmatism, post-structuralism); and discussion of their theoretical use for the study of the AFSJ.
The main actors of the AFSJ: recap of the main EU institutions (e.g. European Commission, European Parliament, Court of Justice, European Council and Council of the European Union) with a focus on their specific roles and competences related to the AFSJ. Presentation of AFSJ-related institutional actors: EUROPOL, EUROJUST, the European Data Protection Supervisor, CEPOL, FRONTEX, etc.; and brief overview of non-institutional actors (e.g. private actors, interest groups, NGOs') and of key international players.
The main policies of the AFSJ: introduction to the key AFSJ policy fields: asylum, immigration, management of external borders, judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters, police cooperation, personal data protection. Focus on the diverse policy and regulatory tools at play in the AFSJ and their uses and limitation in defining and enforcing policy agenda. Finally, discussion of the external dimension of the AFSJ policies, and the role of non-European actors in influencing or challenging its policies.
Historical perspectives on the AFSJ: overview of both the legal and political milestones and of the power dynamics at play in the construction of the AFSJ.
Theoretical approaches to the study of the AFSJ: recap of classical theories of EU studies (neo-functionalism, inter-governmentalism, (post)integration theory, governance, Europeanization, neo-institutionalism), introduction to 'alternative' theoretical approaches (e.g. sociology of the EU, international political sociology, pragmatism, post-structuralism); and discussion of their theoretical use for the study of the AFSJ.
The main actors of the AFSJ: recap of the main EU institutions (e.g. European Commission, European Parliament, Court of Justice, European Council and Council of the European Union) with a focus on their specific roles and competences related to the AFSJ. Presentation of AFSJ-related institutional actors: EUROPOL, EUROJUST, the European Data Protection Supervisor, CEPOL, FRONTEX, etc.; and brief overview of non-institutional actors (e.g. private actors, interest groups, NGOs') and of key international players.
The main policies of the AFSJ: introduction to the key AFSJ policy fields: asylum, immigration, management of external borders, judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters, police cooperation, personal data protection. Focus on the diverse policy and regulatory tools at play in the AFSJ and their uses and limitation in defining and enforcing policy agenda. Finally, discussion of the external dimension of the AFSJ policies, and the role of non-European actors in influencing or challenging its policies.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to : | |
| 1 | Gained a comprehensive knowledge of the main AFSJ policies. Students will acquaint with the latest reforms in EU justice and home affairs, and engage with the ongoing policy and scholarly discussions related to these composite legal and policy domains. |
| 2 | Gauged the logics underpinning normative integration and operational cooperation in the AFJS. Students will be asked to critically analyse the role played by the institutions and actors responsible for the design and implementation of AFSJ policies and laws. |
| 3 | Further developed academic skills (e.g. how to engage with academic literature; how to debate based on scientific arguments) and non-academic ones (e.g. how to engage with experts and practitioners working on AFSJ-related matters; how to participate in a group discussion; how to write a policy brief). |
Content
The main objective of this course is to provide students with a thorough understanding of the AFSJ, its normative foundations, institutional framework, policy fields and concerned stakeholders. Notably, this course requires students to study the rules and dynamics that govern the functioning of the AFSJ and its ongoing development.
Evaluation methods
Written or oral examination.
Faculty or entity
Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)
Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Master [120] in European Studies
