Politics in Sweden and in the European Union

On completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• understand the bases of the Swedish political system and the main political developments of the past 200 years
• demonstrate knowledge of the historical evolution of the European Union (EU) with a perspective that is based on basic theories on integration
• demonstrate knowledge of the primary institutions of the EU, their inter relationships and how their decision making processes work
• show insight into the problems related to the separation of powers between EU institutions and member states.

The course elucidates the historical evolution of the EU with a focus on integration processes through the lens of different theoretical perspectives of European integration. Moreover, the formal decision making processes as well as the division of power between the institutions of the EU, and between the EU institutions and the member states are discussed and problematized in relation to different policy issues. The course also provides a basic presentation of the Swedish political system in its different levels of government. The interconnectedness between the EU and the member states   especially Sweden   is discussed with a focus on the consequences from a democracy related and citizen-related perspective.

Written take home examination, written and oral presentations, and active participation during seminars.

Lectures and mandatory seminars.

The Swedish grades U–VG.

Number of credits:

• Written Examination, Written and Oral Presentations, 7.5 credits

The course is included in the course package Swedish Politics and Society I.