University of Liege | Version française
Study programmes 2011-2012Last update : 13/02/2012
ECON0258-1  European Economics

Duration :  30h Th
Number of credits :  
Advanced Master in Interdisciplinary Analysis of European ConstructionFirst semester6
One-year preliminary programme leading to the Master in Economical Sciences, general orientationFirst semester4
Master in Economical Sciences, in-depth approach, 1st yearFirst semester5
Master in Economical Sciences, didactic approach, 1st yearFirst semester5
Master in Economical Sciences, Professional Focus in Economic Policies and Analysis, 1st yearFirst semester5
Master en sciences économiques,orientation générale, à finalité spécialisée en economics and finance, 1st yearFirst semester5
Master en sciences économiques, orientation générale, à finalité spécialisée en economic analysis and public governance, 1st yearFirst semester5
Master en sciences économiques, orientation générale, à finalité spécialisée en economic analysis and public governance, 2nd yearFirst semester5
Master in Economical SciencesFirst semester5
Lecturer :  Joseph Tharakan
Language(s) of instruction :  
English language
Course contents :  
1. Introduction

The aim of this course is to familiarise students with economic reasoning applied to the process of European economic integration. Using economic models, it introduces students to the economic logic behind European policies.

2. Course content

Introduction
- History
- Law, Institutions and the Budget
- Decision Making

Economic aspects of European economic integration
- The Essential Economics of Preferential Liberalization
- Market Size and Scale Effects
- Growth Effects and Factor Market Integration

EU policies
- The Common Agricultural Policy
- Location Effects, Economic Geography and Regional Policy

Monetary aspects of European integration
- A monetary history of Europe
- The choice of an exchange rate regime
- The European Monetary System
- Optimum Currency Areas
- The European Monetary Union

Other economic aspects of European economic integration
- Fiscal policy and the stability pact
- The financial markets and the Euro
- Economic integration and labour market institutions
Learning outcomes of the course :  
This is an introductory course in the economics of the European Union. Upon completion of the course, students should :

- be familiar with facts and figures about the European Union;

- understand the main problems linked to the European economic integration and the main policies adopted by the EU,

- be able to explain them accurately and concisely;

- understand and apply economic reasoning to different issues linked to the formation of the EU

- using this economic reasoning develop their own critical thinking with respect current EU policies
Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :  
Ideally, students will have had introductory classes in microeconomics and macroeconomics.

This course requires students to be interested in improving their analytical skills, reasoning skills in the field of economics.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :  
1. Approach followed

The course consists essentially of lectures. Certains points are illustrated by current news items..

Students are advised to:

- prepare lectures by reading the relevant chapters of the textbook

- attend classes (Powerpoint slides downloadable from Lola before each lecture are deliberately incomplete)

- make sure that they are capable of explaining with precision each element of economic logic developed during classes.

2. Course schedule

The class format is a module of 6 weeks with 2 x 2 hours each week. The exam is held in January and August.

3. Distribution workload

24h lectures ;

12h of reading of the textbook in preparation of the lectures;

6h of reading current news topics related to themes covered during classes;

20h study time;

4h exam.
Recommended or required readings :  
Powerpoint slides will be available to download before each lecture.

Textbook: Richard Baldwin and Charles Wyplosz, The economics of European integration, McGraw-Hill
Assessment methods and criteria :  
1. Evaluation criteria

It will be an closed book open questions exam.

Evaluation will be based on the student's
- knowledge of facts and figures about the EU
- capacity of understanding economic reasoning as well as the capacity of explaining it in a accurate and concise way;
- capacity to apply economic concepts and reasoning to European economic issues as well as to comment on current events and debates in the news

2. Evaluation calendar

The exam takes place during the week following the bloc as well as in August.
Contacts :  
Professor: Joseph Tharakan - e-mail: J.Tharakan@ulg.ac.be
Assistant: Jérôme Schoenmaeckers e-mail: Jérôme.Schoenmaeckers@ulg.ac.be Tél : 04 366 29 65 Office: B. 31 - 1.56


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