| CODE | EST5342 | ||||||||||||||||
| TITLE | Southern EU Societies and Politics | ||||||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | European Studies | ||||||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The countries which are the focus of this study-unit are Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain. In the initial stages of the course the discussion centres on the characteristics of the region, the similarities and dissimilarities, politics and societies in these states before the Great Recession struck. The definition of 鈥渟outhern Europe鈥� in the literature is discussed. The next stage consists of an analysis of the economic changes that took place in these southern European countries and the main social changes that followed in the post-World War II period to the present. From here the discussion shifts to the political changes - mainly those effecting governing elites, results of national elections, party changes (new parties/old parties), the rise of Euro-scepticism, the role of the southern group of countries in the EU and the possible way in which they may affect the debate on the future of Europe. Lastly, the analysis turns to the economic and political reforms in the countries under study and the extent to which these changes have led to improvements (or regress). The discussion of the social aspects refers to such key issues as migration, gender equality, inclusion and LGBTIQ issues. Malta belongs to the same sub-region of Europe but so far, its experience has been different from that of the rest of this group of countries. This in itself merits special attention. However, it is also true to observe that developments in these countries could affect not only the EU's stability but also Malta's own welfare considering the extent of its integration in the EU and the single market. Study-Unit Aims: The aim is to provide students specializing in European Studies with knowledge of the changing economic, political and social landscape in southern Europe and how this in turn affects and influences the way the EU is governed and the way in which it will change. Students of European integration cannot really understand the depth of the politics of the EU and the Euro-zone unless they can frame their analysis in the wider picture of what is happening in southern Europe and how this is influencing the behaviour of the southern EU states in the EU institutions and policy-making. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - thoroughly describe and discern the main economic; - political and social arguments and cleavages characteristic of southern Europe; - analysis of current affairs and developments in the EU. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Analyze, speak and write in a very informed manner about southern European economies, politics and societies. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Leonardo Morlino and Cecilia Sottilotta (2020), The Politics of the Eurozone Crisis in Southern Europe: A Comparative Reappraisal. Palgrave-Macmillan. - Leonardo Morlino, Francesco Raniolo (2017), The Impact of the Economic Crisis on South European Democracies, Palgrave. - Anna Bosco, Susannah Verney (eds.) (2018) Crisis Elections, New Contenders and Government Formation: Breaking the Mould in Southern Europe, Routledge. - Martin Baumeister (Author), Roberto Sala (Author) (2016) Southern Europe?: Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece from the 1950s Until the Present Day Paperback. - Paolo Manasse, Dimitris Katsikas (2018), Economic Crisis and Structural Reforms in Southern Europe: Policy Lessons, Routledge. -Susannah Verney (2013). Euroscepticism in Southern Europe: A Diachronic Perspective. Routledge. Supplementary Readings: - Larry Bartels and Nancy Bermeo (eds.) Opinions, Votes and Protest in the Great Recession, Oxford University Press. - Susannah Verney (2012), Euroscepticism in Southern Europe: A Diachronic Perspective, Routledge. - Susannah Verney , Anna Bosco (eds.) (2014) Protest Elections and Challenger Parties: Italy and Greece in the Economic Crisis, Routledge. - Albrecht, Eduardo Zachary (2017) Alter-globalization in Southern Europe: Anatomy of a Social Movement, Palgrave. - Demetriades, Panicos (2017)A Diary of the Euro Crisis in Cyprus Lessons for Bank Recovery and Resolution, Palgrave. - As Supplementary readings students will be recommended articles from Journal of South European Society and Politics published by Taylor and Francis. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Seminar | ||||||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Roderick Pace |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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