This course syllabus is discontinued or replaced by a new course syllabus.

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School of Behavioural, Social and Legal Sciences

Course Syllabus


EU Law and the Constitutions of the Member States, Second Cycle, 15 Credits


Course Code: RV106A Subject Area: Field of Law
Main Field of Study: Law Credits: 15
    Subject Group (SCB): Law and Legal Studies
Education Cycle: Second Cycle Progression: A1N
Established: 2014-12-15 Last Approved: 2016-10-03
Valid from: Spring semester 2017 Approved by: Head of School


Aims and Objectives

General aims for second cycle education

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall
- further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge
- develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
- develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 9)

Course Objectives

The course's main objective is to offer the students a deeper knowledge about EU
Constitutional Law, with particular focus on the latest developments, and to develop their ability to discuss issues related to the public law dimension of EU law. At the completion of the course students shall be able to:
- read, understand and analyse scientific writings dealing with the EU and judgements of the European courts taking a critical approach,
- understand the internal dynamics of the EU's decision-making processes and the functioning and role of its courts,
- discuss and argue with a critical approach issues related to the EU's legal system,
- write relevant comments to CJEU judgments, scholarly articles and important events in collaboration with others,
- express an opinion about and argue for or against a judgment of the EU courts and and critically discuss scholarly opinions.


Main Content of the Course

The discussed topics include the division of powers between the different EU institutions, the division of competences between the EU and its member states, the EU's law-making process, the relationships between the EU and individuals and between the EU legal order and the member states' legal systems. Each issue will be discussed in the light of relevant legal doctrine and case-law.


Teaching Methods

Lectures, seminars and a final written exam. Students shall follow the practice of EU courts and comment recent judgments, scholarly articles and news related to the EU's constitutional dimension in small groups, in the form of posts to be published on a blog created on purpose for the course: http://eulaworebro.wordpress.com.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.


Examination Methods

Written Exam, 7.5 Credits. (Code: 0100)
Written examination.
Obligatory Requirements, 7.5 Credits. (Code: 0200)
Blog posts (max. 4) and individual assignments (max. 2).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).


Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2010-10-19, reg. no. CF 12-540/2010), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The vice-chancellor or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Written Exam
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).
Obligatory Requirements
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).


The results from the written exam and the obligatory requirements together will determine the course grade.


For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).


Specific entry requirements

180 credits at the first level out of which 90 credits with increasing depth within law, including an essay (G2E) of 15 credits; alternatively 180 credits at the first level of which 90 credits with increasing depth within political science, including an essay (G2E) of 15 credits. Additional requirements: English Course B/English Course 6.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).


Transfer of Credits for Previous Studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.


For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).


Other Provisions

The course is given in English.

The final grade is calculated on the basis of a point system. Points are given for individual assignments, blog posts and the written exam. Extra points may be awarded for active participation in the lectures and seminars.


Transitional Provisions

For a course that has been cancelled or significantly changed in content or scope, there may be examinations on three occasions within 12 to 18 months after the changes have been made.


Reading List and Other Teaching Materials

Required Reading

Schütze, Robert senaste upplagan
European Constitutional Law
Cambridge University Press, 500 pages


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