Suspended in 2025/26
GV4J4 Half Unit
Citizen Representation and Democracy in the European Union
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Prof Sara Hobolt
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Political Science (Conflict Studies and Comparative Politics), MSc in Political Science (Global Politics) and MSc in Political Science (Political Behaviour). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
How to apply: To apply for a place on this course, please write a short statement of 200 words (max) outlining the specific reasons for applying and how the course will benefit your academic/career goals.
Priority will be given to students on the programmes listed in the 'availability' section of the course guide. Places on capped courses cannot be guaranteed.
Students should check that they meet any pre-requisites in the course guide before applying (where applicable).
This course is capped at 1 group.
Course content
This course studies representation, public opinion and party politics in the European Union. The aim of the course is to develop a better understanding of the functioning of democracy in the European Union and provide the analytical tools to evaluate and develop proposals for strengthening democracy. This course will examine both how citizens are represented in the European Union and how the EU shapes democratic politics in member states. The first part of the course assesses pathways of representation and accountability in the European Union, focusing on representation of citizens’ interests in the Council, Commission and the European Parliament as well other avenues for citizen influence, such as referendums and the Citizens’ Initiative. The second part of the course examines how national politics shapes, and is shaped by, European integration, examining party fragmentation, Euroscepticism, populism and democratic backsliding. The final part of the course evaluates different proposals for reform with the aim of strengthening democracy and representation in the EU, and students will have the opportunity to develop their own reform proposal.
Teaching
20 hours of seminars in the Autumn Term.
2 hours of seminars in the Spring Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn Term.
Each seminar will be a mix of lectures, group work and student presentations, ending with a conference on the future of Europe.
Formative assessment
Essay (1500 words)
One formative essay (1,500 words).
Indicative reading
- C De Vries (2018) Euroscepticism and the Future of European Integration (Oxford University Press);
- C De Vries, D Hobolt, S-O Proksch and J Slapin (2021) Foundations of European Politics (Oxford University Press);
- S Hix, A Noury and G Roland (2007) Democratic Politics in the European Parliament (Cambridge University Press);
- G Marks and M Steenbergen, (2004) European Integration and Political Conflict (Cambridge University Press);
- F Scharpf (1999) Governing in Europe: Effective and Democratic? (Oxford University Press).
Assessment
Exam (75%), duration: 120 Minutes in the Spring exam period
Essay (25%, 2500 words) in Winter Term Week 1
Key facts
Department: Government
Course Study Period: Autumn and Spring Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Keywords: European Union, Politics, Political Science, Democracy
Total students 2024/25: 12
Average class size 2024/25: 12
Controlled access 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Specialist skills