PSI 401 European Integration

2026 - 2027 Fall Semester

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Akşemsettinoğlu

Department of Political Science and International Relations

Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences

Çankaya University                                                                                  

 

Tel: 233 10 00 / 1249         Office: K - 414

E-mail: gokhana@cankaya.edu.tr

Web page: http://psi401.cankaya.edu.tr                                                                      

Course Hours / Place                                                       

Wednesday           09.20 – 12.10 / PA - 01                      

Office Hours / Place:

Tuesday           13.20 - 14.10 / K - 414   

Thursday          10.20 - 11.10 / K - 414    

 

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to European integration. It analyses the historical evolution of the integration process since the Second World War and examines the core institutions, policies, and contemporary challenges facing the European Union (EU). The course is structured into the following seven main parts: Par I: Origins and Historical Development – An overview of the historical roots and evolution of European integration. Part II: Theories of Integration – An examination of major theoretical frameworks, specifically neo-functionalism and intergovernmentalism. Part III: EU Institutions and Actors – A detailed discussion of the major institutions and key actors within the Union. Part IV: decision-Making Processes – An analysis how decisions and policies are formulated and implement in the EU. Part V: Core EU Policies – An exploration of key policy areas, including the enlargement process, the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). Part VI: Contemporary Crises and Debates – An analysis of critical challenges, such as recent economic crises and the impact of Brexit. Part VII: The future of the EU – A concluding discussion on the future trajectories of the European Union and the integration process.

Course Requirement

Students are required to attend at least % 60 of the classes. Those who fail to meet the attendance requirement will lose their rights to take the final exam and will receive a grade of NA (Not Attending) for the semester. Students are expected to read the course materials regularly and actively participate in class discussions. Throughout the semester, students will be assessed based on one midterm exam, two quizzes, and one final exam. For all examinations, students are responsible for both the assigned course materials and in-class lecture notes.

Course Materials

The required reading material of the course:

● Cini, Michelle and Nieves Perez-Solorzano Borragan. European Union Politics, 7^th Edition, Oxford U. Press, 2022. (Note: The 8th edition of this book, published in 2025, may also be used)

The following books are suggested for further study:

● Buonano, Laurie and Neill Nugent. Policies and Policy Processes of the EU, Palgrave Macmillan, London, 2013.

● Gilbert, Mark. European Union: A Concise History, Rowman and Little field Publishers, 2012.

● Nugent, Neill. The Government and Politics of the European Union, Palgrave Macmillan, New York, 2010.

● Coelata D. Morgan (Editor). European Union: Background and Issues, Nova Science Publishers, New York, 2010.

● Moussis, Nicholas. Access to European Union, Law, Economics, Policies, European Study Service, 18^th Edition, 2009.

●McCormick, John. Avrupa Birliği Siyaseti, Adres Yayınları, Ankara, 2015.

● Günuğur, Haluk. Avrupa Birliği, Avrupa Ekonomik Danışma Merkezi Yayını, Bilim Serisi -8, Ankara, 2014.

●Akçay, Belgin ve İ. Göçmen. Avrupa Birliği, Tarihçe, Teoriler, Kurumlar ve Politikalar, 2. Baskı, Seçkin, Ankara, 2012.

● Özdemir, Haluk. Avrupa Mantığı, Avrupa Bütünleşmesinin Teori ve Dinamikleri, BÜTEK, İstanbul, 2012.

The copy of all readings will be available for duplication in the photocopy room. Students are strongly recommended to either buy the textbook or have a complete set of readings for the course as soon as possible.

Grade Components

Class Participation (not Attendance)                  10 %

Quizzes                                                               20 %                      

Midterm Examination                                         30 %

Final Examination                                               40 %

 

Course Outline

 

● Introduction (1 week)

What is Integration?

The Meaning of the European Integration

The Origins and Motivations of the European Integration Process          

 

● The Historical Context and the Treaty Framework (3 weeks)

The Community Idea, the Founding Treaties, and the Hague Summit

The Single European Act and the Treaties of the 1990s.  

The Main Elements and Significance of the Lisbon treaty

Imortant Developments After Lisbon

The treaty on the European Union

         

● Theoretical Framework (2 weeks)

Neofunctionalism and the Concept of Spillover

Intergovernmentalism and Liberal Intergovernmentalism

                                               

● Institutions of the European Union (2 weeks)

The Functions and Effects of the European Commission

The European Council and the Council of the European Union

The Evolution, Power and the Influence of the European Parliament

The Composition, Structure and the Procedures of the European Court of Justice of th European Union

The European Court of Auditors and Other Institutions

 

● Policy-making in the European Union (1 week)

EU Competences and Modes of Governancee

Legislative Procesures

 

● Some Policies of the European Integration (2 weeks)

The Enlargement Process

The European Union's Foreign, Security and Defense Policies

Economic and Monetary Union

 

● Some Issues and Debates (1 week)

The Euro Crisis

Brexit

Current Issues and Problems   

 

● The Future of the EU and the European Integration Process ​(1 week)

Scenarios on the Future of the EU