Political Economy of European Integration | HWR Berlin

M.A. PolEi provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to critically analyse the processes of European integration and dis-integration and the related challenges of ecological, economic, political and social crisis dynamics. The multidisciplinary, pluralist programme is very international and prepares for academic and practical work.

How does the programme provide content to ensure students achieve an understanding of a reasonably diverse set of perspectives on understanding economies?

The programme focuses on the political economy of European integration and the multifaceted challenges this process entails. Students learn that this complexity needs to be understood from various angles and disciplinary backgrounds, taking into account the interdependencies of economic, political and social dynamics. Hence, the programme is multidisciplinary and combines pluralist macroeconomics with an emphasis on heterodox approaches, political science, sociology, and law. The 1st semester courses outline the principles of economic, political and social integration and the increasing transfer of powers from the nation states to the European level, with a focus on nature & sustainability; labour & social reproduction; money & trade. The 2nd semester provides a wide range of choices between multidisciplinary specialisations.

How does the programme ensure students understand the interaction between economic and ecological systems?

The ecological crisis and its relatedness to the economic system and economic processes are an integral part of the programme, highlighted in several courses, in particular the 1st semester obligatory course Nature, Sustainability & Energy Security, and the 2nd semester specialising courses Labour & Ecology, and Feminist & Ecological Economics. In other economics courses the ecological constraints to economic growth and related concepts like, for instance, de-growth, zero-growth or green growth are critically discussed. In the 3rd semester students can do an internship in an NGO, public or private institutions related to ecological or other topics of interest.

How does the programme ensure students understand how to critically explore real-world evidence, both qualitative and quantitative?

Teaching is based on real-world evidence, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. In all courses, the diverse theoretical foundations and the empirical evidence from various data sources are critically reflected and their epistemic value is discussed. Students are encouraged to reflect the process of knowledge production in the seminars and their own academic writing of term papers. The interdependencies of economic, ecological, political and social spheres of European societies are an essential subject-matter of the programme. In the 2nd semester course Current Issues of European Integration students work in small teams on own research projects, supervised by a professor, and learn to apply an appropriate methodology. This provides a good exercise for the later Master thesis supported by a research seminar.

What pedagogical approaches does the programme use to ensure that students examine the historical context, assumptions and values in all economic thinking?

In all courses the historical context of economic, political and social processes, discourses and decision-making is reflected. For instance, the 1st semester macroecomics course on Money and Trade as important dimensions of European integration starts with the history of European economic and monetary integration and then critically discusses the concept of an optimum currency area and its applicability to the Eurozone. Students will then learn about the role of money in economic analysis, based on different theoretical concepts of economic policies, before the changes in the policy architecture due to the Eurozone crisis are critically discussed. In the 2nd semester, the elective course Political Economy of Modern Capitalism pursues an essentially historic-theoretical logic to explain major trends and issues of capitalist economies.

How does the department ensure that the teaching culture and capacity to deliver economic pluralism are continually improving?

We are a multidisciplinary team of lecturers who continuously develop contents and methodologies of the courses. Young researchers, also some excellent alumni of the programme, are included as teaching staff, as well as guest lecturers. This variance grants a continuous pluralist feature with various disciplinary, theoretical and methodical backgrounds. The courses have a seminar character of 40 students, allowing personal relationships with the lecturers. The didactics of the courses include lectures, plenary discussions, group work, and students’ peer-to-peer commenting which provides for a high degree of social learning. Students’ cohorts are very international (50% EU, incl. 20% German, 50% non-EU) and have mixed disciplinary backgrounds. This variety allows a rich experience of intercultural and interdisciplinary studying.We are a multidisciplinary team of lecturers who continuously develop contents and methodologies of the courses. Young researchers, also some excellent alumni of the programme, are included as teaching staff, as well as guest lecturers. This variance grants a continuous pluralist feature with various disciplinary, theoretical and methodical backgrounds. The courses have a seminar character of 40 students, allowing personal relationships with the lecturers. The didactics of the courses include lectures, plenary discussions, group work, and students’ peer-to-peer commenting which provides for a high degree of social learning. Students’ cohorts are very international (50% EU, incl. 20% German, 50% non-EU) and have mixed disciplinary backgrounds. This variety allows a rich experience of intercultural and interdisciplinary studying.We are a multidisciplinary team of lecturers who continuously develop contents and methodologies of the courses. Young researchers, also some excellent alumni of the programme, are included as teaching staff, as well as guest lecturers. This variance grants a continuous pluralist feature with various disciplinary, theoretical and methodical backgrounds. The courses have a seminar character of 40 students, allowing personal relationships with the lecturers. The didactics of the courses include lectures, plenary discussions, group work, and students’ peer-to-peer commenting which provides for a high degree of social learning. Students’ cohorts are very international (50% EU, incl. 20% German, 50% non-EU) and have mixed disciplinary backgrounds. This variety allows a rich experience of intercultural and interdisciplinary studying.

Other information:

The programme is suitable for students interested in current economic, political and social issues particularly involved with European integration processes. Students should be open to our interdisciplinary approach and hold a degree in economics, political science, sociology or related subjects. In undergraduate studies modules in macroeconomics, political science (or comparable courses) and/ or European studies should have been completed. A basic understanding about the European Union is helpful. English language skills on a high B2 level is necessary.