Module Identifier RD25610  
Module Title EUROPE (AGRICULTURE)  
Academic Year 2001/2002  
Co-ordinator Mr Charles Falzon  
Semester Semester 2  
Assessment Group presentation   Outcomes assessed: 2, 4, 5 Study of EU member states: group presentation   20%  
  Report   Outcomes assessed: 2, 3, 4, 5 Report based on study tour   30%  
  Exam   1.5 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 4, 5   50%  

Module description


The European Union has a vital but often unrecognised and misunderstood influence on the social, economic and environmental integrity of its member states. This module will describe how and why the EC (and the EU post-Maastricht) has evolved, the scope and structure of its main institutiions, the production of EC law (particularly in the context of the environment), and the mechanisms that the EC employs to work towards an equitable market.


A number of these themes will be explored during a study visit to a non-UK European region, in order to raise awareness and provide insights, and to contrast social, economic and environmental priorities with those of the UK. The interpretation of legislation and the deployment of structural and other funds for regional development will be examined.

Outcomes


Outcome 1


Identify the structure, composition and function of the EU.


Performance criteria:
a. Main organisational structure and function of the EU is described.
b. Main aims and, provisions of major EU treaties are identified.
c. Major policies are described.
d. The political history of the EC's development is described.


Ranges:


Principles - Four Freedoms, goods, people, services, capital
European Community and European Union - The Three Pillars
Organisational Structure - European Commission, European Parliament, European Council, European Court of Justice,
Council of Ministers, Committee of the Regions, European Environmental Agency; Environmental Action Programmes
Major Treaties - Rome, Single European Act, Maastricht, Prague.
Major Policies - Agriculture and Fisheries, The Regions, The Environment


Outcome 2


Describe the mechanisms used by the EC to implement policy.


Performance criteria:
a. The processes of producing and enforcing laws are described.
b. Significant laws are analysed
c. Major funding mechanisms are listed and described.


Ranges:
Directives and Regulations - Agriculture and Rural Development; Birds and Habitats; EIA
The four structural funds - FIFG, EAGGF, ERDF, ESF
The main Community Funds and Objectives - LEADER, INTERREG, LIFE


Outcome 3


Identify the key characteristics of a region within a selected EU member state, in relation to the above themes.


Performance criteria:
a. Key characteristics are explained.
b. Cultural and natural heritage values are described.


Ranges:


Geology, Geomorphology, communications, climate, water, land resources.
Nature and landscape values, customs, traditional economic and social activities.


Outcome 4


Assess institutional structures and partnerships relevant to natural resource management in the UK and selected member state.


Performance criteria:
a. Key organisations are identified
b. Political and administrative linkages are described
c. Institutional strengths and weaknesses are assessed.


Ranges


Agricultural, forestry, tourism, recreation, fisheries and environmental protection agencies.
Designations. NGOs. Community-based initiatives.


Outcome 5
Assess the influence of the EC on the domestic priorities of the UK and a selected member state.


Performance criteria:
a. Relevant policy areas and priorities are identified
b. Implementation of European initiatives (legal and other mechanisms) is assessed.


Ranges


Directives and regulations, community initiatives, schemes, programmes and projects.
Implementation and enforcement.