IP30920 - REGIONALISM IN WESTERN EUROPE

Module Identifier	IP30920
Module Title	REGIONALISM IN WESTERN EUROPE
Academic Year	2001/2002
Co-ordinator	Dr Siobhan Harty
Semester	Semester 1
Course delivery	Lecture	10 Hours (10 x 1 hour)
	Seminar	10 Hours (10 x 1 hour)
Assessment	Essay	1 x 2,500 words	40%
	Exam	2 Hours	60%

Aims

This module investigates the causal factors for the emergence of regional national movements and regional governments in contemporary Western Europe and considers how regionalism has modified our understanding of the nation-state and state-society relations. Through lectures and seminars, students will critically examine how regionalism has revised conceptions of state nationalism, citizenship and governance and assess the influence of regional movements on political party formation, voting behaviour and interest representation. This module will provide students with the opportunity to engage in an in-depth analysis of specific cases of regionalism and contribute to ongoing debates on central issues related to democratic development in contemporary Europe. The role of regionalism in European integration will also be considered through an examination of Inter-regional organizations as well as the EU Committee of the Regions.

Objectives

Develop and defend an argument for the emergence of regionalism in contemporary Europe
Explain how regionalism and integration can coexist within contemporary Europe
Draw on a range of research resources in presenting their views
Compare empirical examples of regionalism using basic comparative research methods
Demonstrate a basic understanding of how regionalism affects political mobilization, voting and the delivery of services to citizens
Critically assess how regionalism contributes to ongoing debates about the future of the nation-state, democracy and citizenship
Demonstrate an understanding of how regionalism interacts with supra-national institutions in Europe

10 ECTS Credits

Reading Lists

Books
Patrick Le Gales and Christian Lequesne. (1998) Regions in Europe. London: Routledge