EC 317 THE ECONOMICS OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

(Prerequisites: EC 103, EC 104, EC 235 and EC 236, or the permission of the instructor; prerequisites may be waived for international affairs majors and minors by permission of instructor).

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course applies economic theory to key economic institutions and policies of the European Union, addressing the main stages and strategic issues in the process of European economic integration. Students will analyze the process of European economic integration under three broad groups: the degree of economic integration historically achieved with the common market and the European Monetary System prior to 1991; the design of and experiences with the Economic and Monetary Union [EMU] regime currently shaping policies in EU countries that have adopted the euro [euro area]; the economic changes and challenges related to EU enlargement, both for old and new members. Students will investigate questions such as: the pros and cons of regional trade integration and Europe’s common market, the economic case for or against EMU, current issues with respect to fiscal, monetary, and labor market polices in EU countries, diverging economic trends and imbalances within the euro area and the EU, problems that lie ahead until broader adoption of the euro, and some global ramifications of European integration and the euro.

There will be specific reading assignments for each lecture.

Class meets T, Th, 12:40 – 14, Bolton 101

Enrolled students can access all course materials through the course web site on Blackboard https://learn.skidmore.edu/webapps/login/