300132 Risk Regulation in Europe (BS) (SoSe 2016)

Floods, contaminated food, nuclear accidents, or heightened refugee movements: the cross-border character of many present day risks requires European states to coordinate their risk regulation approaches. But how does risk regulation in Europe work? Which theories and concepts help us explain whether or not, and if so: to what extent, member states coordinate their risk assessment and risk management? Which institutions have they designed to do so and how do these operate? How can we account for variation across policy domains? What challenges does European risk regulation face?

In this course we will apply European integration theory as well as risk regulation concepts to answer the queries above in a selected number of empirical examples, including the widely discussed case of migration and border control which currently heads the news.

By then end of the course, students will have a sound knowledge of theories of European integration, risk regulation concepts, and be intimately familiar with at least two empirical examples of European risk regulation.

The course entails a preparation meeting on 22 April in which literature, essay writing and student presentations will be discussed. We will then hold a blocked meeting on 23 and 24 June where the contents of the couse will be introduced and discussed by the help of key readings. Finally, on 15 July, students will hold their presentations in small groups. The content and structure of essays and presentations will be discussed with the lecturer in advance.
A detailed course plan and reading list will be distributed during our preparatory meeting on 22 April 2016.

Requirements for participation, required level

Prior knowledge on European integration theories is useful.
The course will be taught in English language.

Bibliography

A detailed reading list will be distributed during our first meeting on 22 April 2016.