This course provides an introduction to and critical overview of the legal system of the European Union and the processes of European integration. It is intended to provide students with a deep insight into the internal structure and functioning of the EU and the integrative processes that have contributed to this. The course also considers the role of the EU as a global actor, particularly in the Asia Pacific Region. The course takes an interdisciplinary approach examining selected topics in constitutional and substantive law from a range of political, economic and social perspectives. The course will also provide students with the opportunity, where appropriate, to draw comparisons with the Australian federal system and local approaches to substantive law.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- the acquisition of a detailed knowledge of the institutional structure of the EU, the principles of European law and integration and the ability to demonstrate understanding of the development of these principles;
- the acquisition of a detailed knowledge of the EU as a global actor, the relationship of the Member States and the EU institutions and the EU’s engagement with third countries, regions and international organisations;
- the ability to critically evaluate the institutional structure of the EU; its engagement as a global actor; the nature and consequences of European law and integration; and at least one area of EU policy. Students who fully satisfy the assessment requirements of this course will have the knowledge and skills to:
- explain the institutional structure of the EU and the nature of the relationship between the Member States and the EU institutions;
- explain succinctly the nature of the EU’s engagement with third countries, regions and international organisations;
- compare, contrast and reflect on the nature and consequences of European integration;
- critically evaluate at least one chosen area of EU policy.
Research-Led Teaching
I have been researching and teaching EU law and integration since completing my LLM in Germany in 1991. I was a lead investigator in an ARC Linkage grant on the changing nature of the business relationship between Australia and the EU and am currently a member of several EU-funded Jean Monnet projects and network being run through the ANU Centre for European Studies of which I am the Director.
Required Resources
Catherine Barnard, Steve Peers (eds), European Union Law, 3rd ed, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2020. Due to Covid related transport delays, students are asked to acquire a soft copy of this text which is available here: https://bulk-store.vitalsource.com/en-au/products/european-union-law-v9780192597786
Recommended Resources
Fernanda Nicola and Bill Davies, (eds), EU Law Stories: Contextual and Critical Histories of European Jurisprudence, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2017
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
- written comments
- verbal comments
- feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.
Other Information
Extensions late submission and penalties - https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/extensions-late-submission-and-penalties
Deferred examination: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/deferred-examinations
Special consideration: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/special-assessment-consideration
Penalties for excess word length: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/word-length-and-excess-word-penalties
Distribution of Grades Policy: Effective from Winter Session and Second Semester 2018 (and until further notice), the interim scaling guideline applies to all courses in the LLB (Hons) and JD programs. Please see: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/grading
Further Information about the Course: is available from the course WATTLE page. Students are required to access the WATTLE site regularly throughout the course for details on weekly classes and any announcements relating to the course.
Class Schedule
Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
---|---|---|
1 | Introduction: history and background of the European Union | Monday 11/1/21 |
2 | Creating a Legal System: Development of General Principles of EU Law | Tuesday 12/1/21 |
3 | Creating a Legal System: Institutions, Law and Lawmaking of the European Union | Thursday 14/1/21 |
4 | Economic Integration: from Common Market to Single Market and the Four Fundamental Freedoms of the EU | Friday 15/1/21 |
5 | Economic Integration and policy spillover | Monday 16/1/21 |
6 | Regulation and Governance in the EU | Tuesday 17/1/21 |
7 | External Relations and Security in the EU | Thursday 18/1/21 |
8 | EU External Relations and the Indo-Pacific | Friday 19/1/21 |
Assessment Summary
Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Online Quizzes | 10 % | * | * | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Infographic Project | 40 % | 05/02/2021 | 15/02/2021 | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
Research Paper | 50 % | 19/02/2021 | 15/03/2021 | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:
- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.
Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
Online Quizzes
Details of task:
Each day of classes, a 5 question multiple choice quiz will be released through WATTLE at 7pm, and will remain live until 9 am the next day. After logging on, students will have 15 minutes to complete it. The 8 quizzes will each be weighted equally and equate to 10% of a student’s overall mark. This assessment task addresses learning outcomes 1,2,3,4,5 and fulfills the requirement for students to receive feedback before 50% of the course is complete.
Nature of Task:
Compulsory. Failure to complete any quiz will result in a 0 mark for that quiz. This mark is not redeemable.
Weighting: the combined weighting for the quizzes is 10%
Release: The quizzes will be available electronically on Wattle from 7pm each evening of the day on which classes are held, following each day’s instruction.
Due date: The quiz must be completed by 9am the following morning.
Extensions and Penalties for Late Submission: Extensions and Late submissions are not accepted. It is not possible to undertake a quiz after the due date.
Estimated return date: Within 2 days of completing the quiz.
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Infographic Project
Nature of Task: The infographic project is compulsory and a failure to complete it will result in a mark of 0. It is not redeemable.
Weighting: The infographic project will be worth 40% of the final mark for the course.
Word limit: The infographic will be accompanied by a summary of the rationale underpinning the infographic itself, together with a bibliography. The summary and bibliography will be no more than 1500 words
Release: Friday 22/01/2021
Due date: 5pm 5/02/2021 via Turnitin
Estimated return date: 15/02/2021
Extensions and Penalties for Late Submission: Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.
Assessment Criteria: The following criteria will be applied when assessing the infographic project:
Communication & Development of the Idea being presented in the Infographic
clear theme
infographic and summary reflect the same theme
infographic and summary reflect the same development
Analysis
critical analysis of the material
complexity and insight in dealing with theory/ideas
suggestions for change where appropriate
interdisciplinary perspective where appropriate
addressing opposing arguments
well-reasoned conclusions
Research
research covering primary and secondary materials
good organisation of sources and ability to synthesise all the research materials used
use of theoretical material where appropriate
range of research sources
integration of material from research resources into the infographic and summary
Presentation, style and referencing
good use of structure, visual representation of ideas in the infographic
clarity and conciseness of expression, interesting and engaging to the viewer and reader of the infographic project
use of appropriate terminology and correct grammar, syntax and spelling
style according to current Australian Guide to Legal Citation as appropriate in the summary
adherence to word limit in the summary and bibliography
Assessment Rubric: this will be made available on the course WATTLE page on Friday 22/01/2021
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Research Paper
Nature of Task: The essay is compulsory and a failure to complete it will result in a mark of 0. It is not redeemable.
Weighting: The essay will be worth 50% of the final mark for the course.
Word limit: The word length for the essay will be 2,500 words
Release: at the beginning of the course.
Due date: 5pm, 19/02/2021 via Turnitin
Estimated return date: 15/03/2021
Extensions and Penalties for Late Submission: Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.
Assessment Criteria: The following criteria will be applied when assessing the essay:
Communication & Development of Argument
clear theme or argument
arguments logical and well-organised
ideas/paragraphs linked coherently
Argument/Analysis
originality of ideas and critical analysis of the material
complexity and insight in dealing with theory/ideas
suggestions for change where appropriate
interdisciplinary perspective where appropriate
addressing opposing arguments
well-reasoned conclusions
Research
research covering primary and secondary materials
good organisation of sources and ability to synthesise all the research materials used
use of theoretical material where appropriate
range of research sources
integration of material from research resources into the essay
Presentation, style and referencing
good use of structure, section headings and paragraphs
clarity and conciseness of expression, interesting and engaging of reader
use of appropriate terminology and correct grammar, syntax and spelling
full and accurate footnotes together with a bibliography
style according to Australian Guide to Legal Citation
adherence to word limit
Assessment Rubric: this will be made available on the course WATTLE page when the essay questions are released
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.
Online Submission
You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.
Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.
Late Submission
Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:
- Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
- Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.
Referencing Requirements
Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.
Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.
Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.
Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).
- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
![]() |
|
|||
Research InterestsComparative Law; EU Law and Politics; Commercial Law, International Law and Development |
Anne McNaughton
![]() |
|
Instructor
![]() |
|
|||
Research Interests |
Anne McNaughton
![]() |
|