Section outline
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In this course, teams of students will negotiate resolution of one of the current events. The theme of this year's course will be selected by students after the first lecture. The list of topics is attached. The purpose of this simulated negotiation is (i) to understand the obstacles of negotiations of political and economic agreements and (ii) to learn negotiation techniques (iii) to broaden and deepen understanding of the EU affairs.
The course is divided into three parts. Firstly, we start with four lectures introducing the topic, to provide the key information to all participants. The game itself follows. The course is concluded by a follow-up and short essay.
Online sessions in MS Teams.
Topic for 2021: Covid-19: How should the EU react in the future pandemics?
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You can use this chat to get in touch with the other members of your group, too.
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Introduction to the course
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Lecture 1: What the EU can and cannot do: An Overview
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Lecture 2: Epidemy in the EU
What has been done. Early evidence on the efficiency of measures taken. EU-wide measures. Vaccination policy.
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Lecture 3: Economic effects of the pandemics.
Is there a trade-off between lockdowns and economic performance? Preliminary assessment.
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Lecture 4: Is "More Europe" a Solution?
Scenarios for the future of the EU. Compliance with the EU rules.
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Time for elaboration of the proposals and meeting with students
Teachers will meet with each group separately to ensure that all groups do understand their roles and tasks.
Meetings:
12:30 European Commission
12:50 Germany
13:05 France
13:20 Czechia and Hungary
13:35 Spain and Greece
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Group presentations – position papers
Upload your position papers and prepare your presentations. More details in the assignment.
(1 submission per each group is fine)
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Easter Monday
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Review of the reports by other groups
Groups are reviewing the reports of the competing groups. The goal is to find weak and strong points.-
European Commission on Spain and Greece
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Spain and Greece on France
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France on Germany
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Germany on Czechia and Hungary
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Czechia and Hungary on European Commission
Submit a short presentation summarizing weak and strong points via moodle.
1st voting round
Groups must select alternatives for negotiations.
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Group presentations – Policy proposals
Groups are presenting the policy proposals. -
Review of the reports by other groups
Groups are reviewing the reports of the competing groups. Goal is to find weak and strong sides.2nd voting round: Groups must elect the final policy solution.
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Follow-up
Critical review of the experience with all activities: negotiation within and between groups, voting negotiations, analysis of the winning proposals etc. -
Follow-up
Philosophical perspective – Role of values, falsification criteria, and limited influence of expert knowledge on public opinions and policy decisions. If time permits, discussion about the essays.