EDUCATIONAL TARGETS
The first objective of the course is to make the students understand the process of European Integration and the dynamics of the European Union, presenting in detail not only the economic theories but also the historical, political and cultural factors necessary to comprehend the long path started after the Second World War, by many standards exceptional in human history. The second aim is to make students fully aware of the importance of European policies for the lives of citizens, of their role for the national economy and policy, and of their process of formation and implementation.
The contents of the course are therefore an important contribution to achieving the educational objectives of the entire course of study, such as: the acquisition of knowledge of regulatory and institutional contexts, especially at the international level, where the optimal use of optimal use of cultural-historical, environmental and human resources is determined; the ability to identify the tools of economic policy in support of sustainable socio-economic growth and development models, also with reference to regulatory aspects; advanced knowledge and understanding of the real functioning of economic systems, in the sectors relevant to the activities of private companies and tpublic institutions, of their way of operating and of market regulation problems, and as regards the institutional and regulatory environment in which such phenomena occur.
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
At the end of the course the students will be in possession of the cognitive tools to: analytically evaluate the European economic policies, their impact on the life of the citizens and on the economies of the national states, as well as the formation process of the strategic directions of the Union, of the particular economic choices, and of the European consensus and public opinion.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The acquired knowledge can be applied in the sectors of services and industry, in public and private companies, business consortia, business and social associations, research organizations, government institutions (local, national and international), development agencies in order to: build macroeconomic indicators useful for formulating forecasts and scenarios; carry out research on development or investment opportunities, in the European context; define growth strategies in the European context; prepare European funding projects; define economic policies and guidelines at the European level.
MAKING JUDGEMENTS
At the end of the course the students will be able to: critically examine the economic policies in place, at European and national level; identify / develop links between particular choices in Europe and the different national contexts, as well as between the national and European political spheres; apply their knowledge to the identification of the main critical issues related to the functioning of the European Union and the economic policies and strategic directions followed.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
At the end of the course the students will have acquired the following communication skills: knowing how to use economic language adequately; knowing how to discuss rigorously the different aspects of European economic policy, the institutional dynamics of the Union and their functioning.