Academic Program
 The construction and deepening integration of the European Union (EU) is one of the most significant political and economic developments in Europe since World War II. In recent years, the European Union has created a single European market, adopted a common currency, and played an increasingly prominent role in the global economy and international affairs. These developments have significant implications for the U.S. government, U.S. citizens and the rest of the world.
The MA in Political Science, European Union Policy Studies, will provide students with:
- A solid knowledge of the European Union, its history, institutions, structure and governance, major internal and foreign policies and wider integrative significance for the future development of Europe and within the global community,
- Insights into processes that shape European Union politics and policies and the complex interrelationships of political, economic, cultural and ideological interests that influence them,
- An understanding of Europe’s position and aspirations in the transatlantic relationship and in emerging global politics,
- Insight into contemporary policy issues including international security, immigration, environmental protection, welfare provision and health and human services, information technology and their underlying political philosophies at the EU and individual member state levels,
- Analytic and language skills, the ability to express themselves in written and verbal form, the ability to formulate and execute a final project and broad intercultural competence.
The program is a unique one-year 33-credit residential program wholly based in Florence, Italy. Students will earn a Master of Arts in Political Science from James Madison University. Students will pursue a comprehensive and integrated course of study that includes academic coursework, academic study tours in Florence, Brussels, Strasbourg and other European cities, optional intensive language training, and internship/practicum experience and/or an intensive research project.
The program is entirely unique in the United States in that it is intensive, taught entirely in Europe, and has an applied policy focus. It is cross-disciplinary and innovative in design, with an emphasis on the three policy foci within the EU: economic and monetary policy (including monetary, trade and industrial policy); justice and home affairs (including health, aging, immigration and education); and technology policy (including science, information security and environmental policy).
Faculty
All courses will be taught by doctoral-level instructors drawn from the University of Florence, the University of Bologna, the European University Institute or other doctorate-granting institutions. Specialized policy courses will be taught by doctoral-level instructors with academic, as well as practical, experience in the areas covered. Instruction will be occasionally supplemented with guest lectures by practitioners and experts in the field of study.
Faculty Profiles
 Academic Coordinator:
Faculty - Fall 2007:
Faculty - Spring 2008:
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