SPS509 EU and Energy Politics


SPS509 EU and Energy Politics

Syllabus   |  International University of Sarajevo  -  Last Update on Oct 10, 2025

Referencing Curricula

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Social and Political Sciences

Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Semester
Spring
Course Code
SPS509
Weekly Hours
3 Teaching + 0 Practice
ECTS
6
Prerequisites
None
Teaching Mode Delivery
Face-to-face
Prerequisite For
-
Teaching Mode Delivery Notes
-
Cycle
II Cycle
Prof. Jane Doe

Aliaksandr Novikau

Course Lecturer

Position
Associate Professor Dr.
Phone
033 957 412
Assistant(s)
-
Assistant E-mail

Course Objectives

The objectives of this course encompass a comprehensive understanding of EU energy politics. It involves tracing EU energy policies’ historical, legal, and geopolitical evolution. An analysis of key energy political concepts within the EU context will be undertaken. Moreover, the course seeks to evaluate the challenges and opportunities intrinsic to EU energy security while considering its broader geopolitical implications. The integration of the EU energy market will be critically examined, encompassing the assessment of associated benefits, challenges, and national policies. Within this framework, the course will explore the EU’s renewable energy policies, including examining targets and the strategies formulated for promoting sustainable energy practices. Furthermore, the EU’s role in the global energy transition will be investigated, focusing on aligning with overarching climate goals and pursuing low-carbon economies. A dedicated portion of the course will be dedicated to energy diplomacy, offering an analytical exploration of EU strategies in external energy relations. Lastly, the course will delve into cross-border energy projects, shedding light on their multifaceted impact on energy security, market integration, and broader geopolitical dynamics.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of EU energy policies’ historical development and evolution, encompassing their legal and geopolitical dimensions
2
Analyze and interpret key concepts and principles in EU energy politics, applying them effectively within the context of the European energy landscape
3
Evaluate the challenges and opportunities related to energy security within the EU, considering both internal dynamics and broader geopolitical implications
4
Assess the integration of the EU energy market, critically examining its benefits, challenges, and how national energy policies intersect with this process
5
Examine and discuss the goals, strategies, and mechanisms underpinning the EU’s renewable energy policies, evaluating their effectiveness and impact on sustainable energy adoption
6
Articulate the role of the EU in the global energy transition, demonstrating an understanding of the alignment between EU energy policies and overarching climate objectives

Course Materials

Required Textbook

Readings for each class session are listed in the class outline.

Additional Literature
Students without or with limited knowledge about energy security are encouraged to get familiar with the following textbook: Graaf, T. van de, & Sovacool, B. K. (2020). Global Energy Politics. Polity.

Teaching Methods

Weekly Topics

This weekly planning is subject to change with advance notice.
Week Topic Readings / References
1 Introduction to EU energy politics TBA
2 Evolution of EU energy policy TBA
3 Energy security challenges in the EU TBA
4 EU energy market integration TBA
5 Energy prices and consumer impacts TBA
6 EU-Russia energy relations before 2022 and after TBA
7 EU energy relations with other countries TBA
8 Midterm exam TBA
9 Energy infrastructure TBA
10 Energy efficiency measures TBA
11 Energy transition and climate goals TBA
12 Nuclear energy policies TBA
13 Renewable energy targets and policies TBA
14 Energy innovation and research TBA
15 Future of EU energy politics TBA

Course Schedule (All Sections)

SectionTypeDay 1Venue 1Day 2Venue 2
SPS509.1 Course Monday 17:00 - 19:50 B F1.35 FBA Conference Room - -

Office Hours & Room

DayTimeOfficeNotes
Monday 14:00 - 15:00 B F1.5
Wednesday 11:00 - 14:00 B F1.5
Thursday 11:00 - 12:00 B F1.5

Assessment Methods and Criteria

Assessment Components

20%x1
Final exam
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  1   2   3   4

15%x1
Midterm exam
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  1   2   3   4

25%x5
Quizes
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  1   2   3   4

5%x1
Term project draft
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  1   2   3   4

15%x
Partici[ation
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  1   2   3   4

20%x1
Term project
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  1   2   3   4

IUS Grading System

Grading Scale IUS Grading System IUS Coeff. Letter (B&H) Numerical (B&H)
0 - 44 F 0 F 5
45 - 54 E 1
55 - 64 C 2 E 6
65 - 69 C+ 2.3 D 7
70 -74 B- 2.7
75 - 79 B 3 C 8
80 - 84 B+ 3.3
85 - 94 A- 3.7 B 9
95 - 100 A 4 A 10

Late Work Policy

Information about late submission policies will be shared during class and posted in this section. Please check back for official guidelines.

ECTS Credit Calculation

📚 Student Workload

This 6 ECTS credit course corresponds to 150 hours of total student workload, distributed as follows:

Lecture hours

42 hours ⏳ (14 week × 3 h)

Home study

70 hours ⏳ (14 week × 5 h)

Preparation for midterm

5 hours ⏳ (1 week × 5 h)

Preparation of term paper

25 hours ⏳ (5 week × 5 h)

Preparation for final exam

8 hours ⏳ (1 week × 8 h)

150 Total Workload Hours

6 ECTS Credits


Course Policies

Academic Integrity

All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action according to university policies. When in doubt about citation practices, consult the instructor.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements as outlined in the International University of Sarajevo Study Rules and Regulations. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may impact academic performance and eligibility for assessment. Mandatory sessions (e.g., labs, workshops) require attendance unless formally exempted. For detailed policies on absences, documentation, and penalties, please refer to the official university regulations.

Technology & AI Policy

Laptops/tablets may be used for note-taking only during lectures. Phones should be silenced and put away during all class sessions. Audio/video recording requires prior permission from the instructor.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) varies by assessment component. Please refer to the AI usage indicator next to each assessment item in the Assessment Methods and Criteria section above. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work, where AI is not explicitly allowed, constitutes an academic integrity violation.

Communication Policy

All course-related communication should occur through official university channels (institutional email or SIS). Emails should include [SPS509] in the subject line.

Academic Quality Assurance Policy

Course Academic Quality Assurance is achieved through Semester Student Survey. At the end of each academic year, the institution of higher education is obliged to evaluate work of the academic staff, or the success of realization of the curricula.

More info

Learning Tips

Engage Actively

Be prepared to contribute thoughtfully during class discussions, labs, or collaborative work. Active participation deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.

Read and Review Purposefully

Complete assigned readings or prep materials before class. Take notes, highlight key ideas, and jot down questions. Aim to grasp core concepts and their applications—not just facts.

Think Critically in Assignments

Use course frameworks or methodologies to analyze problems, case studies, or projects. Begin early to allow time for reflection and refinement. Seek feedback to improve your work.

Ask Questions Early

Don’t hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Use office hours, discussion boards, or peer networks to clarify concepts and stay on track.

Syllabus Last Updated on Oct 10, 2025 | International University of Sarajevo

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