The degree provides an historical; political; economic and sociological analysis of the major issues in Europe; both east and west; whilst the main emphasis of the course is on developing an interdisciplinary approach; appealing to those seeking a deeper understanding of current developments in the European Union and east/central Europe; including Russia: the process of integration within the European Union; and the recent events in east/central Europe including the former Soviet Union; emphasise the need for an understanding of the main issues involved in these areas.