European Studies in Poland: Analysis of PhD Theses and Scientific Articles

Only since 2003 European Studies has been recognised in Poland as a separate programme of study within Political Science. Its methodological standing is still considered weak. The paper surveys PhD theses defended at Polish universities and articles published in academic journals. Analysis includes theories applied, methods used, area of study and other characteristics. The hypothesis is that practical approach dominates with focus on policy analysis or description of the institutional and legal framework of the European Union. Most contributions are expected to be atheoretical or only vaguely based on theoretical approaches, which are seldom applied to empirical cases through the use of more advanced methods. This is a serious weakness of European Studies in Poland.