INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 2

The aim of the course is to provide a broad understanding of the field of International Relations Theory and of the main dynamics of globalization. The main schools of thought within the discipline will be surveyed. Furthermore, case studies will be adopted to show how theoretical concepts are applied to better understand the international political dynamics of a specific region. In so doing, the course intends to marry tools of analysis drawn judiciously from the field of International Relations theory with a serious and detailed examination of local features and forces, as provided by the best of area studies. Students are invited to apply the concepts illustrated to a specific case in the region of their choosing, preferably connected to their thesis topic.

Learning outcomes, by the end of the course students will:
a) have acquired knowledge and understanding at an introductory undergraduate level of the major theoretical schools in international relations;
b) will be in a position to trace and understand patterns of peace and conflict;
c) will have a theoretical understanding of case studies in global politics;
d) will be able to detect long term trends in world politics;
e) will have increased their autonomy of judgment by classroom discussion;
f) will have an analytical understanding of world politics.
g) will be equipped to go on international exchanges with scalable skills the will enable them to take more advanced classes in the field of international relations.

Basic analytical skills, ability to access an online teaching platform.

Introduction to the four main schools of thought in International Relations Theory:
- Realism
- Liberalism
- Constructivism and other critical approaches
- Marxism and critical theories

International Issues:
- War and Peace
- Weapons of Mass Destruction
- Introduction to International Political Economy
- Non-state actors
- Environment and IR

Primary (required text):
Grieco J. and Ikenberry, J. Introduction to International Relations, London and New York, Second Edition, Palgrave Macmillan, 2018.

Other sources may also be distributed to students on Moodle to delve deeper into more specific topics or events occurring in the international realm.

The exam will be held orally. Students will be required to demonstrate:
a) knowledge on the theoretical foundations of IR
b) ability to reason and compare different perspectives of the field
c) communication skills

Lectures and interaction on the Moodle platform

English

oral

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "International cooperation" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development