82186 - Introduction to International Policy

Learning outcomes

By completing this class, students should (1) acquire a good understanding of how international politics works, (2) be able to evaluate international issues and themes in a comparative perspective, (3) master all the methods of political analysis necessary to progress further in the study of this topic. 

Course contents

As indicated by the title, this course is addressed to students who have had no training in international politics. The goal is is to establish a good basis from which to appreciate the major issues in areas such as international security, international political economy, immigration, terrorism and the like, as well as a solid understanding of the major players in the international arena. 

Readings/Bibliography

All students are required to read the following (two) textbooks:

• R. Jackson, G. Sorensen (2018) Relazioni Internazionali, quarta edizione Milano: EGEA
• P. Foradori e G. Giacomello (eds) (2014) Sicurezza Globale. Le Nuove Minacce, Bologna: IL Mulino
• English speaking students may choose any good textbook in international politics, which covers the same topics and the class notes. 

Moreover, students are encouraged to read one of the following texts (your pick) is suggested reading:

J. Diamond (1997) Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies, W. W. Norton or

J. Diamond (2005) Collapse:  How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed, Viking Books.

Teaching methods

The course is organized with a part of lectures taught online on MS TEAMS (30 hours) and another taught in class (30 hours). The number of students allowed in class is determined on the basis of class capacity and by the health and safety provisions that deal with the pandemic emergency. In case more students want to attend classes in presence than permitted by the rules, a system of shifts will be organized so to allow students to participate. Regardless of the health-related conditions and the specific organization of the course, students will be able to follow the lessons of the entire course remotely on MS TEAMS.

Assessment methods

Final exam (multiple choice, online; time 30min.).

Teaching tools

Video documentaries

Office hours

See the website of Giampiero Giacomello