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

Attending students will read the following (two) textbooks:

• R. Jackson, G. Sorensen (2018) Relazioni Internazionali, quarta edizione Milano: EGEA
• P. Foradori e G. Giacomello (a cura di) (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.

Non-attending students will add a third textbook:

• F. Fossati (2015) Introduzione alla Politica Mondiale, Milano: Franco Angeli.

Finally, for all students, one of these two 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

Lectures and (if possible) in-class discussions.

Assessment methods

Final written exam.

Teaching tools

Video documentaries

Office hours

See the website of Giampiero Giacomello