77976 - EVOLUTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM

Conoscenze e abilità da conseguire

The aim of the course is to provide an advanced knowledge and understanding of the evolution of the international system since the modern era and of the main theories of international relations (constructivism, liberalism, realism). At the end of the course, the student knows the main events which have shaped international politics, the most important theoretical interpretations and the debates within the discipline, as well as the analytical instruments necessary to interpret the contemporary international system.

Contenuti

The course is organised into lectures and seminars, as detailed in the following program. The course will cover the main theoretical traditions in international relations: realism, liberalism and constructivism. Throughout the course, the main theories in the discipline will be illustrated: balance of power and hegemonic stability for realism, institutionalism, democratic peace and capitalist peace for liberalism as well as constructivist and English school approaches. The lectures will look at the role of power, security, interests, institutions and ideas in understanding international politics, through the lenses of the main theoretical traditions of IR. The seminars will then be conducted on various historical international systems applying to each the various theoretical interpretations. For this purpose, it can be useful to refer to theories exposed in the recommended section of each topic. In particular, the systems which will be taken into consideration are: the Westphalian system (1494-1788), the Revolutionary system (1789-1889), the First World War system (1890-1918), the Second World War system (1919-1945), the Cold War system (1946-1991), the contemporary system (1992-current).

For a full description of the course contents see the list of themes and readings in the section below.

The course is open exclusively to exchange students (Erasmus, Turing, Overseas, …) enrolled in Master’s level degrees. Exchange students at the undergraduate level are NOT entitled to tale the course.

Testi/Bibliografia

The following two books are required:

• Andreatta, F. (2017) Classic Works in International Relations, available on PandoraCampus
• Kennedy, P. (1987) The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers, also available as an e-book

In the English version there is a detailed reading list for each of the sessions. Students are expected to have read the required materials before each class. Readings which are not marked as required are recommended, in the sense that demonstrating knowledge of them in the take home and/or in seminar discussions may mean a higher grade. In the seminars, there are some further readings whose purpose is to guide you if you are personally interested in the relevant period and want to deepen your knowledge independently.

 

Metodi didattici

Lezioni e seminari.

Modalità di verifica e valutazione dell'apprendimento

Vedi versione in inglese.

Strumenti a supporto della didattica

Virtuale. Powerpoint.

Orario di ricevimento

Consulta il sito web di Filippo Andreatta

Consulta il sito web di Ester Sigillò