2017-2018 / SPOL0969-1

Introduction to international relations

Duration

10h Th

Number of credits

 Master in political sciences : general (120 ECTS)3 crédits 
 Master in political sciences : general (120 ECTS) (CATANE (OUT))3 crédits 
 Master in political sciences : general (120 ECTS) (en Science, Technologie et Société (STS))3 crédits 
 Master in political sciences : general (60 ECTS)3 crédits 
 Extra courses intended for exchange students (Erasmus, ...)3 crédits 
 Extra courses intended for exchange students (Erasmus, ...)5 crédits 

Lecturer

Gabrielle W.Cusson

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Introduction to the main concepts and aspects of Interational Relations;

  • Epistemologic notions
  • The historical development of the international system;
  • Main theoretical currents ad concepts
  • Notions of State, territory, sovereignty, international organizations
  • Foreign policy
  • Strategic relations; between conflicts and cooperation
  • International trade and economic relations;
  • Transnational actors

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

This course is aimed to give the student new tools to comprehende the main issues of Global Politics. namely;

  • issues on international security
  • the main dynamics of globalization and regionalisation processes
  • international institutions and organizations
  • the evolution of global economic relations, both in the North and in the South
  • the proliferation of new actors on the international arena

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

The course will be taught entirely in English. Students will be required to read scientific articles, to write critical analysis note, to participate in class and to pass an oral exam, all in English. Therefore advanced notions of English are required

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Different activities are planed :


  • Students will have to do the assigned mandatory readings before coming to class ;
  • Students will have to actively participate in class ;
  • Students will have to follow international news daily and comment one particular event on a open forum on MyUlg ;
  • Students may also have to attend to some conferences (inside or outside the university) related to topics tackled during the course. The presence of the students is required.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

  • Oriented lectures
  • Students might be invited to assist to a conference on subject related to the course

Recommended or required readings

The course is mainly based on notes prepared by the lecturer (power point presentation will be givin to the students after class), and on mandatory articles and selected readings


Specific readings for each session have been indicated in the outline, which will be uploaded on MyULg. Readings mus be done BEFORE the class.
Mandatory readings will be uploaded on MyUlg.
Both JACKSON and SØRENSEN (2016); and BALIS, SMITH and OWENS (2017) are held in reserve at Graulich Library. Additional readings drawn from journals or videos might be added trhoughout the semester on Ecampus.

[U]Mandatory readings: [/U]
CQ RESEARCHERS, Global Issues, Londre, SAGE Publications, 2015, 419 p. (Chapter 16)
CQ RESEARCHERS, Global Issues, Londre, SAGE Publications, 2017, 408 p. (Chapters 3-5)
JACKSON, Robert and SØRENSEN, Introduction to International Relations, 2016, 352p. (Chapters 1-2) 
[U]Recommended reading: [/U]
BAYLIS, John, SMITH, Steve and OWENS, Patricia, The Globalization of World Politics. An introduction to International Relations, Oxford University Press, 2017, 610 p.   

Assessment methods and criteria

  • International Affairs Forum on ECampus
  • Short Essay (2000 words) 
  • Oral Exam during first and second sessions, open questions

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Schedule
Tuesday 1 :30 - 3 :30 PM - Séminaire 12
September 26th : Briefing Session
Classes will go from October 3rd to October 24th  

Contacts

Gabrielle W. Cusson
gcusson@ulg.ac.be
Bureau R77, niveau 0 - B31
tel. 04.366.35.53