Duration
30h Th
Number of credits
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
In order to understand the evolution of the globalised economic environment and to help future executives make the right decisions it is necessary to understand how international organisations work, what their role is in global governance and how they impact international relations. The objective of this course is to present, analyse and understand the working of international organisations, of their bodies and of the actors taking part in the decision-making process, all of this in the framework of international treaties.
The following chapters are covered:
Introduction: international law.
1. Definition of international law
2. National sovereignty
3. Quality of international law
4. Respect of international law
5. Origin of international law
6. International law and international organizations
Chapter I: treaties
1. Definition of treaties
2. Elaboration of treaties
3. Problems linked with the entry into force of treaties
4. Effects of treaties
5. Termination of treaties
Chapter II: the means of international organizations
1. Legal status
2. Financial means
3. International civil servants
Chapter III: the United Nations
1. History
2. Composition
3. Structures
4. Main UN bodies and their working
5. Powers of the U.N.
Chapter IV: specialized organizations of economic nature
1. The World Bank (IBRD, IFC, IDA, MIGA, ICSID)
2. The International Monetary Fund
3. The World Trade Organization
4. Overview of other economic organizations (UNOID, ILO, WOIP, ITU, etc.)
Chapter V: the European Union
1. History and objectives of the European construction.
2. Institutions of the European Union.
3. Latest developments
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Learning outcomes:
- Analysis of power, administration and organisational stakes of our globalised society in order to be able to propose appropriate solutions.
- Use of an applied scientific approach.
- Development of critical mind to operational and strategic ends.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
There is no prerequisite for this course but a strong interest in international relations and globalisation,.Students must have a good level of English (B2) that will allow them to participate actively in class activities and make presentations.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Ex-cathedra course. The student is given questions on the topic of the day and is invited to reflect and take an active part in class. A group research project is also proposed to the students in which the team members must do some research on an organisational problem encountered by an international organisation (name drawn in class). The findings of this case study, requiring the use of the Internet and other media, are then presented to the class.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)
Face-to-face teaching.
Recommended or required readings
Required:
- Slides available on Lol@
- Graphs and geo-strategic maps.
- Press, the Internet, websites of International Organisations, etc.
- The United Nations Today, Basic facts about the UN, 2008.
- BAYLIS J., SMITH S. and OWENS P., The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations, 7th edition, OUP, 2016.
Assessment methods and criteria
- Case study (50%): Team analysis of a current issue faced by an international organisation and presentation in class. A written report on the issue will also be handed in by the team at the end of the semester.
- Multiple-Choice Questions test (50%): will take place on 10 December 2019.
- Re-sit in August: Multiple-Choice Questions test (50%) and 5-page report on the working of an international organisation (50%).
Work placement(s)
Organizational remarks
- Slides and all information available on Lol@.
- Presentation of the course on 17 September at 10:00 am in 035 (N1).
- The course is taught on Tuesdays from 10:00 to 12:00 in 035 (N1).
Contacts
Madeleine Hubin
office 207 in N1 (second floor, street-side).
Tel: 04/ 232 72 86
Email: mmhubin@uliege.be