2020-2021 / ERAS0001-1

International Relations Organizations

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

 Master in political sciences : general (120 ECTS) (CATANE (OUT))5 crédits  
 Master in political sciences : general (120 ECTS) (CATANE (IN)), 1st year5 crédits  
 Master in political sciences : general (60 ECTS)5 crédits  
 Extra courses intended for exchange students (Erasmus, ...) (Faculté de Droit, de Sciences politique et de Criminologie)5 crédits  
 Extra courses intended for exchange students (Erasmus, ...)5 crédits  

Lecturer

Madeleine-Marie Hubin

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

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, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face teaching.

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

Recommended or required readings

Required:


  • Slides available on Lol@
  • Graphs and geo-strategic maps.
  • Press, the Internet, websites of International Organisations, etc.
For more information:


  • 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.
  • HURD I., International Organizations, Politics, Laww, Practice, 4th edition, Cambridge University Press, 2021.
  • LAGANE G., Questions internationales en fiches, Ellipses Editions, 2014.
  • ROBERT A-C, SCIORA R., Qui veut la mort de l'ONU?, Editions Eyrolles, 2019.
  • PARK S, International Organisations and Global Problems, Cambridge University Press, 2018.

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

  • 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 8 December 2020.
 


  • 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 15 September at 10:00 am in 138 (N1).
  • The course is taught on Tuesdays from 10:00 to 12:00 in 035 (N1) except 22 September in 138.

Contacts

Madeleine- Marie Hubin
office 207 in N1 (second floor, street-side).
Tel: 04/ 232 72 86 (office)
Mobile: +32 (0) 495 230 572
Email: mmhubin@uliege.be