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2026-2027 / SPOL9236-1

International cultural relations

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

 Master in political sciences : general, professional focus in public administration5 crédits 
 Master in political sciences : general, professional focus in European policies5 crédits 
 Master in political sciences : general, professional focus in international relations5 crédits 
 Master in political sciences : general, professional focus in international issues and global governance (UQÀM OUT)5 crédits 
 Master in political sciences : general, professional focus in international issues and global governance (UQÀM IN)5 crédits 
 Master in political sciences : general (60 ECTS)5 crédits 
 Extra courses intended for exchange students (Erasmus, ...) (Faculty of Law, Political Science and Criminology)5 crédits 

Lecturer

Antonios Vlassis

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

-Explore the politics and governance of international cultural relations and its transformations.

-Examine how states, international organisations, subnational actors, and non-state actors deal with culture internationally; explore culture as a mean of influence, cooperation, and power in international relations.

-Analyse key historical transformations - including the Cold War, decolonisation, globalisation, rise of new powers, democratic backlash - and assess how these shifts have reshaped cultural diplomacy and international cultural relations.

-Focus on cultural industries, heritage and the arts.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Understand key concepts in international cultural relations,
  • Analyse the governance structures shaping international cultural interactions,
  • Compare cultural diplomacy policy models across different contexts,
  • Develop an understanding of pressing issues in international cultural politics,
  • Understand the role of regional and international organisations, such as EU, UNESCO, UNCTAD, OIF, as well as of non-state actors,
  • Develop analytical skills to critically think about cultural diplomacy and the governance of international cultural relations.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Good knowledge of English

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Main teaching units: 
Key concepts and frameworks

Cultural diplomacy policy models from the Cold War to present

Culture and European cooperation/integration

Online Platforms and AI transformation

UNESCO and global cultural governance

Culture in International Trade

The role of philanthropic foundations and sub-national diplomacy 


Teaching Methods

Ex-cathedra lectures

Case discussions

Group presentations and debates

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam

Continuous assessment


Further information:

Assessment is based on oral exam, team presentations (2 to 3 students) and active participation.

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Contacts

Pr. Dr. Antonios Vlassis

Associate Professor, Political Science Department

Bât. B31 Relations internationales
Quartier Agora
place des Orateurs 3
4000 Liège 1
Belgique

office R.75, level 0
email: avlassis@uliege.be

Association of one or more MOOCs