Scheda insegnamento

PRE-REQUISITES

A basic knowledge of the B2 English language is required. Students may make use of the English language tutoring service offered by the University for the RICS students. A prior knowledge of the problems and issues of contemporary history since the 19th century is also required. Specifically, it is necessary for course participants to have a clear understanding of the main events in international history and to be familiar with the vocabulary and main interpretative theories of contemporary history. Students lacking this knowledge may use a contemporary history textbook (the instructor is available for any suggestion regarding the choice of the textbook). In view of this, it is suggested to have previously taken the Contemporary History examination.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The course aims to provide participants with an in-depth knowledge of the main events and processes in international relations, also improving their ability to critically analyse international relations in their historical evolution and to master the different theories interpreting the history of relations between states and other relevant actors in international relations. In particular, participants will enhance their knowledge of the role of international diplomacy in the political, economic and cultural spheres. Through historical case studies, the course will provide students with the ability to understand current international political phenomena and international diplomatic dynamics in different fields. Participants will improve their ability to analyse complex dynamics relating to international relations and to be able to investigate cases relating to specific countries/areas or to analyse the interplay between political, economic and cultural factors .

The course examines the evolution of international politics from 1870 to the present. Starting from European centrality, it aims to explain the emergence of the new poles of international relations and the way in which the global balance has been defined in the different epochs. The course is devoted to analysing the factors and actors that have defined the international order in the various epochs. The analysis is developed starting from the centrality of Europe in the 19th century by the propulsive role played by the idea of the national. Drawing on the consequences that the First World War had on European hegemony, it will then introduce the new actors in 20th century international relations, namely the United States and Russia. In-depth meetings will also be devoted to the emergence of Asia and Latin America. The course will also discuss the different weight that various factors (political, economic, cultural) have in defining the interaction and power relations between states. Particular attention is paid to the emergence of international organisations as major players in international relations. From the crisis of 'Fortress Europe', we will then move on to an analysis of the process of redefining the international balance that began during the war and led to the emergence of the United States as a major world power. It will then go on to interpret the complex phenomenon of the bipolar system in the years between the outbreak of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Finally, an overview of international relations over the last three decades will be provided, in an attempt to show how, with the end of bipolarity, new factors other than political and military ones have assumed an increasing role in defining the new balance of international power. The course also includes a monographic section devoted to the history of Italian foreign policy, with particular reference to the history of the republican age.

The course will be in ENGLISH.

TEACHING METHODS

For attending students

The lectures will be supplemented by testimonies and meetings with experts. Students are also expected to carry out group work consisting of organising a simulation of one or more historical cases, in order to put into practice the knowledge acquired in the lectures and through the reading of the indicated texts.

For non-attending students

For non-attending students, learning will take place through the study of the teaching material indicated and through the writing of the paper defined in agreement with the lecturer. Non-attending students will also be able to use the materials and indications uploaded on the LOL platform for their learning.

The LOL and Teams digital platforms will be used for distance teaching according to the indications drawn up by the “Consiglio di Corso”.

Students who have filed disability or DSA certifications with the Secretariat are advised to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course, also through the Commission for Differences and Inclusion (https://www.unistrapg.it/it/vivere-il-campus/servizi/servizi-per-studenti-con-dsa-e-disabilita) (differenze-inclusione@unistrapg.it), which can authorize compensatory and/or dispensatory measures.

The students' active participation in the seminar lectures is subject to assessment. During the course, students will be involved in discussions and debates to assess their degree of learning and their absorption of the knowledge provided during the lectures. For attending students, a two-part assessment system is envisaged: a written examination on the first part of the programme consisting of a multiple-choice test composed of 30 questions (4 alternative answers of which only one is correct), which will take place halfway through the course; an oral examination on the remaining part (or on the entire programme for students who have failed the written part or have refused the grade). Students are entitled to reject the grade awarded following the written examination. Non-attending students have to submit, before the oral examination, a written essay (2,000 words) on a topic agreed with the instructor. For students with certifications of disability or DSA, examination arrangements will be agreed in relation to specific needs, after consultation with the Commission for Differences and Inclusion.

For attending students:

• A. Best et al. International history of the twentieth century and beyond, Routledge (last edition).
• E. Diodato and F. Niglia, Italy in international relations. The foreign policy conundrum, Palgrave Macmillan, 2017

For non attending students:

• A. Best et al. International history of the twentieth century and beyond, Routledge (last edition).
• E. Diodato and F. Niglia, Italy in international relations. The foreign policy conundrum, Palgrave Macmillan, 2017
• Additional materials provided by the instructor for the research on the topic assigned for the written essay.

A reading list on the main issues and subjects will be available on the LOL Platform at the beginning of the course.

For any further information please contact the instructor: federico.niglia@unistrapg.it