INTRODUCTION TO WORLD POLITICS

Course Description

The main objective of this course is to provide students the necessary introductory conceptual, historical and notional background for further work in the studies of international politics within the context of a reflective introduction to the academic study of the international politics. This course will explore the main actors of the international politics, their decision-making processes, the main conceptual paradigms and the competing perspectives in the study of international politics; power and power politics; alternatives to power politics; the major institutions of international politics; international conflict and contemporary patterns of war and peace; globalization. At the end of the course the students will be able to gain the ability to analyse the political aspects of world system.

INTRODUCTION TO WORLD POLITICS

Evaluation Tools (Active Term)

No evaluation items have been defined.

Course outcomes

1. 01 The main objective of this course is to provide students with the necessary introductory conceptual, historical and notional background for further work in the studies of international politics. (3)
2. 02 Within the context of a reflective introduction to the academic study of the international politics, these topics will include main actors of the international politics, their decision-making processes, main conceptual paradigms and the competing perspectives in the study of international politics; power and power politics; alternatives to power politics; the major institutions of international politics; international conflict and contemporary patterns of war and peace; globalization. (3)

Course Syllabus

Reference Books & Course Materials

1. 01 Baylis, J., Smith, S., & Owens, P. (Eds.). (2023). The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Learning Outcomes

1. L01 Providing students with the necessary introductory conceptual, historical and notional background for further work in the studies of international politics. SOLO 3
2. L02 Within the context of a reflective introduction to the academic study of the international politics, these topics will include main actors of the international politics, their decision-making processes, main conceptual paradigms and the competing perspectives in the study of international politics; power and power politics; alternatives to power politics; the major institutions of international politics; international conflict and contemporary patterns of war and peace; globalization. SOLO 3
3. L03 The students will be able to define main concepts in world politics. SOLO 3
4. L04 Students will have the ability to identify main actors and institutions in world politics SOLO 2

Program Outcomes

1. P01 1. Having the ability to understand and discuss international relations discipline by using an interdisciplinary methodology to merge the knowledge coming from sociology, economics, psychology, political sciences well as diplomatic history.
2. P02 2. Having an adequate knowledge of the history and the epochs of international system and being able to identify historical evolution of the contemporary world politics.
3. P03 3. Recognizing local, regional and international actors functioning within the international system.
4. P04 4. Understanding the legal framework of the current international system
5. P05 5. Ability to identify the relations between the key actors of the international system – the states – from a theoretical as well as multi-dimensional scientific and academic methods.
6. P06 6. Ability to analyse the roles and positions of the non-state actors – international organizations in particular – within the current world system.
7. P07 7. Ability to recognize political, socio-economic and cultural structures embedded in international relations.
8. P08 8. Exploring the roots of conflicts among the actors and produce solutions at local, regional and international levels with an analytical focus.
9. P09 9. Being able to understand the politics and the functioning of political institutions in theory and practice.
10. P10 10. Understanding the historical emergence of various political cultures and gaining ability to assess them comparatively.
11. P11 11. Prepare international relations graduates; having a vast knowledge, academic formation and skills to work in public offices, civil society organizations, international institutions and companies at local and global levels.
12. P12 12. To have moral and ethical understanding in the field of work.

Po-Lo Matrix