The course "Introduction to International Relations" provides the student with an initial global view of the actors and determining factors in politics and international relations, as well as the main theoretical paradigms that have been proposed since World War I to make their dynamics intelligible. In this way, it serves as a platform from which students will begin to project the knowledge acquired in the degree on a global scale. As an initial approach, the course will establish general knowledge about the functioning of international society, which will later be developed in the subsequent years of training. From this perspective, it is an inclusive course, and its contribution to the degree profile is of great breadth.
UNIT 1: THEORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Topic 1: Main Academic Theories on International Relations
1.1. Realism and Liberalism
1.2. Constructivism
1.3. Postmodernism, Feminism, and "Green Politics"
UNIT 2: ACTORS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Topic 2: The State
2.1. The State: Fundamental Actor in International Relations
2.2. State, Government, and Nation
2.3. Foundations of Practice and Functions of Diplomacy
2.4. Decision-Making in International Relations
Topic 3: International Organizations
3.1. Nature and Characteristics of Supranational Bodies
3.2. States and International Organizations: A Difficult Relationship
Topic 4: Contemporary International Organizations
4.1. The United Nations
4.2. Regional International Organizations: The European Union
4.3. Military Alliances: Military Power and International Relations
4.4. International Economic Organizations
Topic 5: Contemporary International Organizations
5.1. Non-Governmental Organizations and Cooperation
5.2. The Role of Multinational Corporations in a Globalized World
UNIT 3: FACTORS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Topic 6: Political Models and International Relations
6.1. Democratic Regimes
6.2. Dictatorships: Authoritarianism and Totalitarianism
6.3. Religion and Ideology in International Relations
Topic 7: Conflict and Peace Processes
7.1. Contemporary Transformations in Security and International Conflicts
7.2. Building Peace
Topic 8: Energy and Climate Change
8.1. The Fight Against Climate Change
8.2. Global Governance
Topic 9: Globalization and Development Cooperation
9.1. The Phenomenon of Globalization and Its Impact
9.2. International Cooperation and Development
1. Expository Lectures
Given the nature of the course, which involves the study of a significant amount of theoretical content, a large portion of the in-person activities will consist of lectures delivered by the instructor. In any case, the theoretical transmission of knowledge will be carried out as dynamically and interactively as possible, using images, videos, etc.
2. Practical Exercises/Conflict Resolution
One session will be dedicated to simulating the functioning of an international organization. To prepare for this simulation, students will be required to carry out prior group work, readings, and attend tutorials.
3. Individual/Group Work
Throughout the course, reasoned debate among students on the topics covered will be encouraged.
Ordinary Call: In order to be assessed in the ordinary call, all the evaluable activities must be completed. These activities must be submitted by the deadlines set by the instructor. If, for any duly justified reason and previously communicated to the instructor, the student is unable to submit the activities within the established period, they may be submitted before the date of the final exam of the course, so that the instructor can evaluate them; however, in this case, the instructor will not be required to provide feedback on those activities.
Furthermore, the student has the right to take the final written exam even if they have not submitted all the other evaluable activities. However, the final grade for the course will only be calculated if all activities have been submitted and according to the evaluation criteria and weightings established in this syllabus. If any evaluable activity has not been submitted or completed, the student will be marked as "Not Presented" in the final record of the ordinary call.
Extraordinary Call: The evaluation criteria are the same as in the ordinary call, meaning all required evaluation activities must be submitted. The grades of the activities already completed (including the final written exam) will be retained until the pending activities are submitted. The same weighting criteria as in the ordinary call will apply. This measure is valid only for the current academic year. If the student does not pass the extraordinary call, re-enrolling in the course will entail repeating the subject in full.
? Final Exam: 40%
? Observation based on direct evidence of students? participation and competent performance on the online learning platform: 20%
? Analysis of tasks and written assignments: 40%
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