Aims

This seminar is mainly aimed at students on the diploma course on complementary studies in international relations and comparative politics. It will seek to:
- use the analytical instruments needed for an understanding of the issue of present-day international politics;
- introduce students to the (oral and written) communication of the outcomes of this research;
- provide the knowledge needed for an understanding of the subject.

Main themes

This seminar is mainly aimed at students on the diploma course on complementary studies in international relations and comparative politics who are setting their sights on a diplomatic career. The objective is to enable them to acquire a good understanding of the methods with which to tackle the main issues of present-day international politics. The diversity and complexity of these issues calls for a rigorous approach if students are not to be overwhelmed by the subject. It follows that the emphasis is on the approach to be adopted both in research and in the communication of the outcomes.
Given the nature of the themes to be addressed (e.g. present-day crises and conflicts), the seminar will necessarily have a multi-disciplinary character reflecting the various backgrounds of the students concerned.

Content and teaching methods

Through an analysis of a given issue of present-day international politics, students will be presented with the numerous aspects of current international news. These can only be brought to the fore by recourse to a multi-disciplinary approach that will aim to situate all dimensions of the issues studied.
The themes to be addressed will range from the Arab-Israeli conflict and Balkan issues to crises and conflicts in central Africa.
The work will involve individual research and collective activity and, under the direction of the teacher, will be the subject of individual and group monitoring.
It will include an oral presentation with discussion and public debate, and the handing in of a written report that meets the demands of a scientific publication and constitutes a coherent whole that could be linked to other work and provide an overview of the issue addressed by the group.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Pre-requirements: A knowledge of the facts of the issue as a whole, and through a wide range of reading to be recommended at the beginning of the term.
Assessment: This will focus on the adopted approach through:
1. participation in sessions;
2. the written work handed in at the end of the term;
3. a test of knowledge in the theme studied.
Support: A range of recommended reading.
Supervision: One teacher and one Assistant.
Other matters: This seminar will draw on several courses in the programme including "Geopolitics", "Theories of international relations" and "International relations from 1815 to the present day".

Other credits in programs