The Department of Political Science and International Relations�offers courses ranging from single nations to international and globalized contexts. A special focus is dedicated to European and Italian politics.
3 semester credits. Conflict represents a relevant part of human experience and concerns both personal and public relationships. It can be a source of positive development or, on the contrary, a source of violence depending on how it is managed. This course aims at presenting a general introduction to the theory of conflicts and the basic principles of their prevention and management. The first part of the course will analyze the nature, causes, and characteristics of conflict along with the various mechanisms fostering it. It will also focus on nonviolent communication to promote individual skills of listening, empathy, participation, and a constructive critical sense. The second part of the course will specifically analyze nonviolence in its principles and through the experience of significant past and contemporary representatives such as Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and the Dalai Lama.
3 semester credits. Is globalization good or bad? For whom? Will it go away or is it here to stay? Do I need to worry about it? Globalization, free trade, improved communications, travel, and transportation, together with the information revolution have created new moral challenges and intensified existing ones across the planet. In reviewing the pros and cons of globalization, students will consider arguments from philosophers, economists, businessmen, labor leaders, environmentalists, journalists, etc., as they examine north-south relations, economic development, population growth and migration, environmental issues, and the state of international law concerning security and the flow of trade, ideas, and people.
3 semester credits. This course provides a comprehensive overview of public international law, exploring its principles, sources, and applications in the contemporary global order. Students will delve into key areas of international law, including the law of treaties, state responsibility, international human rights law, international humanitarian law, international environmental law, peaceful settlements, and use of force. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and practical exercises, students will develop a strong understanding of the legal framework governing international relations. They will learn to analyze complex legal issues, conduct legal research, and apply international law to real-world problems. The course will also emphasize the importance of international organizations in shaping and enforcing international law.
3 semester credits. This course provides a survey of major concepts, theories, and issues in international relations. Course topics will discuss how and why things happen in the international state system. Through the analysis of theories such as realism, liberalism, Marxism, poststructuralism, feminism and postcolonialism, students will become familiar with real-life scenarios and understand the different actors involved in world politics. Key subjects include the effects of the Cold War, decision-making process in foreign policy and world organizations, international security and arms control, international law, global civil society, and global political economy.
3 semester credits. This course analyzes the politics of the Muslim world by tracing the historical origins of Islamic religious doctrine and the spread of religious practice in different cultural contexts from South, Central, and South-East Asia to the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. The course will introduce students to basic Islamic doctrines, the differences between Sunni and Shi'a traditions, Sufi mysticism, and Islamic fundamentalism. Topics will examine the interplay between religion, politics, and international relations, and students will explore the different forms of political institutions that govern Muslim societies and the implications of class, race, gender, and modernism. An important focus will be on the identity of Muslims in Italy through the perspectives of guest speakers and the local Muslim community in Florence.
3 semester credits. This course offers a comprehensive exploration of comparative politics, delving into the core concepts, theories, and methods that shape global political systems. By examining diverse political systems, and their historical backgrounds, social groups, institutions, and processes, students will gain a nuanced understanding of how power is exercised, decisions are made, and societies evolve. Through comparative analysis, students will identify patterns, uncover underlying trends, and develop critical thinking skills to evaluate complex historical, social, and political issues in a data-driven approach.