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Curso Académico 2025/2026

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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Estudios Globales / Global Studies

1. Subject Information

(Date last modified: 30-04-25 12:09)
Code
140503
Plan
405
ECTS
6.00
Type
Basic
Year
1
Duration
First semester
Language
ENGLISH
Area
Departament
Derecho Público General
Virtual platform

Campus Virtual de la Universidad de Salamanca

Professor Information

Profesor/Profesora
Elsa Fernando Gonzalo
Group/s
Único
Centre
Fac. Derecho
Office
225
Office hours
Upon request by email.
Web address
http://campus.usal.es/~derechointernacionalpublico/
E-mail
elsafergon@usal.es
Phone
923 294 500 extensión 1673

2. Association of the subject matter within the study plan

Curricular area to which the subject matter pertains.

International Relations

Purpose of the subject within the curricular area and study plan.

This subject has an essential role for the learning process of students and the acquisition of the necessary knowledge to understand the evolution of the international society. This subject is also essential in order to pass other subjects with an international profile.

Professional profile.

The contents and techniques of this subject are essential not only for professionals who specialize in international issues (diplomats, personnel of international institutions, etc.), but also are necessary in the training of any political scientist, civil servant of the administration, etc.

3. Prerequisites

No prerequisites are established to take the subject.

4. Learning objectives

This subject is aimed to analyse the international society and the main actors who can exercise influence in the international arena.
Studying this module will allow students to understand the evolution that the social and international environment has undergone throughout the history as well as to become familiar with the main challenges to which our society faces these days. Students will acquire great knowledge which will be necessary for understanding the main international actors’ behaviour and the future evolution of the International society.

 

5. Contents

Theory.

I. INTRODUCTION: THE DISCIPLINE

  1. The discipline of International Relations: between utopia and reality.
  2. Theoretical perspectives: realism, liberalism, constructivism, feminism, etc.

II. THE CURRENT INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM

3. The international society: the current international scene (old and new).

4. The role of Public International Law: theory and praxis.

5. International actors and subjects: States, international organizations, international NGOs and transnational subjects.

6. The European Union: a sui generis legal community.

7. The external action of the European Union and its future challenges.

III. THE NEW AGENDA: THE ERA OF GLOBALIZATION The (new) international economic agenda: more inequality?

8. The (new) international military agenda: the end of Pax Americana?

9. International migrations: a truly international undertaking?

10. Terrorism and International Relations: clash of civilizations?

11. Religion and international politics: bridge between cultures or confrontation?

12. Nationalism, ethnicity and populism: a risk for liberal democracy?

 

Practice.

The following list of practices is indicative:

  1. Historical evolution of international relations.
  2. The end of the cold war and the new global order.
  3. International actors and subjects.
  4. The EU internal and external action.
  5. Econo.
  6. Migrations and international relations.

6. Competences acquired

Basic / General.

Básicas: CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4. Generales: A1, A3, A4, A5.

Specific.

B7, B11, B12, B13

7. Teaching methods

The proposed teaching method will be based on a combination of theoretical classes with a practical approach to the reality of international society. In doing so, dialogue with the students will be fostered with the aim of developing in them the ability to expose and defend reasoned arguments on international issues. During the explanations, references will be made to practical examples of the current international society with the aim of contextualizing the theoretical framework. Practical teaching will be based on the analysis of cases or the reading of texts that will be available on the Studium platform. It is advisable to keep abreast of the international news

8. Anticipated distribution of the use of the different teaching methods

9. Resources

Reference books.

  • BAYLIS, J., SMITH, S. and OWENS, P. (2014) The Globalization of World Politics: An introduction to international relations. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • CARLSNAES, W.E., SIMMONS, B. A. and RISSE, T. (eds) (2012) Handbook of International Relations. London: Sage.
  • GRIFFITHS, M. (ed) (2007) International Relations Theory for the Twenty-First Century: An introduction. London: Routledge.
  • REUS-SMIT, C. and SNIDAL, D. (2010) The Oxford Handbook of International Relations. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • SHIRAEV, E. and ZUBOK, V. (2015) International Relations. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

10. Assessment

Assessment criteria.

Consideraciones Generales

Active participation in class, following the readings and additional materials is necessary for a good understanding of the classes.

Criterios de evaluación
  1. Passing the exam ( 70%)
  2. Case-law, participation and seminars (30%)

 

Assessment tools.

Instrumentos de evaluación

A minimum of 4.5 in the final test is required for all other criteria to be taken into account.

Assessment recommendations.

Recomendaciones para la recuperación.

The requisites for the second exam are the same of those for the ordinary call.

Guidelines in the case of failing the subject.

The requisites for the second exam are the same of those for the ordinary call.

11. Weekly teaching organization