POLITICAL CONCEPTS AND METHODS

Academic year
2025/2026 Syllabus of previous years
Official course title
POLITICAL CONCEPTS AND METHODS
Course code
LM6400 (AF:594538 AR:323347)
Teaching language
English
Modality
On campus classes
ECTS credits
6
Degree level
Master's Degree Programme (DM270)
Academic Discipline
SPS/04
Period
1st Semester
Course year
2
Where
VENEZIA
The course ‘Concepts and Methods in International Relations' is a course of political science. It introduces students of the curriculum "Global Studies" (RIC) to the key vocabulary and core methodological approaches in Political Science and International Relations. It is taught in English.
This seminar aims at introducing Master students to some of the foundational concepts and approaches in Political Science and International Relations. The course aims at achieving three objectives:

1) a good understanding of key methodological approaches
2) a critical knowledge of key concepts in Politics and International Relations
3) a solid comprehension of the importance of research questions for analytical thinking and research proposals.

Participants in this course will acquire a robust knowledge of the key terms, concepts and methodological approaches in International Relations and Political Science. This knowledge will enhance their analytical skills, prepare them to write strong research proposals with compelling research questions, and empower them to express their views pertaining to international politics. The advanced level of student involvement in the course will also allow participants to improve their presentation and discussion skills.
6 ECTS in History/Political science.

A basic knowledge of International Relations Theories would be useful. Students who have never attended a class in International Relations or Political Science should consider reading in advance the following short introduction to the core themes of International Relations:

Reus-Smit, Christian. 2020. International Relations. A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Part A
Key methodological approaches
Critical thinking and writing
Research question
Thesis design
Methodological approaches

Part B
Key Concepts in International Relations and Political Science
Diez, Thomas, Ingvild Bode, and Aleksandra Fernandes da Costa. Key Concepts in International Relations. London: SAGE Publications Ltd, 2011.

The text will be available on Moodle. In addition, additional texts will be uploaded for each session.

Students may choose between two forms of assessment:

A) In-class presentation and written essay
In this option, students present a concept in class and write an essay on the same topic. To be eligible for this option, students must be present during the first week of the course or be represented by a classmate. The final grade will be the average of the presentation, the essay, and a brief oral exam.

B) Final written exam
Students who select this option will take a final written exam covering the entire course content.
written
The grading will be based on the following principles:
10 points – Understanding of key theories, concepts, and methodological approaches
10 points – Ability to apply theories and methodologies to the examples discussed in class
10 points – Ability to apply theories and methodologies to other empirical cases and to make connections with other fields of knowledge
Lectures, obligatory readings before the sessions, presentations, and discussions in class.
Students will benefit most from he course, if they choose to make presentations in class and participate in the discussions.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development

Definitive programme.
Last update of the programme: 06/05/2025