HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ADVANCED COURSE

This course is a “core” course in the history track of the Master’s Degree in Comparative International Relations (RIC), for the Americas, East Asia, and Eastern Europe tracks. It contributes to the interdisciplinary education of the RIC program by providing students with advanced analytical and communication skills in the field of history. Training in the use of digital tools for bibliographic research and the analysis of relevant primary sources, the writing of an original paper, and the defense of the paper during the exam (as well as the possible presentation of the paper in class) also contribute to the acquisition of important transferable skills, in line with the educational objectives of the RIC program. The course is also optional for the Master’s Degree in Historical Studies, where it contributes to the curriculum in the fields of history, social sciences, and regional studies.

The expected learning outcomes are:
a) the consolidation of knowledge regarding the major international political processes of the 20th century and the acquisition of specific knowledge in the fields of “energy history” and “history of oil”;
b) the development of the ability to compile a bibliography on international history and to read it critically, including in light of relevant primary sources;
c) the development of the ability to formulate original and well-founded interpretations of the interactions between specific state actors and the international context, starting with the case study of the “1973 oil crisis”;
d) the development of the ability to independently deepen one’s knowledge in the field of international history, including through the informed use of IT tools and “artificial intelligence”;
e) the development of the ability to communicate one’s knowledge coherently, clearly, and precisely, both orally and in writing, and to participate in informed debates on international affairs, even beyond the specific scope of the course.

This course requires a basic knowledge of modern and contemporary history, as covered in high school curricula and in accordance with the admission requirements to RIC and to Historical Studies. A good level of English (at least B2) is also required. A keen interest in the subject and a serious approach to the subject are not formal requirements but are usually helpful.

The course is divided into four interconnected parts: in the first, we will briefly examine what are generally considered the fundamental themes of international history in the 20th and early 21st centuries; in the second, we will become familiar with the history of energy, the history of energy sources, and the history of oil in the 20th century; in the third, we will focus on the “1973 oil crisis” as a global event (its origins, dynamics, and legacy) and learn to use primary and secondary sources (with the help of a thoughtful application of artificial intelligence) to distinguish plausible reconstructions of the past from “mythological” ones; In the final part of the course—which in class will also include presentations of research papers prepared by the students—we will investigate whether and how the “1973 oil crisis” can be considered a significant factor, in the short, medium, and long term, in interpreting the subsequent economic and political trajectories of specific nations.

The course study materials consist of:
a) recommended readings, including a textbook of the student’s choice and a series of scholarly articles (see list below);
b) lecture slides uploaded to Moodle (including any materials accessible via hyperlinks contained therein).
c) primary documents uploaded to Moodle for specific lectures;
d) paper guidelines uploaded to Moodle;
e) sources required for writing the papers, to be located independently, as specified in the paper guidelines.

Recommended Readings
1. Textbook
F. Romero, Storia internazionale dell’età contemporanea, Roma, Carocci, 2012; oppure F. Romero, Storia globale dell’età contemporanea, Roma, Carocci, 2025; oppure G. Formigoni, Storia della politica internazionale in età contemporanea, Bologna, il Mulino, 2018 o 2024, cap. 4-7 oppure altri testi comparabili, previa discussione con il docente
2. Specialized readings on the history of energy and the history of oil
D. Basosi, Finanza e petrolio, Venezia, Studio LT2, 2012, pp. 101-137
D. Basosi, “La crisi petrolifera del 1973: un inquadramento globale”, in M. Ruzzenenti, P. Zanotti (eds.), La svolta ecologica mancata, Milano, Jaca Book, 2025, pp. 13-22
D. Basosi, G. Garavini, “La rivoluzione del petrolio: miti e realtà dello «shock petrolifero» del 1973”, in M. Bucarelli, D. De Luca, S. Labbate (a cura di), Gli shock petroliferi degli anni Settanta, Milano, Angeli, 2025, pp. 55-72
R. Graf, "Energy History and Histories of Energy", Docupedia-Zeitgeschichte, 2023, https://docupedia.de/zg/graf_energy_history_v1_en_2023 , pp. 1-48
V. McFarland, “The 1967 and 1973 Arab Oil Embargoes”, in S.C.M. Paine, A. Toprani (eds.), The Strategy of Sanctions, University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, 2026, pp. 280-302
E. Meierding, “Dismantling the Oil Wars Myth”, Security Studies, n. 2, 2016, pp. 258-288
F. Parra, Oil Politics, London, IB Tauris, 2004, pp. 7-22
F. Venn, The Oil Crisis, London, Routledge, 2002. pp. 33-42 e 201-204
D. Yergin, The Prize, New York, Touchstone, 1992, pp. 11-16

Note: The texts and other materials listed must be studied thoroughly (that is, taking your time, taking notes, reviewing what you have read, memorizing relevant dates and names, and, if possible, discussing the more complex issues with fellow students and the instructor, etc.). Simply skimming through them is not recommended (and it is even less advisable to rely on any course summaries that may be circulating online).

Assessment is based on a final exam consisting of an individual paper of approximately 2,000–2,500 words (excluding footnotes and the bibliography) and an oral exam lasting about 20 minutes.
The paper must examine whether and how the 1973 “oil crisis” can be considered a factor influencing the international political and economic trajectory of a specific state (chosen by the student) in the short, medium, and long term. The paper must demonstrate mastery of the concepts and methodological tools presented in the course; the ability to connect the chosen topic to the broader context of the “crisis” and to other international processes unfolding during the years under consideration; and the ability to construct a clear, independent line of reasoning based on a selection of relevant primary and secondary sources. Specific guidelines for preparing the paper will be made available on Moodle.
The oral exam consists of three main questions, aimed respectively at assessing the student’s study of the chosen textbook (and any relevant slides), the study of specialized readings on energy history and the history of oil, and a critical discussion of the paper’s contents. Answers to the first and second questions must demonstrate mastery of the concepts, the ability to contextualize specific issues, and clarity of expression. The question regarding the paper will aim to expand on the main points emerging from the written text or to address any gaps therein. The answer must demonstrate mastery of the subject matter and the ability to explore the issues raised in the written text in greater depth. Provided that all three parts of the exam receive at least a passing grade, the first two answers will each contribute 30% toward the final grade, while the overall evaluation of the paper and the question dedicated to it will contribute approximately 40%.
Note #1: During the semester, two optional tests will be administered via Moodle during class time; these will cover the textbook (and any relevant slides) and the specialized readings (and any relevant slides), respectively. The dates of the two tests are listed in the calendar below. The tests will last approximately 20 minutes each, consist of open-ended questions, are intended for self-assessment, and will receive feedback from the instructor. Students who wish to do so may use the result of the first test in lieu of the first question on the oral exam and/or the result of the second test in lieu of the second question. It is understood that students who do not consider these grades satisfactory may always take the full oral exam, as indicated above.
Note #2: Students who wish to do so may present the preliminary results of their research for the paper in class during the final weeks of the course, according to a schedule to be determined at the beginning of the semester. In such cases, the presentation will receive a bonus grade between 0 and 1, to be added to the final grade.
Note #3: The instructor is responsible for ensuring that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam papers are followed. Consequently, in cases where there is suspicion of irregularities during the optional tests, the exam may include a further assessment—conducted concurrently with the oral exam—which may be carried out in a manner different from the procedures outlined above.

oral

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

30 cum laude – 30: Deep and brilliant mastery of international and energy history. The paper is impeccably structured, original, and based on a rigorous and critical use of sources (both primary and secondary). The oral presentation is fluent, critical, accurate in its details, and demonstrates full independence of thought.
29 – 28: Excellent knowledge of international and energy history. The paper is solid, well-argued, and well-written. The oral presentation is precise and confident, with few and negligible hesitations.
27 – 26: Knowledge of historical events and energy dynamics is good. The paper meets all the criteria of the syllabus, uses sources correctly, and successfully contextualizes the global picture. The oral presentation is adequate, although the analysis could be more in-depth at times.
25 – 23: The student’s understanding of the general context and energy history is primarily descriptive and textbook-based. The paper meets the minimum requirements for length and content but contains errors and limitations in critical analysis. The oral presentation is uncertain.
22 – 18: Minimal knowledge of dates, concepts, and international dynamics. The paper has methodological or structural shortcomings (e.g., a weak connection to the 1973 crisis or limited use of sources). The oral presentation is fragmented.
< 18 (Failed): The paper contains serious historical inaccuracies and profound gaps in both the general and energy-related sections. It does not comply with the course guidelines, lacks independent reasoning, or raises serious doubts about the originality of the text. The exam has not been passed.

Independent study of the selected textbook, recommended specialized readings, and materials uploaded to Moodle by the instructor. Classroom sessions, conducted using slides and multimedia materials, are designed to reinforce knowledge and develop critical and methodological skills, including through interactive classroom discussions of the course’s main topics, their interpretations, and possible implications. Presentations of research papers by students will help them explore methodological issues in greater depth and develop their communication skills. Although attendance is not mandatory for this course, it is strongly encouraged. Specific audio/video materials to support learning will be made available on Moodle for students with registration code “701.”

A detailed course schedule, including a list of required study materials, will be posted on the course’s Moodle page at the beginning of the semester. Students enrolled in the course may find information on extracurricular activities (seminars, conferences, etc.) posted on the “RIC Bulletin Board” on Moodle to be of interest: https://moodle.unive.it/course/view.php?id=13200 . The instructor is easily reachable for questions regarding the course during office hours and via email at duccio.basosi@unive.it. Emails should be written in a formal style. Please use my email address sparingly and do not treat it as an instant messaging app or a customer service channel: it is neither one nor the other. Emails should not ask questions whose answers can be found in the information contained in this syllabus (e.g., “What are the readings for this course?”, etc.). After passing the exam, students interested in writing a master’s thesis in the History of International Relations may ask me for thesis guidelines.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "International cooperation" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development