Course 2026-2027 a.y.

30610 - CURRENT POLITICAL PHENOMENA

Department of Social and Political Sciences


Class timetable

Course taught in English
Go to class group/s: 31
BAI (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SPS/04) - BEMACS (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SPS/04) - BESS-CLES (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SPS/04) - BIEF (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SPS/04) - BIEM (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SPS/04) - BIG (6 credits - I sem. - OBS  |  SPS/04) - CLEACC (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SPS/04) - CLEAM (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SPS/04) - WBB (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SPS/04)
Course Director:
VALERIO VIGNOLI

Classes: 31 (I sem.)
Instructors:
Class 31: VALERIO VIGNOLI


Suggested background knowledge

Students are expected to possess basic analytical and writing skills at the undergraduate level. Familiarity with introductory concepts in political science, economics, history, or statistics may be helpful, but is not required.

Mission & Content Summary

MISSION

This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to International Relations through a strongly empirical and data-driven perspective. Combining classical themes in global politics with contemporary quantitative approaches, the course examines the causes and consequences of conflict, cooperation, and international governance. Students will engage with major debates in International Relations while learning how scholars use data to study interstate wars, civil conflicts, terrorism, military interventions, international organizations, alliances, and global political behavior. The course emphasizes the interpretation of real-world evidence and introduces students to the datasets and empirical tools commonly employed in modern political science research. By integrating substantive knowledge with analytical reasoning, the course develops students’ ability to critically evaluate international events, interpret quantitative evidence, and understand how empirical research informs policy and academic debates in world politics.

CONTENT SUMMARY

This course introduces the empirical study of International Relations and global conflict through a series of thematic modules.

 

  • Interstate wars and rivalries
  • Civil wars
  • Non-state conflicts and organized political violence
  • Terrorism and political violence against civilians
  • Human rights violations and repression
  • Demonstrations and protests
  • Military coups 
  • Military expenditure 
  • Nuclear weapons and deterrence
  • Military interventions and peacekeeping operations 
  • External military support and foreign assistance in conflict
  • International treaties 
  • Military alliances and foreign policy alignment 
  • International organizations
  • International trade and foreign aid

 

 


Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

At the end of the course student will be able to...
  • Describe the main forms of international conflict, cooperation, and political violence
  • Recognize the importance of empirical evidence and quantitative analysis in the study of International Relations;
  • Describe major datasets and indicators commonly used in contemporary International Relations research;
  • Interpret patterns and trends in international political behavior using empirical evidence.

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

At the end of the course student will be able to...
  • Read, understand, and discuss empirical research in political science and International Relations
  • Develop analytical and written communication skills in the field of International Relations
  • Use and interpret basic datasets and empirical indicators relevant to global politics;
  • Compare alternative explanations for international political outcomes using empirical evidence;
  • Apply data-driven reasoning to the study of war, political violence, international institutions, and global cooperation.

Teaching methods

  • Lectures
  • Collaborative Works / Assignments

DETAILS

Group assignments will enable students to improve research and written skills.

 

Case studies and interactive class debates will enable students to develop critical analysis and interaction.

 

 


Assessment methods

  Continuous assessment Partial exams General exam
  • Written individual exam (traditional/online)
     x
  • Collaborative Works / Assignment (report, exercise, presentation, project work etc.)
 x    
  • Active class participation (virtual, attendance)
 x    

ATTENDING STUDENTS

  • A group essay and presentation (25%) aimed to asses the students’ skills to conduct empirical research in IR and present their findings 
  • A written exam (75%) aimed to test the students’ ability to critically analyse a topic of the course, on the basis of all sessions and reading materials.
  • An extra point for class participation 

NOT ATTENDING STUDENTS

  • An indiviudal essay (25%) aimed to asses the students’ skills to conduct empirical research in IR and present their findings 
  • A written exam (75%) aimed to test the students’ ability to critically analyse a topic of the course, on the basis of all sessions and reading materials.
  • An extra point for class participation 

Teaching materials


ATTENDING AND NOT ATTENDING STUDENTS

The course materials will consist of journal articles

Last change 14/07/2026 17:51