International relations analysis

Teacher(s)

Brogna Valentina (compensates Orsini Amandine); Orsini Amandine;

Language

French

Prerequisites

The prerequisite(s) for this Teaching Unit (Unité d’enseignement – UE) for the programmes/courses that offer this Teaching Unit are specified at the end of this sheet.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

In line with the framework for the political science programme, general orientation, the teaching unit contributes to the development and acquisition of the following skills:  I. Acquiring the disciplinary and methodological foundations in the field of political science: fundamental knowledge of political science, from an epistemological perspective, enabling students to answer key research questions addressed by the discipline; gradually acquiring an advanced knowledge of political science, particularly international relations. III. Training in the scientific approach: understanding and implementing the rules and ethical principles of the scientific approach in political science. Demonstrating critical thinking and independent judgement. Acquiring the ability to process data, based on a review of relevant work in the field and using the most appropriate methods of analysis. IV. Mastering oral and written communication in French: acquire the ability to follow a course, study it and take the written exam in French. More specifically, the ability to hold a conversation and communicate on social science topics and analyses in interactions with the teacher and teaching assistants.

Content

This course provides the knowledge and competences needed for the understanding and the analysis of international phenomena. More precisely, the course aims at making students:

1. gain knowledge of the main events, actors and stakes of international relations;
2. understand the main concepts and theories used in international relations. At the end of the course, students will be able to associate each concept/theory to at least one concrete example;
3. develop analytical skills and a critical mindset with regards to the ideas produced by observers and practitioners on the international scene. At the end of the course, students will be able to discuss in detail the information contained in short publications dealing with international relations.

Teaching methods

Most classes start with a common activity (games, videos, etc.). Each class exposes particular theories/concepts of International Relations and gives concrete illustrations. After the break, the reading associated to each class is discussed with the students.
As it is the case for other scientific disciplines, internationalists have improved their analytical tools progressively, following the evolution of particular historical events. Put together, all classes follow the evolution of the discipline.
The course rests on three teaching methods: active learning during the introductory activities; lectures that are given by the professor; readings associated to the classes.

Evaluation methods

The evaluation of the course is done in three steps:

• A research paper (/20), counting for 50% of the evaluation
• A written exam (/20), counting for 50% of the evaluation, made of:
  • A MCQ (multiple-choice questionnaire) (/10)
  • Two transversal questions on the course (/10)

Online resources

All course materials (PowerPoint slides) are available on Moodle, week by week, as are the articles or chapters that are required reading.
If additional resources are offered (for illustrative or supplementary purposes), they will also be made available on Moodle.

Bibliography

Bibliographie indicative
Ces ouvrages vous aident pour mieux comprendre le cours. Chaque manuel/ouvrage/dictionnaire développe tout ou partie des thèmes abordés par le cours.
Manuels/ouvrages disponibles à la bibliothèque de l’USL-B
BATTISTELLA, D., CORNUT, J., BARANETS, Elie. 2025. Théories des Relations Internationales, Paris, Presses de Sciences Po.
BONIFACE, P. 2017. Comprendre le monde, Armand Colin.
DEVIN, G. et LOUIS, M. 2023. Sociologie des relations internationales. La Découverte.
MOUGEL, F-C. 2023. Histoire des relations internationales : de 1815 à nos jours. Que sais-je ?
TELO, M., 2019. Relations internationales : une perspective européenne, Bruxelles, Editions de l'Université de Bruxelles.
VAISSE, M. 2025. Les relations internationales depuis 1945. Armand Colin.
JEANGENE VILMER, J-B. 2023. Théories des relations internationales, Que sais-je ?
Dictionnaires/lexiques disponibles à la bibliothèque de l’USL-B
ATTAR, F., Dictionnaire des relations internationales : de 1945 à nos jours, Paris, Seuil, 2009.
BONDITTI,P. et MACLEOD, A., Relations internationales, théories et concepts, Outremont, Athéna éditions, 2019.
SMOUTS, M. C., BATTISTELLA, D., VENNESSON, P., Dictionnaire des relations internationales : approches, concepts doctrines, Paris, Dalloz, 2012.
Revues
Études Internationales https://www.erudit.org/fr/revues/ei/
Questions internationales https://www.vie-publique.fr/questions-internationales
Revue internationale et stratégique https://www.iris-france.org/ouvrages/tag/1-revue-internationale-et-strategique/

Faculty or entity

> ESPB