Seminar: international Relations and Introduction to Diplomatic and International Fonctions

Teacher(s)

Delcorde Raoul;

Language

French

Main themes

The seminar will be organised around the international current events. Starting from a analytical model, then leading to the investigation of a specific case: documentary research, method, analysis and communication of results. Validation of the model. The preparation to diplomacy and to international service includes, beyond a presentation of the status of these positions, the preparation of the exams providing access to these positions.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	At the end of this course, the student - Will be able to conduct a research on a specific theme (an international crisis) with the help of the dis-cipline's specific tools, and will be able to communicate its results (oral and written communication) ; - He will also be capable of preparing the diplomatic competitive examination.

Content

The seminar prepares students for the diplomatic service admission exam. 
The seminar consists of 7 sessions and 1 remote assignment: 
Sessions 
- Sessions explaining the diplomatic profession, based on the requirements of recruiting organizations.
- Simulation sessions based on a diplomatic crisis scenario.
Assignments
- Knowing how to introduce yourself and present your strengths: “My career as a diplomat in 180 seconds.”
- Presentation (in small groups) of the Foreign Minister’s itinerary for a visit to a non-EU country.
- Writing an analytical memo within 48 hours on a “surprise” topic.
- A diplomatic essay assignment drawing on knowledge of international relations.

Teaching methods

Presentations, practical exercises, simulations.

Evaluation methods

Continuous assessment. Each student will be evaluated on oral presentations (individual and group) as well as on a take-home assignment and a written exam.
The use of AI is prohibited.

Other information

The books listed in the bibliography are highly recommended reading. The instructor will occasionally check to see if students have read the listed works.
It is strictly prohibited to use AI when writing papers.

Bibliography

Raoul Delcorde, La diplomatie d'hier à demain, Bruxelles, Mardaga, 2021. 
Raoul Delcorde, Le métier de diplomate, Bruxelles, Académie royale de Belgique, coll.L'Académie en poche, 2018.
Raoul Delcorde, Dictionnaire de la diplomatie contemporaine, Bruxelles, Larcier (Bruylant), 2026.

Teaching materials

• Raoul Delcorde, Claude Roosens, Michel Liégeois, Fanny Lutz & Maureen Walschot, "La carrière diplomatique en Belgique", Louvain-la-Neuve, PUL, 2022.

Faculty or entity

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