Learning objectives
The course aims at discussing the broad concept of peace through a multidisciplinary approach. More specifically – building upon research and teaching carried out by its faculty in the field of economics, sociology, international and European Union law and political science – B4PEACE aims at investigating both the internal and the external dimension of peace in the European Union. On the one hand, its goal is to explore the theoretical determinants of the European Peace at the domestic level (the development of the European Social Model as a tool for social cohesion and its possible evolution); on the other, it aims at discussing its main international implications (the promotion of democracy, peace and security by the European Union).
Knowledge and Understanding:
the course provides students with an overview of the European peace in its multiple dimensions. It also offers some theoretical tools that are needed to critically understand both the evolution of the Welfare state in Europe and the principles that shape the European Foreign Policy. At the end of the course, students will acquire a basic knowledge of the European Social Model and understand the role of the EU as a Global Actor of Peace.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
peace is a multi-faceted phenomenon that has to be studied in its multiple dimensions. For this reason, besides knowledge, the course will provide students with a method for the study of social science phenomena, adopting an innovative approach to teaching. At the end of the course, students should be able to apply their knowledge to the study of other relevant social issues, analyzing social science topics through a multidisciplinary approach.
Making judgments:
the course offers a multidisciplinary knowledge on the evolution of the European Social Model and on the European approach to foreign policy. At the end of the course, it is expected that students will be able to formulate their own point of view on those issues, critically understanding both the relationship between economic growth, social inclusion and welfare policies carried out in the EU, and the European Union’s role in maintaining and promoting peace, democracy and human rights also outside its borders.
Communication:
the inter- and multidisciplinary of the course should also impact on students’ ability to communicate their own point of view on European issues using the jargon that is used in Politics, Sociology, Law and Economics. Moreover, at the end of the course they should be able to clearly express and debate any point related to both the European Social Model and the European Foreign and Security Policy, making reference to the main theoretical perspectives and to the founding principles of the European Union.
Prerequisites
None
Course unit content
The course is divided in two main parts: an introductory part (20h) and an in-depth analysis part (24h). Each part will entail both frontal teaching and participatory teaching (i.e. with the involvement of civil society groups). Between the first and the second part, a workshop will be scheduled to discuss the issues of the first part and to introduce the issues of the second part (in which external Professors will be involved).
The course’s main topic is the European approach to peace, both in its domestic aspects (the welfare state as an instrument of conflict resolution) and its international dimension (the promotion of peace and democracy as a goal of the European foreign policy). In those two realms, current topics that are relevant for Europe such as migration and the respect of human rights will be also debated.
Full programme
An extended program will be available on the project website (www.b4peace.unipr.it) and on Elly before the beginning of the course.
Bibliography
All readings materials for the final paper will be available on the project website (www.b4peace.unipr.it) and on Elly before the beginning of the course.
All readings materials are available on the syllabus' sub sections.
Teaching methods
Theoretical approach (lecture) and case study analysis (FIRST PART). Seminar-style lectures in blended learning with the involvement of a Political Scientist as a discussant; debates and discussion of case studies (SECOND PART)
Assessment methods and criteria
Attending Students will be evaluated through a midterm exam and a final paper.
MIDTERM: The midterm exam will be scheduled after the first part of the B4PEACE course for attending students. If not in presence, the test will be held on Elly. The midterm exam will be written and divided in two sections:
a) a first section with 10 closed-ended questions (multiple choice) on topics discussed in the first part of the course;
b) a second section with 4 open-ended questions on topics discussed in the first part of the course.
Students’ knowledge and understanding of concepts, approaches and paradigms will be assessed through the first, multiple choice section (1 point for each question). Their ability to apply their knowledge and understanding, and to make judgements will be verified through the four open questions (5 points max for each question).
FINAL EXAM: For the second part of the course, students will be asked to submit a short essay connecting issues that have been discussed in seminars with EXT Professors. This final exam will also evaluate Students’ ability to make interdisciplinary references among topics.
Non attending Students are kindly required to contact the module’s coordinator for the required readings and the evaluation
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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