The course introduces students to international (governmental and non-governmental) organizations and institutions. We will explore the role they play as actors in international relations, and their impact at the subnational, national, transnational and supranational level. The course will also introduce students to the concept of global governance. Students will study the scope and limitations of, and challenges to, global governance that is generated by international organizations, and how global governance based on international organizations seeks to cope with contemporary global challenges. A central focus will be the global and the European level as well as the history, structure, policies and political impact of two of the most significant international organizations of contemporary global politics: the United Nations (UN) and the European Union. But other international organizations (e.g. NATO, WTO, OSCE, AU) and non-state actors such as not-for-profit international non-governmental organizations as well as multinational corporations will also be taken into account. Students will learn about, and engage in, theories and controversies about the character and status of the UN, the EU, and other international organizations (including organizations based in Rome) as agents in world politics, and discuss the prospects of reforms of international organizations and global governance.

The course explores various dimensions, dynamics and levels of international organizations and global governance in the contemporary “partially globalized world.” (Robert Keohane).  In the first section, the course addresses key terms and problems as well as the general meaning of international organizations in the context of global governance. In the second section, major international organizations and institutions (including the UN and NATO) are identified and examined with regard to their structure and policies and in their role as actors in an evolving system of global governance. The third section turns to regional international organizations and, specifically, to the European Union as a international political structure. In the fourth and final section, we explore how effectively international organizations address contemporary global challenges and issues, and we will discuss the prospects of the reform of  global governance and the legitimacy of international organizations as actors in contemporary world affairs.

Students will become familiar with a variety of different international organizations, their scope, functions and relevance in contemporary international relations, and they will be able to situate them within the context of the international order. Participants will learn about (governmental and non-governmental) international institutions and organizations in general, explore major actors and their inner structures, and understand how they work and interact. Students who attend the course will also be introduced to the concept and specific dynamics of global governance, and learn how international organizations contribute to its power and evolution; and how global governance can be used to face contemporary global challenges.Special attention will be paid to two of the most important global and regional international organizations: the United Nations and the European Union. Students will also be able to understand major theories about international organizations and their place in international relations/global governance, and to review these theories. Finally, students will be enabled to critically discuss and evaluate the emergence, impact and limits of international organizations as changing actors in global politics. The course is shaped by lectures, student presentations, and interactive class discussion. Students will conduct their own research and write a research paper on a topic of their choice.

Assessment Guidelines for assigning main letter grades: A, B, C, D, and F.

Grading:

A:      95-100

A-:     91-94.99

B+:    87-90.99

B:       83-86.99

B-:     79-82.99

C+:    75-78.99

C:      71-74.99

C-:     67-70.99

D+:    63-66.99

D:      59-62.99

D-:     55-58.99

F:       0-54.99

A:  Work of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensiveknowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.

B:  This is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.

There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.

C:  This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.

D:  This level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.

Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.

F: This work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

Attendance is mandatory. Since the class discussions comprise an absolutely essential component of this course, course attendance is obligatory; the grade for your active participation will comprise 10 percent of the final grade. In order to make participation a meaningful experience for everyone, and most importantly for you, you will have to do the assigned readings before class sessions. It is not enough to come to class on time (you should!), but you should also be prepared and ready to actively participate. This is strongly encouraged as part of the learning process, and just to make this class a great experience.Please refer to the above notes and the university catalog for the attendance and absence policy.