Unit Politics and Conflicts in Mediterranen Africa and the Middle East

Course
International relations
Study-unit Code
GP003773
Curriculum
Conflitti internazionali, studi strategici e analisi di politica estera
Teacher
Lorella Tosone
Teachers
  • Lorella Tosone
  • Valentina Sommella (Codocenza)
Hours
  • 30 ore - Lorella Tosone
  • 30 ore (Codocenza) - Valentina Sommella
CFU
8
Course Regulation
Coorte 2026
Offered
2026/27
Learning activities
Caratterizzante
Area
Formazione storico-internazionale
Sector
GSPS-04/C
Type of study-unit
Obbligatorio (Required)
Type of learning activities
Attività formativa monodisciplinare
Language of instruction
Italian
Contents
This course will examine, from a historical perspective, the role of North African and Greater Middle Eastern countries in the international system, from the age of imperialism to the present day.
Reference texts
The required readings, including texts in English, will be made available at the beginning of the course on the Unistudium platform. Students are responsible for obtaining their own copies of the materials. Students unable to attend lectures are encouraged to contact the instructors regarding the selection of texts on which they will prepare for the examination.
Educational objectives
Knowledge and comprehension. Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired: a) advanced knowledge of the evolving role of countries in the region within the international system; b) specific understanding of past and ongoing conflicts in the area; c) the ability to situate these conflicts within long-term historical processes and broader geographical contexts.

Application of knowledge and comprehension. Students will develop analytical tools and comparative skills enabling them to connect acquired knowledge to issues of broader relevance in political science. Additionally, by the end of the course, students will be able to use the main databases of specific interest to international relations.

Communication skills. Through discussion of assigned readings and presentation of their research, students will be able to: a) present acquired competencies relating to Mediterranean Africa and the Middle East to both specialist and non-specialist audiences; b) present their ideas clearly; c) participate in debates; d) improve their presentation skills.

Learning skills. Learning skills are fostered through active participation in lectures, presentation and discussion of assigned readings, and through independent research and bibliographic investigation of the concepts and themes addressed.
Prerequisites
A solid knowledge of the main developments in twentieth-century international history is essential. A good command of English is required.
Teaching methods
At the beginning of the course, students will be provided with the general reference bibliography (in English and/or French). Students are required to read assigned materials and discuss them in class according to the schedule established at the start of the course. Additionally, students, individually or in small groups, will be expected to explore specific topics in greater depth. These in-depth studies will be presented as oral reports during lectures, following a schedule to be determined during the course.
Other information
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Learning verification modality
For students attending lectures, the readings completed and in-depth studies carried out during the course will be considered as interim assessments which, if successfully completed, will allow them to conclude the examination with an oral test conducted in a simplified format. For non-attending students, the examination will be conducted orally.
Extended program
This course will examine, from a historical perspective, the evolving role of North African and Middle Eastern countries in the international system.

The following topics will be covered:

The age of imperialism
European empires in Africa
Decolonization
Relations with European and non-European countries in the post-World War II era
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile
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