Political Science

The objective of this course is to provide a good understanding of the numerous political and economic challenges the European Union faces today. Based on a good fundamental knowledge of geographic, economic and demographic realities of Europe, the course will be strongly focused on the current state of the Union, between attempts at institutional reform, the sovereign debt crisis, and the issues surrounding monetary union and the stability pact. It will also revise some major policies and have a critical assessment of current attitudes and strategies towards European integration.

Britain in the Age of Revolution and Reform will examine a period of great change in British politics, society and the economy. In an age greatly influenced by the revolutions in America and France, Britain itself underwent its own revolutions— the industrial and agricultural.  The period covered will show how by the end Britain was on its way to becoming the economic powerhouse of the world, with a changing landscape of growing cities, enclosed fields and factories

This course provides a foundational overview of Great Britain, its people and culture. There are two blocks: the British Present and the British Past. As their names suggest, they deal with contemporary British politics and society and with key formative moments in English history. While there is a formal structure to the course we will not live in isolation from the world outside. There will certainly be events which illustrate or contradict what has been discussed in class: you are encouraged to bring your thoughts on these into class discussions.

This course provides a comprehensive examination of the processes of European economic integration and offers a critical analysis of EU policies in their broader political-economic context. In addition, the course also addresses the peculiar and often problematic relationship between Great Britain and the EU, while also focusing on the external dimension of Europe in the global economy.

This course will compare Italy’s political system with the American system, and aims to provide you with a thorough knowledge of the factors that have shaped and influenced the construction of Italian identity and politics. The course will also help you understand the peculiarity of the Italian political model.

This course will introduce you to important concepts of international relations by examining Britain’s dynamic relationship with the European Union. The course will begin with a brief review of the United Kingdom’s role in World War II. That war and its devastation provides the backdrop against which the European Union developed. The EU’s development illustrates how states seek to promote international cooperation to counter the tendency of the international system to produce international conflict and war.

This is the core course of the GEO London semester. There are two blocks: the British Present and the British Past. As their names suggest, they deal with contemporary British politics and society and with key formative moments in English history. While there is a formal structure to the course we will not live in isolation from the world outside. There will certainly be events which illustrate or contradict what has been discussed in class: you are encouraged to bring your thoughts on these into class discussions.

This course examines contemporary British politics and society. We will discuss the commanding themes in British politics and public life and look at their historical context. The course provides an introduction to the principal institutions, parties and issues in British politics. This will extend to consideration of key social issues - including race and diversity and aspects of popular culture from broadcasting to sport, from music to the monarchy.