Cursos / 1º Ciclo / Faculty of Law :: International Relations

INTRODUÇÃO ÀS RELAÇÕES INTERNACIONAIS - 2025/2026

1º curricular year
Semestralidade: 1st semester
ECTS: 6

Teachers

Leading Teacher: Prof. Doutor Tiago André Lopes
Assistant Professor: Prof. Doutor Tiago André Lopes

Class type and School hours

Orientação Tutorial : 1 Horas
Teórico-prática : 2 Horas

Teaching Language

Portuguese

Main Aims/Objectives

The course aims to provide students with epistemological and ontological knowledge essential to a broader understanding of the discipline of International Relations, as an autonomous area of ??knowledge.

Specific Aims/Objectives

The curricular unit aims to introduce students to the study of International Relations through knowledge of the object of International Relations, its actors, factors and evolving international architecture. The curricular unit intends to function as a "meta-analytical toolbox" that will serve as an aid to students throughout the remaining semesters.

Skills to be acquired

At the end of the semester, the student will be able to: a.) understand the operational concepts that are fundamental to the scientific domain of International Relations; b.) identify the most relevant themes to contemporary International Relations; c.) analyze the degree of applicability of the concepts, taking into account the type of analysis

Teaching Procedures

The course will feature classes of an expository nature, using active methodologies such as "world café" and "think-pair-share". The focus on a less theoretical approach is linked to the need to challenge the student´s ability to decode, analyze and assimilate content that is less familiar to them. In this way, classes will allow a greater degree of interest in the syllabus of this course.

Programme

1. International Relations as a Social Sciences discipline
1.1. Nature and Object
1.2. Research Methodologies
1.3. Distinction between International Relations, International Politics, Political Science, Sociology

2. Classification of International Relations Actors
2.1. States
2.2. International Organizations
2.3. Non-Governmental Organizations
2.4. Multinational Companies
2.5. Transnational movements
2.6. Ethnic, religious and cultural minorities
2.7. Terrorist Groups and National Liberation Movements

3. Factors in International Relations
3.1. Geographic Factor
3.2. Demographic Factor
3.3. Economic Factor
3.4. Military Factor
3.5. Government Factor
3.6. Media Factor
3.7. Other Relevant Factors

4. Transformation of the International System
4.1. From Bipolarity to Mature Anarchy
4.2. Systemic Balance
4.3. Power Transition and Transitology

Evaluation Type

The assessment system is carried out in accordance with the rules defined in the General Regulations for Knowledge Assessment of Lusíada Universities. In this sense, continuous assessment is taken into account, namely attendance, participation, completion of two mid-term assessment tests and research work.

Teaching Resources

Powerpoints presented by the instructor; online resources

Sustainability Objectives

Objective 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for all

Keywords

International relations;
Identity;
Sovereignty;
Power;
International System

Main Bibliography

Complementary Bibliography