Cursos / 2º Ciclo / Faculty of Law :: International Relations

OS GRANDES PROBLEMAS CONTEMPORÂNEOS - 2025/2026

1º curricular year
Semestralidade: 2nd semester
ECTS: 7.5

Teachers

Leading Teacher: Prof. Doutora Fernanda Alves
Assistant Professor: Prof. Doutora Fernanda Alves

Class type and School hours

Teórico-prática : 1 Horas
Orientação Tutorial : 1 Horas

Teaching Language

Portuguese

Main Aims/Objectives

The overall objectives of this course are focused on understanding and explaining the Major Contemporary Issues from the perspective of the international social reality, as a subject of study, according to various theories in International Relations (IR).

Specific Aims/Objectives

Specifically, revisit the concept of international politics and identify various theories about the political phenomenon.
Based on the History of International Relations (IR), identify the historical milestones that marked shifts in the world order and reference the IR theories that were instrumental in their origins. Analyze, based on the previous premises, the Major Issues of the current world order.

Skills to be acquired

The aim is to impart theoretical and practical knowledge that enables the explanation and investigation of the interdependence between historical phenomena and political phenomena in the field of international relations. More than knowledge of the phenomena, it is intended that each student is equipped to make their proper interpretation in a scientific and substantiated manner.

Teaching Procedures

The methodology encompasses theoretical-practical classes, aiming for them to be interactive, thus encouraging participation in programmatic topics and the preparation and presentation of Written Assignments (WAs), utilizing various means and resources. In the tutorial guidance sessions, whenever possible, student support will be provided in the preparation of their WAs.

Programme

1. Introduction of the Instructor. Presentation of the Course; its significance in the Master´s in International Relations (IR) program, objectives, skills to be acquired, teaching methodology, syllabus, assessment methods. Basic bibliography.
2. Theoretical Approaches in International Relations (Realism and Neo-Realism; Liberal-Institutionalism; Social Constructivism; Critical Theories)
3. Knowledge Production and Disciplinary Politics
4. International Order and the Crisis of Democracies
5. Transnational Terrorism
6. Fragile States
7. From Sovereignty to Responsibility: Humanitarian Interventions
8. Identity Conflicts
9. Nationalisms and Separatisms in World Politics
10. Mobility, Migration, and Refuge
11. Human Rights and Globalization
12. Climate Change
13. (Under)Development, Poverty, and Global Inequality

Evaluation Type

The assessment system is carried out in accordance with the rules defined by the General Assessment Regulations, particularly based on the following elements:

Attendance and participation in classes.
Written Assignment
Final exam

Teaching Resources

Computer/projector/PowerPoint
Maps
Bibliography B-on (an online database or resource)
Computer equipment with internet connection

Sustainability Objectives

Keywords

. International Politics
. Nation-state (Westphalian)
. World Order
. Globalization
. Balance of Power
. Identity Conflicts

Main Bibliography

Complementary Bibliography