Admission requirements
Participation in the seminar is only permitted if the propaedeutic phase has been passed (60 EC).
Description
The complex problems that world face today range from traditional threats such as nuclear weapons proliferation and global terrorism, to non-traditional challenges like ethnic strife, climate change, failed states, migration, pandemics and poverty. None of the problems can be tackled by sovereign states only. These challenges require a degree of cooperation among states, establishment of international mechanisms as well as involvement of non-state actors; in short they demand governance. Within this context, this course explores the origins and role of international and multilateral organisations in contemporary world politics, their functioning and their institutional framework with special emphasis on theoretical approaches to global governance and the changing international environment.
Course objectives
Knowledge
Upon successful completion of this course, students are able to:
understand the major concepts of and theoretical approaches to global governance
analyse/examine/critically review the different roles played by multilateral organisations in the areas of their competence
distinguish between different forms of multilateral organisations, and compare and contrast their weaknesses and strengths
reflect on the challenges and prospects of governance in selected issue areas
Insights
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have insight on:
the dilemmas of global governance
the key debates on the role of international organisations in relation to a number of issues of international concern
the role of multilateral institutions versus the states in implementing the goals of global governance
the efficacy of the major international mechanisms and norms in global governance
Skills
Upon successful completion of this course, students are able to:
think analytically and critically
find, evaluate and critically read relevant academic literature and other information
discuss issues orally and in writing using the appropriate formats
develop skills of presentation with well-developed arguments and group communication techniques
Schedule
The timetables are available through MyTimetable (see the button in the upper right corner).
Teaching method
This is a distinctly interactive course. Students will be expected to come prepared with questions and comments based on readings, and to engage by sharing such puzzles and remarks while also building on points made by others in the class.
Classes generally consist of a lecture and discussion of course material, as well as a variety of engaging activities, including group discussions, debates, presentations, and analysis of case studies. In some seminars, groups of students will take the lead by giving presentations.
Assessment method
Participation (15%);
A group presentation (15%);
A response paper (30%);
An essay (40%).
Reading list
The list of readings will be made available upon commencement of the course.
Registration
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website (https://www.student.universiteitleiden.nl/en/your-study-programme/courses-and-exams/enrolment/social-and-behavioural-sciences/political-science-bsc?cf=social-and-behavioural-sciences&cd=political-science-bsc#tab-1).
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer(s) (listed in the right information bar). For questions about enrolment, contact the Student Services Centre: ssc@leiden.edu.