Syllabus Information

1. General information

1.1. Aims of the course

The subject and its results respond to the following approaches and objectives:

-To expose the main theories, policies and the historical evolution of the international relations with special attention on the main actors of the International Relations (States, International Organizations, Non-governmental Organizations and multinational companies).

-To show the functioning of the most relevant International Organizations (UN, NATO, OSCE, etc.).

- To show the multinational military structures in the participation of Spain and the legal framework of the International Missions.

-To expose the Spanish Diplomatic System and the Foreign Policy of Spain.

-These approaches and objectives are in line with the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda
(https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/), in such a way that the acquisition of the course learning outcomes provides. It is especially important to link the subject with SDG 16 "Peace, justice and strong institutions".

1.2. Context and importance of this course in the degree

The subject is compulsory in the defense profile of the degree and allows the future Officer to become familiar with the complex reality of international interactions in the current globalized world, and especially with the role of the Spanish Armed Forces in International Missions.

The subject shows the relations of the globalized world of our days. The focus will be placed on the analysis of the main actors and factors that make up the international scene of the 21st century, from States to International Organizations. The main theoretical schools and interpretive principles of the RRII will be introduced. The main International Organizations will be analyzed with or without the participation of Spain. Attention will be paid to the role of the Armed Forces in international relations, with emphasis on international missions with Spanish participation. Finally, the Spanish diplomatic system and the main axes of Spanish Foreign Policy will be developed.

In the same way, throughout the course the subject will be linked with the international events that are happening, as well as with other subjects, such as "The World today" (Mundo Actual) and "Law" (Derecho), in order to integrate the analysis of current affairs, with its historical and geopolitical background.

Part of the readings, videos and power-point presentations used throughout the course, as well as the texts used in the practice sessions, may be in Spanish, English or French. A mandatory reading text will be offered in English, the written presentation of group work must be done in English, although the oral presentation can be done in Spanish or English. Finally, there is the possibility of doing a voluntary work that can be presented in English, French or Spanish.

1.3. Recommendations to take this course

•  Before each class session, the student must have read the material provided by the teachers through the Moodle platform.

•  Each class session will begin with the clarification of doubts, both on the material of the same and on issues of agenda already taught previously. In this second case, the teacher may suggest assistance to a personalized tutorial.

•  Students must follow news and press to know the main facts of the most relevant events in the world.

2. Learning goals

2.1. Competences

When the subject is passed, the student will be more competent to:

- Ability to plan, budget, organise, manage and monitor tasks, people and resources.

- Ability to solve problems and take decisions with initiative, creativity and critical reasoning.

- Ability to apply Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) within the field of engineering.

- Ability to communicate knowledge and skills in Spanish.

-Ability to analyse and evaluate the social and ecological impact of technical solutions, behaving ethically, with professional responsibility and social commitment, always striving for quality and continuous improvement.

- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary group and in a multilingual setting.

-Ability to continue learning and develop self-learning strategies.

- Knowledge of international security and defence organisations and treaties signed by Spain in this respect.  Ability to function in multinational organisations.

- Knowledge of  international scenarios, analysing the historical development of the 20th century along with geopolitical groupings and current conflicts.

- Capability of working at a professional level in English.

2.2. Learning goals

The student, to pass this subject, must demonstrate the following results:

- To identify the main political theories of International Relations.

- To identify the main actors in international relations and define transnational challenges.

- To become familiar with the organization and functioning of the Administration in international matters, treaties and diplomacy.

- To know the evaluation and operation of International Organizations and multinational military units with Spanish participation.

- To understand the philosophical and political foundations of international missions.

- To become familiar with the legal framework in which international missions take place.

2.3. Importance of learning goals

The officers of the Army are an outpost of the international projection of our country. Therefore, students should become familiar with the complex network of actors and factors which are the protagonists of international interactions and transfers in the globalized world of the 21st century, especially in regard to the main civil and military intergovernmental organizations in which Spain participates

3. Assessment (1st and 2nd call)

3.1. Assessment tasks (description of tasks, marking system and assessment criteria)

FIRST CALL

Continuous assessment

The students will be able to pass the total of the subject by the continuous evaluation procedure. To do this, they must demonstrate that they have achieved the expected learning outcomes by passing the evaluation instruments indicated below which will be carried out throughout the semester:

• (Assessment instrument 1). It will consist of the delivery and presentation of a group work on a topic related to the subject of the subject. Its weight in the final grade is 40%
• (Assessment instrument 2) It will consist of carrying out a written test with open development questions, its weight in the final grade is 60%.

To pass the subject it is required to have at least 5 points in the continuous evaluation and at least 5 points in instrument 2 of the continuous evaluation.

Global test

Students who do not pass the subject by continuous assessment or who would like to improve their grade, will have the right to appear for the Global Test set in the academic calendar, prevailing, in any case, the best of the grades obtained. This global test It will consist of a written exam of several questions to be developed that could include texts, graphics or maps that in any case would be provided by the teachers. To pass the subject, the student must obtain a final grade greater than or equal to 5 in the global exam and an average equal to or greater than 5 in the weighted average between the global exam (60%) and the continuous assessment instrument 1 (40%).

SECOND CALL

Students who do not pass the subject in the first call may take a Global Test set in the academic calendar for the second call. This global test will consist of an exam similar to that of the first call. To pass the subject, the student must obtain a final grade greater than or equal to 5 in the global exam and an average equal to or greater than 5 in the weighted average between the global exam (60%) and the continuous assessment instrument 1 (40%).

4. Methodology, learning tasks, syllabus and resources

4.1. Methodological overview

If this teaching could not be done in person for health reasons, it would be done on line.

The learning process that is designed for this subject is based on the following:

a) A comprehensive reading of the notes and readings proposed by the teacher, to perform at their place of study prior to the hearing in the classroom and for the exam.

b) Teaching exhibition by Professor, highlighting the most relevant aspects of the subject, supported by presentations, photographs, videos, etc. During these sessions, students should express their doubts about the discussion in class or read in place of study.

c) The content of the classes, notes, and readings proposed by the teacher will be part of the examination subject if the teacher does not says otherwise.

d) Students will take a compulsory group work on a subject chosen by the teacher.

e) Research work on international news: throughout the course the students (in groups of two, three or four) will monitor the news of international news regarding a geopolitical area assigned by the teachers. In several sessions, there will be a discussion in class on the date established to present the results of the work. This activity may be evaluated in the way that the teachers establish and communicate previously to the students. The works may be carried out in collaboration with other related subjects.

4.2. Learning tasks

In addition to the theoretical classes in which the subjects included in the program will be developed in a participatory manner, the subject will be developed are:

-Group exhibitions of specific topics of International Relations.

-Exhibitions and analysis on international reality, particularly the activities of the Organizations

Internationals (the so-called "international observatory"). 

-Analysis and comment on current news that affects aspects of International Relations.

4.3. Syllabus

The course will address the following topics:

• T.1: The evolution of International Relations.
• T.2: Schools of International Relations.
• T.3: The actors of International Relations  (States, International Organizations, Non-Gubernamental Organizations, Transnational Companies).
• T.4: General theory of international organizations.
• T.5: UU.NN.
• T.6: NATO
  • T. 7.a. European Union.
  • T 7.b. “Petersberg” Missions.
• T.8: Other Internacional Organizations:  OSCE, AEA, AU, Arab League, ASEAN, Cooperation Organization of Shangai.
• T.9: The typology of peacekeeping operations
  • T.10 a: Multinational military structures with Spanish participation
  • T.10.b. Military cooperation programs
• T.11: Concept of Diplomacy and Spanish Diplomacy.
• T.12: Foreign Policy of Spain: foreign action and Diplomacy of Defense. Examples of Foreign Policy of Spain (Alliance of Civilizations, “Marca España”).

4.4. Course planning and calendar

Calendar of face-to-face sessions and presentation of works:

- Calendar of face-to-face sessions: according to specific rules that will be notified through the Moodle platform.

- Mandatory work: to be determined.

Two practices can be done in class. In that case, the specific date will be determined one week in advance, both orally and through Moodle.

It is possible to organize a conference, in coordination with the subjects “The World today” and “Law”, in charge of personnel external to the CUD. The details of the same will be communicated when it´s organized.

Only an exam will take place, within the overall schedule of the end of the semester.

4.5. Bibliography and recommended resources

http://psfunizar10.unizar.es/br13/egAsignaturas.php?codigo=30140