English

This course introduces the students to the universe of graphic novels in the Global Iberian World. The focus is on the transnational understanding of the main themes, styles and influences emerging from different disciplinary and national traditions, as well across media. It provides conceptual and analytical tools for students to systematise their experience as critical readers of graphic novels, moving beyond the Western fictional universe to the expanding field of Portuguese speaking Africa and Latin America.

As today's social climate makes many demands on business, business leaders are required to be as skilled in managing their companies' social relations as the more traditional economic ones. The study of the interactions between business and "the world beyond company gate" is the subject of this course. Throughout the course, students are exposed to diverse theories, research findings and relevant business cases that help them to attain the basic framework of the ever-changing relationship between business and society. Major topics of the course are changing social expectations, growing emphasis on ethical reasoning and actions, globalization, evolving government regulations and business response, dynamic natural environment, explosion of new technology and innovation, and creating value in a dynamic environment. 

This course examines venture management in innovation development and commercialization for those who believe they have what it takes to build new businesses and ventures. It covers market analysis and opportunities; business and financial model design; intellectual property management; sources of investment and equity/shareholder structures; and sustainable business operation management and risk management.

This course provides an overview of the modern and contemporary history of Latin America and Spain through the lens of postcolonial criticism. Topics covered include: Washington, Napoleon, and Hidalgo; Spain in the 19th century; the Monroe Doctrine; industrialization; political philosophy in Latin America at the start of the 20th century; the Spanish Civil War; the Cold War; democracy vs. dictatorship; environmentalism and human rights; populism and socialist guerrillas; Bolivarian communism.

The course provides a broad and theoretical overview of European legal traditions from social, political, economic, and comparative perspectives. Starting with Roman Law, its coverage ranges from discussing the authority of law in history, literature, economics, and religion, through the creation of the European legal frameworks up to the establishment of a human rights tradition. Focus is given to the wider scope of legal developments in history that have shaped the conceptualization of law in present-day Europe and beyond. The course is roughly divided into two parts. The first part encompasses a brief overview of European legal thought from Roman law to the development of the common and civil legal traditions. In the second half of the course, the course examines the more recent developments of European politics and law. The first session will be dedicated to how social aspects (i.e. geography and religion) influence European legal developments. The second session deals with the fascist tendencies leading to World War Two. The last two sessions are dedicated to European integration and the formation of European Union mainly as an answer to the two World Wars. The focus here is on the legal coverage of the Union’s economy and respect for human rights through supranational cooperation.

This course examines the factors that facilitate optimal performance in music and the performing arts, sports, business, public speaking, teaching and educational activities. Underpinned by theoretical frameworks, research findings and using real-world examples, this course will engage students in practical strategies commonly used to achieve optimal performance.