Political Science

This course s part of the Laurea Magistrale program. The course is intended for advanced level students only. Enrollment is by consent of the instructor. Globalization dramatically changed the environment of political and economic activity, widening the context of social action and speeding up its pace. This course tackles the new ethical issues inherent in a globalized world of social change from a theoretical perspective, without neglecting the historical side. At the end of the course students have a deeper appreciation of the new ethical issues facing mankind in an era of globalization, have knowledge of the most interesting contemporary theories of the just society, and are capable of historically situating the current developments in society. This course examines three broad themes connected to the contemporary geopolitical circumstances: the question of the just society and the challenge of relativism, the dilemmas of globalization, and environmental ethics. The course examines how and to what extent globalization has changed politics and, strictly connected to this question, the issue of the just society in such different circumstances and the challenge posed by cultural relativism. Finally, the course tackles the problem of our responsibility towards the environment and towards non-human creatures.

This course delves into 20th- and 21st-century nationalism, trans-national exchanges, and identity formation in the Mediterranean, examining the unique foodways of Florence, Syracuse, and Istanbul. Exploring the roots of 19th-century nation-state formation and the subsequent emergence of nationalist propaganda and authoritarian ideologies in 20th-century Italy and Turkey, the course analyzes post-WWII economic development and the societal impacts of agricultural modernization and food industrialization. It critically evaluates the role of Neoliberalism in reshaping ethnic and national identities. The course explores the central role of food, food practices, and public food policies in nation-building projects. Additionally, the course investigates the rescaling of national economies and identities in the Mediterranean region. Through a critical lens, the course examines the intersections between the
local/national and the global, exploring the new relations, tensions, and conflicts that emerge. Topics of inquiry encompass contemporary ethnic politics, migration, the rise of new forms of racism and religious tensions, 20th-century modernization, evolving habits of mass consumption, and the effects of globalization on food systems. Special attention is given to the intricate dynamics of internal and international migration flows in the Mediterranean, particularly from Africa and the Middle East.

This course examines the development and transformation of modern Japanese political thought, focusing on the Meiji (1968-1912), Taishō (1912-26) and early Shōwa (1926-41) periods. The course discusses major themes such as the creation of a modern state and the emergence of ideologies such as statism (etatism) and nationalism; the rise of capitalism; imperialism and colonialism; pan-Asianism; war, and counter-movements such as anarchism, democracy, environmentalism, feminism, and socialism. Using empirical and theoretical perspectives, the course studies both the historical and contemporary significance of these topics. 

A basic knowledge of modern Japanese history is helpful, but not required. A list of reference materials is provided for background information. 

This course covers a range of theoretical and practical research issues, including non-profit organization development, government purchase of services, multi-level governance, inter-governmental horizontal coordination, evidence-based decision making, cooperative governance, managed social innovation, real estate tax, and foreign aid governance.