This class has two goals: First, it shall render students familiar with theories of political sociology that have become influential in International Relations. Here, we will focus on critical-analytical approaches from a range of authors. The second goal is to put European and African scholarship in relation by including older and recent contributions from both continents, including works that use theories of political sociology for empirical analyses.
Most of the sessions will therefore combine basic reading on key concepts and authors with additional reading in which these concepts can be seen “at work”. Credit points are acquired by oral presentations, jointly or individually, and term papers.

This course will provide students with the skills to critically analyze international resource policies and their practical implementation in North Africa and Latin America. The course begins by dealing with fundamental notions of resource sovereignty, sustainable development, and energy transition. It then looks at international and regional governance of natural resources and their trade, with particular attention to hydrocarbons, mining, and ‘renewables’. Finally, it turns to the opportunities and challenges that resource extraction can create to sustainable development, poverty reduction, and societal peace on the national and sub-national level.

Literatur zur Vorbereitung/Preparatory Reading:

Barral, Virginie (2016): ‘National sovereignty over natural resources: Environmental challenges and sustainable development’. In Research Handbook on International Law and Natural Resources. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing.

Bauer, Andrew & Quiroz, Juan Carlos (2013): ‘Resource Governance’. In The Handbook of Global Energy Policy. Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell

Assignments and Credits:

MPL (3 CP): Oral presentation plus written elaboration; GPL (6 CP): Term paper; GPL+ (9 CP): Oral presentation and term paper.

This course critically explores how welfare states address, perpetuate, or deepen social inequalities, focusing on migration, gender, and labor market dynamics. Through interactive debates and case studies, students will analyze policies shaping access to resources, rights, and opportunities across different social groups. We will examine pressing issues such as the treatment of migrants in welfare systems, gendered labor market inequalities, and the future of social protections in a changing economy. Engaging with contemporary policy debates, students will assess how welfare states navigate tensions between inclusion, fairness, and economic sustainability. The course emphasizes active participation, encouraging students to develop advocacy strategies and critically engage with opposing perspectives. By the end, students will have a nuanced understanding of how welfare policies shape—and are shaped by—social inequalities.
Successful completion of the course requires active participation in all assigned components. For students aiming to receive 3 CP, this includes the completion of reading assignments, the research assignment, and participation in class debates. For those pursuing 6 CP, an additional requirement is the submission of an 8–10 page essay that explores a relevant issue in social policy with depth and originality.