We made the Italian newspaper!!

http://www.lanazione.it/firenze/curiosita/2012/02/11/666662-cioccolata_batte.shtml

Gniocchi making class

Viagreggio 4

Castello del Trebbio

Pisa 2/4/12

Nice trip!!:)

International Relations syllabus

International Relations (PolSc250)

Instructor: M. Giuili

Spring 2012- Florence-Italy

Course description: Introduction to various aspects of international relations and politics. Consideration of such topics as the sovereign and national state and international politics, the nature of world community, international law, world economics, the United Nations and other international organizations, and contemporary world problems.

Taking this class in Florence will give an additional dimension to the material that we will be covering in the textbook. Very often the same international events are interpreted differently in Europe and in the US and that will allow for good class discussion and group work.

International relations will use many of the social science fields like psychology, philosophy and particularly economics. We will be looking at many fields that are directly related to the lives of students taking this class and that will make the material more relevant and interesting.

The Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) for this class:

Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

1-      Discuss the principle historical factors, including the development of foreign policy, leading to the present international situation

2-      Recognize and discuss various elements of power in international relations

3-      Describe the most prominent structures of the international community and explain their interaction with states

4-      Demonstrate a basic understanding of the major theoretical approaches to world politics and the methodologies used to study them

5-      Think and argue critically about issues in international relations

Textbook for this class:

“International Politics on the World Stage” (brief), 8^th edition by John Rourke and Mark Boyer.

ISBN 978-0-07-337899-2

Course methodology: The class will consist mainly of lectures and discussions based on the textbook, enclosed articles and current events. Group work will allow you to analyze issues from different points of view and a group class presentation will also be part of your overall assessment. At the beginning of the semester you will pick a country or geographical area dealing with a conflict, give a historical overview, research the source of their problems and assess potential outcome.

Your final grade will be computed in the following manner:

                Midterm exam                                                      30%

                Final exam                                                            40%

                Class presentation                                              20%

                Class participation/group work                      10%

Tentative Schedule

February                1             Introduction and organization

                                 3             World Politics ch.1

                                 6             ch1

                                 8             Evolution of World Politics ch.2

                                13           ch.2

                                15           Levels of Analysis ch.3

                                20           ch.3

                                22           Nationalism – ch.4

                                27           Globalism –ch.5

                                29           ch.5

March                    5             National State – ch.6

7                   Midterm Exam

19           National State – ch.6

21           IGO

26           ch.7

28           Security - ch.9

April                       2             ch.9

                                 4             National Economic Competition – ch.10

                                11           ch.10

                                16           International Economics – ch.11

                                18           ch.11

23                 Final Exam

24                 Final Review

Women in US Society syllabus

Women in US society (SocSc.220)

Instructor: M.Giuili

Spring 2012: Florence, Italy

A multicultural and interdisciplinary examination of women's changing roles in U.S. society. Examines the social institutions and values which shape those roles. The course considers the significant events and developments shaping the social, political, and economic status of women. It will also consider the importance of race/ethnicity, class, region, and sexual orientation in differentiating the experiences and opportunities for women. Studying these issues in Florence will allow you to experience those differences first hand by observing and interacting with women of a different culture and thus differences in women’s responsibilities, values and priorities. We will be looking at women’s position in the labor market, politics, family, income distribution, health, education etc… Current events illustrate how women play a more active role in shaping the socio-economic and political direction their countries are taking. A perfect time to study this topic!

SLO – Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

1-      Examine the significance of gender as a factor in shaping experience and opportunity of American women in the twentieth century.

2-      Compare the changing rights and obligations of women under the U.S. and California constitutions and laws, and the evolution of the role of women as local, state, national and international citizens.

3-      Compare the significance of race, class, region, and culture in the differential experiences and opportunities.

4-      Evaluate critically contemporary and historical debates about gender, race, class, and sexual orientation.

5-      Evaluate progress toward political, social and economic equality for all women.

Textbook: “Thinking about Women” (9^th edition) by Margaret Andersen

                 ISBN: 978-0-205-84095-3

Course methodology: The class will consist mainly of lectures and discussions based on the textbook, enclosed articles, current events and observations. Group activities and working on topics together will make the class more interactive. There will also be a group project that will constitute 15% of your overall grade.

Your final grade will be calculated in the following manner:

            Midterm exam                                      30%

            Final exam                                            40%

            Class presentation                                 15%

            Class participation/group work  10%

            Personal budget                                   5%

Tentative Schedule:

February          7         Introduction

9                  Chapter 1

10              Social construction of gender (ch2)

14                   “

16       Gender, culture and media (ch.3)

21                   “

23       Relationships (ch.4)

28                   “

March              1         Women in the workplace (ch.5)

                         6                     “

                         8         MIDTERM EXAM     

                        20        Family (ch.6)

                        22                    “

                        27        Women and health (ch.7)

                        29                    “

April                 3         Women and crime (ch.9)

                         5                     “

                        10        Women, education and science (ch.10)

                        12                    “

                        17        Women and politics (ch.11)

                        19                    “

24                Final exam

26        Summing up