C O U R S E D E S C R I P T I O N S
P O L I I C A S C I E N C
SPS 151 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE
The purpose of this introductory course is to familiarize the student with the basic issues, concepts, research methods and theoretical approaches of
Political Science. It includes an historical overview of the development of the discipline, but it focuses mostly on contemporary thematic orientations, approaches and research methods used for the study of political phenomena.
SPS 152 COMPARATIVE POLITICS
This course introduces the students to Comparative Politics as one of the major areas of Political Science, It discusses and trains students in the comparative method of analysis and deals with basic concepts such as state, nation-state, political system, political culture, political socialization, social critique, political parties, interest groups and political development in a comparative setting. It deals with case studies of European and other countries.
SPS 153 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Introductory course on the contemporary international political system with emphasis on the structures, factors and processes which form the world political scene and affect relations among states. Emphasis is placed on the role of played by states, international organizations and other entities and factors in shaping the dynamics, issues and outcomes of international politics.
Some of the basic concepts and issues examined include the state, international organizations, power, balance of power, national interest, diplomacy, international law, foreign policy, war and regional integration.
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SPS 154 POLITICAL THEORY
The purpose of this course is to familiarize the students with classical texts.
Further, basic concepts and ideas that shaped European political structures are explored.
SPS 155 FOREIGN POLICY
Τhe course offers an introduction to the fundamental concepts and major theories of foreign policy analysis, as well as a sketch of important decisions and actions in the foreign policy of a superpower (USA) and a middle power
(Greece).
SPS 156 EUROPEAN INTEGRATION
This is an introductory course on European integration which looks at the basic concepts, trends and processes of political and economic integration.
Issues of integration are examined from a historical and theoretical perspective focusing on the foundation and evolution of the European
Communities. It also examines the potential, prospects and problems of the evolutionary process of deepening and widening of the EU.
SPS 157 POLITICAL ANALYSIS AND METHODOLOGY
SPS 232 GENDER, POWER AND POLITICS
This course introduces the students to the basic concepts (gender, sex, masculinity, femininity, gender roles, oppression, private and public spaces, power over and power to, the personal is political, etc) and to the different kinds and goals of feminisms as a social movement and ideology. The social construction of gender and how it differs in different cultures is also discussed. The presentation and analysis of social and political phenomena is given through the gender perspective in Cyprus, and in various European and non-European societies, including the study of international women’s conferences and their political implications.
SPS 251 THE POLITICAL SYSTEM OF CYPRUS
This course deals with a historical, social, and political analysis of the pre and post establishment of the Cyprus Republic. Basic concepts such as
Constitution, political system, citizens rights and institutions are discussed with detailed reference to Cyprus. A critical view of the Cyprus constitutions and detailed analysis of articles and treaties are also being dealt.
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SPS 252 GENDER AND POWER
This course examines in a detailed way the relationship between gender and politics through a comparative method and how this relationship developed through women’s struggles in different cultures and societies (European and on-European). It addresses the basic question why women’s participation in public life is important? It refers to and analyses of international and regional conventions and programmes of action on gender equality and the elimination of all forms of discrimination.
SPS 256 LAW AND POLITICS
SPS 261 COMPARING POLITICAL SYSTEMS
This courses deals critically with a number of representative political systems
(i.e liberal democracy, federalism, Islamic democracies, Communism and fundamentalism, etc) as they apply to contemporary world using a multisystemic and bi-national approach. The end of the Cold War and a new world typology will be discussed. The new nation-sates formed after 1989, their struggle toward democratization, the phenomenon of globalization and the dwindling role of the nation-state will be topics to be covered.
SPS 262 THE POLITICAL SYSTEM OF GREECE
The course constitutes an introduction to the Political system (as well as the constitutional law) of Greece. Emphasis is given to the structure, organization and functions of the various institutions. The main characteristics of the
1975/1986/2001 Constitutions are also considered.
SPS 263 GREEK-TURKISH RELATIONS
After a schematic introduction to the post-war foreign policies of Greece and
Turkey, the course concentrates on the Aegean dispute, the Cyprus problem, and two crucial "triangles": European Union-Greece-Turkey and Washington-
Ankara-Athens.
SPS 264 POLITIC AND DIPLOMATIC HISTORY OF EUROPE
It aims at a better understanding of modern European politics through its historical origins. It presents and analyzes important events and developments that shaped the political map and relations among countries and peoples in Europe from the seventeenth century until today. Emphasis is placed on the causes, forces and factors that led to the birth of the secular state and the state-centric system and influenced their operation and evolution. It examines important political, diplomatic, economic, cultural and
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military events which brought about changes and reforms that left an impact on the history of the continent and its peoples. Examples of such events are the birth of the modern secular state, the industrial revolution, the French revolution, the Congress of Vienna, the Congress of Berlin, the two World
Wars, the division of Europe, the democratization and emergence of the welfare state, the Cold War and the EU integration process.
SPS 266 THE POLITICAL SYSTEM OF EUROPEAN UNION
The objective of the course is to familiarize the students with the basic structures and functions of the EU. It places emphasis on the institutions of the EU, especially their composition, functioning and mission. It provides an historical overview of the evolution of the EU and its institutions, but the course has a contemporary focus on recent and current issues.
SPS 267 COMPARATIVE POLITICS OF DEVELOPING NATIONS
A historical review of the development theories of the 1960s until today will be discussed with reference to Latin American and African states. The relationship between Center and periphery and the different theoretical models used to understand and explain the domestic factors of the different developing nations, their similarities and differences will be highlighted.
Reference will also be made to the developing countries relationship to the so-called First world nations.
SPS 268 CYPRUS FOREIGN POLICY
SPS 269 BASIC PRINCIPALS OF POLITICAL ECONOMY
The aim of the course is to familiarize the student with the basic concepts and methods of political economy. Particular emphasis is given to the theories of value, the repartition of incomes, the theories of crises as well as the evolution tendencies of free market economy. The state and central bank policies, within contemporary economies (fiscal policy, monetary policy, foreign exchange policy) are also examined.
SPS 272 INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
This course deals with the typologies and role of international organizations in the post-cold war era in dealing with international problems, such as poverty, aids, disputes, environmental destruction, small arms proliferation, gender inequalities, violence against women, prostitution and trafficking, etc. The role also of NGOs, their relationship to the states and other regional organizations in a changing world will also be studied.
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SPS 273 INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY
The course will deal in great detail with the basic concepts of Peace and
Security, national interest, power, inter-dependence, development and collective security from a theoretical and applied perspective and understanding. Readings and discussions will include the different categorizations of Peace, Security and a culture of Peace from a feminist approach of non-violence in the 21 st century. A critical examination of the international system in the post cold war and post September 11 era will be given Theories on conflict and war and how these phenomena are being addressed today will be discussed. Is there a vision for a New International
Society of Nations- “An Agenda for Peace” (Butros Butros Ghali).
SPS 274 HUMAN RIGHTS
This course deals with the content and protection mechanisms of human rights in the Republic of Cyprus as well as within the European Convention of
Human Rights. The general theory of these rights is also considered, along with the question of the safeguard of these rights within the ambit of a potential solution of the Cyprus problem.
SPS 275 THE U.N.O. SYSTEM
A historical and critical presentation and analysis of the International
Organization-what preceded its establishment and explain why the League of
Nations failed. Examination of the different theoretical approaches
(realism/neo-realism, pluralism, Marxism/internationalism, theory of dependency and theory of conflict resolution) with reference to the study of the international organization. Detailed reference to the UN Charter, the structure and different bodies of the organization and their functions and limitations. Specific reference to UN interventions in various nation-states and evaluate the effectiveness of such interventions.
SPS 281 MODERN POLITICAL THOUGHT
The course examines the development of Political Thought from Machiavelli to
J.S. Mill, and analyses the contribution of modern political theorists to the debates over liberty, property, political obligation, social contract, justice, rights, sovereignty and power.
SPS 282 POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES
The course examines the role of Ideology in reforming and legitimizing constitutional forms and governmental structures. It explores analytically the
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content as well as the historical references and philosophical roots of the most significant ideologies, such as Liberalism, Socialism, Nationalism,
Anarchism and Feminism.
SPS 314 POLITICAL SOCIOLOGY
The course is a systematic introduction into the basic concepts, methodology and empirical research of political sociology. The social basis of politics is examined through the analysis of different systems of political organization, different forms of political action, the role of ideology and the processes of political conflict and change. Special emphasis is laid upon theoretical issues, always in relation to the analysis of empirical data from Cypriot and other societies.
SPS 360 GLOBALIZATION
The issue of glabasisation is examined through various disciplines and perspectives. The first question raised is whether this involves a radical rupture with, or continuation of, modernity or whether it is simply an emotive rhetorical appeal. Topics discussed include the following: westernization, modernization and hegemony, the shifting role of the “nation-state”, the role of economy, changes in institutions like tradition and the family, transnationalism and inter-state linkages, mobility (people, goods, capital and information) and the role of the mass media.
SPS 361 CYPRUS AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
It explores basic issues and aspects of the relations of Cyprus with the
European Union beginning with the signing of the Association Agreement in
1972. There is emphasis on the period starting with the submission of the application for membership in 1990. There is also some focus on the political aspects of EU membership and related issues in the context of Cyprus’s
European orientation. The structures, functioning, deepening and widening of the EU are some of the issues examined from the viewpoint of Cyprus as a member state.
SPS 362 POLITICS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
SPS 363 LAW FO THE EUROPEAN UNION
SPS 364 EUROPE AND THE MEDITERRANEAN
SPS 365 PLATO’S POLITICAL THOUGHT
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Examination and critical analysis of Plato’s political theory on the basis of his rich text. The course also explores Plato’s reception throughout the centuries along with the ideological appropriation of his major political theses.
SPS 366 SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORIES
The course examines the background and philosophical debate that led to the theory of the Social Contract, initially as the product of the philosophy of natural law and subsequently as an integral part in the theory of classical liberalism. It also examines how the theory of Social Contract had been transformed in the 18 th century and what were the consequences of the critique addressed to it by the major representatives of utilitarian political philosophy.
SPS 367 THEORIES OF POLITICAL JUSTICE
The course analyses the major theories of political justice, from antiquity to the present. It discusses the arguments over the source, the nature and the scope of justice, and explores its meaning. It also identifies the fundamental principles which form the foundation of a just order.
SPS 371 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
The course offers an introduction to constitutional law, with emphasis on the institutions of the Republic of Cyprus. The main characteristics of the 1960
Constitution are considered, along with the particularities and malfunctions of the system. The legal and political aspects of the Cyprus problem and the inter-communal talks are also examined.
SPS 372 CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY OF CYPRUS
The course examines the constitutional history of Cyprus. The colonization period is briefly mentioned, whereas emphasis is given to the Zurich-London
Agreements. The various peace plans since 1964 as well as the intercommunal talks are also considered.
SPS 373 THE CYPRUS PROBLEM
A multi-disciplinary approach (historical, sociological, social anthropological, social psychological and international relations perspectives) of the Cyprus conflict. Causes and kinds of international conflicts and the role of international law. Methods and tools of resolving international conflicts with specific reference to the Cyprus negotiations-official and unofficial diplomacy.
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Reference to the Third party interventions and their effectiveness and limitations in the case of Cyprus.
SPS 373 THE CYPRUS PROBLEM
This course addresses the Cyprus Problem either (1) primarily as a case of inter-communal, ethnic and psychological conflict or (2) primarily as a paradigm case of an international dispute and a violation of international law and international norms. In both cases, the course explores ways and means of the peaceful resolution of the problem.
SPS 374 INTERNATIONAL LAW
It includes a historical overview of the evolution of International Law, with emphasis on the 20 th century. The course also examines the role of
International Law in connection with the functioning of the international political system and the improvement of relations among states. There is some emphasis on the subjects and sources of International law. It includes a comparison of International Law with Domestic Lw with special reference to their formation and enforcement.
SPS 376 CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Introduction to the theories and practice of the interdisciplinary field of the science and art of Conflict Resolution. Basic concepts will be given and the conflict theories and causes of war, and analysis of different kinds of conflicts, and the causes of ethnic and international disputes. What is official and unofficial diplomacy, their contribution and limitations and practices in various case studies will be studied. Presentation of tools used in the diagnosis, analysis, and intervention of third parties in facilitating the resolution of protracted international disputes, such as the Cyprus one. Simulation exercises will also be used.
SPS 377 SUPERPOWERS AND THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM
In Part One, the course provides a review of the main policies and crises of the Cold War superpowers, of the main approaches to understanding their protracted conflict and of the main features of the international system during the Cold War. Part Two examines the institutions of the emerging post-Cold
War international system, with emphasis on the international political economy, globalisation, International Law, International Ethics, and the theory and realities of international conflicts.
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SPS 378 ECONOMY AND POLITICS
Political and economic thought are inter-related and interdependent. The liberal ideas are related to the classical and neo-classical economy, the socialist ideas are related to “the critique of political economy” etc. Aim of the course is a more profound understanding of the competing political ideas/ideologies of contemporary times, through the presentation of the principal historical schools of economic thought.
SPS 379 GREEK FOREIGN POLICY
Introduction to post-1945 Greek foreign policy. Beginning the study chronologically, the course focuses at first on the period of “dependence”
(1945-1967) and then compares the post-1974 years under Constantine
Karamanlis (1974-1980) and Andreas Papandreou (1981-1989). The course culminates with a thematic study of recent problems and achievements, including Cyprus and Greek-Turkish relations as well as Greece’s manifold role in the European and global environment.
SPS 382 CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL THEORY
The course aims to examine the production of political theory since John
Stuart Mill’s constructive criticism of classical possessive liberalism. Basic concepts, such as liberty and justice, rights and obligations, social contract and property are revisited. The contribution of John Rawls and Robert Nozick to these discussions is the focus of our visitation of twentieth-century political thought.
SPS 383 POLITICAL PARTIES AND ELECTIONS
SPS 390 PARTIES, POLITICS AND DEMOCRACY IN SOUTHERN
EUROPE
The course examines politics in South European countries like Greece, Spain,
Portugal, Italy and Cyprus. It focuses on the historical evolution of democratic institutions and, among others, analyzes the state structures, party systems and political culture of these countries. It looks into how the differences in the historical evolution of democracy have shaped contemporary politics in
Southern Europe. The course examines phenomena like the clientelist state, political polarization, the collapse of the party system and radicalism. It examines how these phenomena affect or are affected by economic crises.
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SPS 391 Marx’s political thought
This course presents the evolution of Marx’s political thought from the
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Manuscripts 1844 to The Capital . It poses a number of questions: Is the political “superstructure” a simple, mechanical reflection of the social and economical “basis”? Or how far is the relation between “superstructure” and
“basis” more complex than a question of reflection? What is the role of the political subject in social activity and how is it articulated within the class struggle of modern capitalist societies? Through this general problematic, the course specifically analyses the notions of alienation, fetishism of commodity, religion, social progress, personal freedom and state.
Παρακαλώ όπως εγκριθεί η προσθήκη του πιο πάνω μαθήματος επιλογής και
επίσης όπως οι πιο πάνω αλλαγή ισχύει και για τους υφιστάμενους φοιτητές
για αποφυγή σύγχυσης και δεδομένου ότι δεν δημιουργείται αναστάτωση στο
πρόγραμμα τους.
SPS 393 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORIES
It examines basic concepts, theories and approaches of international relations through the work of prominent scholars. There is emphasis on key issues and levels of analysis that will help for a better understanding of the structures, processes and factors that form the world political scene and affect the behaviour of states and other international actors.
SPS 395 MEDITERRANEAN DIMENSION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
SPS 396 EUROPEAN FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY
It examines the main structures, factors, processes and parameters shaping and implementing foreign and security policy in Europe. Emphasis is placed on the EU but individual states are also examined. The approach of the course is mostly historical and theoretical, but there is some focus on the prospects and potential of the EU to play a role on the international political scene. In the context of the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy , the role of Cyprus is also examined.
SPS 451 SPECIAL ISSUES IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
It examines in depth, in seminar format, major contemporary issues in
International Relations. It aims at offering students an opportunity to improve their capabilities and skills in theoretical thinking and empirical research.
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SPS 452 SPECIAL TOPICS IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS
The course is given in seminar format and deals in depth with specific contemporary phenomena in Comparative Politics. It aims to equip students with research skills and theoretical frameworks of analysis of various political phenomena in a comparative perspective.
SPS 455 SPECIAL ISSUES IN FOREIGN POLICY
The course studies in depth, and in a Seminar format, contemporary and current issues in foreign policy analysis. It aims at offering students the opportunity to improve their capabilities in theoretical and empirical research in the formation of foreign policy.
SPS 461 EUROPEAN UNION SPECIAL ISSUES
SPS 462 COMMON POLICIES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
It deals with the theory and practice of EU Common Policies as tools of integration. It provides an historical background and explores the circumstances and political environment which influence their evolution and formulation. It examines basic issues at the conceptual and theoretical level.
It also focuses on special issues and policies of particular interest to Cyprus and the enlargement of the EU.
SPS 464 ETHICS OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Part One offers a schematic introduction to fundamental ethical theories and the main theories of International Relations, as well as a brief introduction to the main theoretical approaches of International Ethics. Part Two investigates such central ethical concerns as Human Rights, Foreign Aid, Military
Interventions, Peacekeeping Operations, and Global Environmental Issues.
SPS 466 THE EUROPEAN UNION AS A GLOBAL POWER
The course investigates the European Union´s emerging role in the New
International System. Without ignoring the issues of defence and security, the main emphasis is placed on the Union´s activities in the areas of foreign aid,
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environmental concerns, peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, the role of the EU in International Organizations and its relations with the United States.
SPS 468 CRITICAL THEORY
The “Critical Theory” inherits and critically renews the German political philosophy, in particular Hegel’s and Marx’ work. The course focuses on the contribution of “Critical Theory” on the analysis of the enlightenment, the contemporary western democracy and the totalitarianism in its contemporary
“traditional” and original forms.
SPS 467 GENDER AND INTERANTIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
The course focuses on the gender equality policy of the European Union, the
Council of Europe and the United Nations Organization. The aim of this course is to provide students with theoretical and empirical tools. While there is significant coverage of the EU policy and practices, the course also seeks to expose students to international events and issues. Students are expected to attain a broad understanding of the gender dimension both as an adaptation pressure for domestic policy and as a useful policy instrument for forwardlooking international strategies.
SPS 481 SPECIAL ISSUES IN POLITICAL THEORY
This course explores major issues in political thought through the writings of selected political philosophers. During the course, students analyze one or more philosophers by reading their original works as well as critical material.
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