OVERVIEW

The first part of the course provides the analytical tools developed by the social sciences to understand the political and regulatory dynamics of socio-economic systems characterized by scarcity of resources. The concept of sustainability will constitute an interpretative key of the phenomena analyzed, highlighting not only the environmental and economic dimension, but also the political one which, although less known, is emerging in the literature as crucial for the effectiveness of institutions and their duration in time.

The second part of the course focuses on a specific problem: counterterrorism policies. These have indeed unintended but also unintented (and potentially critical) consequences on democratic institutions. On the one hand, they influence the relationship between security and liberty. The key concept of trade-off between public goods will guide the analysis, which aims to underline the political, social, and economic cost of counterterrorism.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course has the following learning objectives: 1. Recognition of collective action problems related to systems of social interaction characterised by scarce resources. 2. Knowledge of the main parameters of institutional design. 3. Awareness of the intertemporal effects of regulatory systems and ability to develop policy strategies for their management.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The contents of the course belong to the UN SDG Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

At the end of the course the student will:

1. Recognize the linkages between collective action problems and institutions.

2. Recognize the main issues of institutional and policy design

3. Knowledge of the effects of counterterrorism policies on individual freedoms and on the relationship between the executive and legislative power.

PREREQUISITES

Good knowledge of social sciences' foundations.

Insterst for current affairs.

TEACHING METHODS

The course will alternate lectures with seminars. The active participation of students is a characterizing element and, compatibly with the number of participants, students will be asked to present and discuss original case studies.

The course will take place in person. In case of necessity, a dedicated Teams room will be used. It is accessible with the following code: 9zwcsde

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course is organized in four units:

UD1 – Resources, collective action, institutions.

UD2 – Institutional and policy design

UD3 – Counterterrorism policies and civil rights

UD4 - Case studies / Presentations

A detailed syllabus will be shared at the beginning of the course.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Attending students:

Readings will be assigned by the professor.

Non attending students should choose ONE of the following books:

1. DeLeo (2015), Anticipatory policymaking: When government acts to prevent problems and why it is so difficult, Routledge, London. [The book is available among the Library’s digital resources]

2. E. Ostrom (1990) Governing the Commons. The Evolution of Institutions for Collective Action, Cambridge University Press.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARCO DI GIULIO (President)

FABRIZIO COTICCHIA

FRANCESCO BARALDI (President Substitute)

EDOARDO CORRADI (Substitute)

MARGHERITA SALVIA (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

26 February 2025

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

For attending students the exam will be written. Project works developed by students during the course will be evaluated and constitute part of the final mark.

Non attending students will take the exam orally, on the basis of the text indicated below.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Both attending and non-attending students will be evaluated on the basis of their knowledge of the contents of the course, their capacity to critically discuss key concepts and apply them to current affairs. Accuracy in lexicon is appreciated and evaluated.

Exam schedule