There are no prerequisites for this class

Competences and skills Skills related to the development of analytical and critical thinking. Communication and writing skills to be applied in individual and group assignments as well as exams. Public speaking and presentation skills. Interpersonal skills such as the ability to work in teams and role play. Ability to link theoretical analysis to the historical processes, socio-economic structures, and geopolitical challenges prevalent in Africa and the Middle East. Learning Results Knowledge of the most important geopolitical and geostrategic elements and themes affecting Africa and the Middle East. Ability to interrelate and understand synoptically the different geopolitical and geostrategic elements and phenomena specific to Africa and the Middle East. Ability to locate and relate geopolitical and geostrategic regional dynamics of Africa and the Middle East with the global geopolitical structure. Ability to search, select and synthesize diverse and relevant sources of information on current geopolitical issues related with Africa and the Middle East and critically evaluate them. Ability to present oral and written information on geopolitical issues addressed. Ability to understand, use and rigorously apply the main theoretical frameworks formulated recently to explain the structure and functioning of regional geopolitics in the context of Africa and the Middle East. Ability to analyze the economic power of major countries along with alliances, initiatives and ongoing rivalries at the regional level. Ability to understand and analyze the major conflicts, risks and threats in Africa and the Middle East related to international security. Ability to understand and analyze the geo-economic and political consequences of globalization and regionalization in Africa and the Middle East and their geostrategic implications.

PART I: AFRICA 1.Introduction to the geopolitics of sub-Saharan Africa 2. Geography, borders and identities 3. The weight of colonialism 4. Africa in the New International Order PART II: MENA 5. The geopolitical significance and main characteristics of the MENA region 6. The MENA region as a fault: origins and development of the main geopolitical conflicts 7. The MENA region and the new global order. Geopolitical alliances and rivalries

Learning Activities -Theoretical classes -Theoretical and practical classes -Tutorials -Group work -Student's individual work -Tests and final examinations Teaching Methodology This course consists of lectures and a number of activities which will be carried out by the students. In general, classes are designed in a manner to promote students' active participation and critical thinking. Therefore, it is essential that they come to class prepared to discuss the readings assigned for that particular session. It is highly recommended to keep up-to-date about ongoing events about geopolitIcs of Africa and the Middle East. Tutorials will be carried out through the procedures established by the university.