Political science

Knowledge and understanding. Students will be required to demonstrate that they have acquired and understood the fundamental notions of political science concerning the application of the scientific method in the social sciences and the main objects of research, including political parties, elections, democracies, governments, parliaments, bureaucracies and public administration, public policies, political participation, public opinion, and governance.

Applied knowledge and understanding. By the end of the course, students should be able to use the skills they have acquired, also in professional and academic contexts, to formulate possible research strategies for analyzing further specific phenomena and to develop approaches that provide policy proposals.

Making judgments. By the end of the course, students are expected to develop an independent ability to critically process information drawn from the literature and public debate, to search for reliable and alternative sources, and to understand the limitations and potential of new technologies, including generative AI.

Communication skills. At the end of the course, students should have the necessary skills to express the acquired knowledge in a clear and structured manner, enriching their vocabulary with technical and discipline-specific terms.

Learning skills. By the end of the course, students should possess the abilities and competencies needed to continue learning independently, including self-management in identifying and studying texts and sources, as well as producing in-depth analyses and synthesizing the literature.

Lippi, A. (2022). Modelli di amministrazioni pubbliche. Capitolo VI, ("Il modello ecologico". Il mulino

Course materials and further reading

In Italy, grades for individual courses range from 18 (minimum pass) to 30 (maximum). The highest grade may be awarded with “lode” (cum laude, distinction) for outstanding performance. The scale is not directly convertible to percentages or GPA, but it is roughly comparable to “sufficient–excellent” ranges used internationally.

Failed (0–17): The student does not demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts of the course and/or has not completed the required share of work.
18–20 (Pass – Sufficient): The student demonstrates a basic knowledge of the topics of the course but shows significant difficulties in discussing or applying them, with limited capacity to engage critically.
21–24 (Fair – Discrete): The student demonstrates an adequate knowledge of the topics of the course and can engage with materials, cases, or discussions in a simple way, though often requiring guidance.
25–27 (Good): The student demonstrates a solid knowledge of the topics of the course and can address assignments, case analyses, or discussions independently, with only minor inaccuracies.
28–30 (Very Good – Excellent): The student demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the topics of the course, engaging autonomously with readings, cases, and debates, and making appropriate connections across themes, with very few errors.
30 e lode (Distinction): The student demonstrates outstanding mastery of the course topics, addressing assignments and discussions with originality, critical insight, and virtually no errors.