2025
Political Theory of the Iberian Peace School
Name: Political Theory of the Iberian Peace School
Code: ECN13124L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Legal-Political Theory and International Relations
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English, French, Italian
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Presentation
The Curricular Unit (CU) of Political Theory of the Iberian School of Peace aims to introduce students to the main themes addressed by the authors of the EIP, highlighting the relevance of the issues addressed.
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of the course unit, students should be able to:
1. Identify the main theoretical contributions of the School of Salamanca, also known as the Iberian School of Peace (ISP), within the historical context of the 16th and 17th centuries;
2. Explain the importance of the ISP in the development of modern political thought and international law;
3. Critically analyse the texts and arguments of ISP authors, particularly regarding the democratic foundations of political power, human rights, just war theory, and the construction of universal principles for the peaceful coexistence of peoples;
4. Develop critical thinking and theoretical argumentation skills, applied to key topics in political theory;
5. Participate actively in the learning process, applying transversal competences such as independent reflection, collaborative work, and academic communication.
1. Identify the main theoretical contributions of the School of Salamanca, also known as the Iberian School of Peace (ISP), within the historical context of the 16th and 17th centuries;
2. Explain the importance of the ISP in the development of modern political thought and international law;
3. Critically analyse the texts and arguments of ISP authors, particularly regarding the democratic foundations of political power, human rights, just war theory, and the construction of universal principles for the peaceful coexistence of peoples;
4. Develop critical thinking and theoretical argumentation skills, applied to key topics in political theory;
5. Participate actively in the learning process, applying transversal competences such as independent reflection, collaborative work, and academic communication.
Contents
1. The Political Modern Age: Situating the Iberian School of Peace (EIP) within the European Context of Transitioning Modernity.
2. The EIP's Theoretical Principles: The Common Nature of All Human Beings; Jus Gentium; the Theory of Bellum Justum.
3. The EIP: A "Prehistory" of Liberalism and Democratic Theory?
4. The Thought of Key Figures: Francisco de Vitoria, Francisco Suárez and Luis de Molina
5. The Valladolid Debate.
6. The Decline of the Iberian School of Peace.
7. The Iberian School of Peace: An Early Theory of Human Rights and Peace?
2. The EIP's Theoretical Principles: The Common Nature of All Human Beings; Jus Gentium; the Theory of Bellum Justum.
3. The EIP: A "Prehistory" of Liberalism and Democratic Theory?
4. The Thought of Key Figures: Francisco de Vitoria, Francisco Suárez and Luis de Molina
5. The Valladolid Debate.
6. The Decline of the Iberian School of Peace.
7. The Iberian School of Peace: An Early Theory of Human Rights and Peace?
Teaching Methods
The course follows the strategy of curricular renewal and pedagogical innovation developed at the University of Évora. This strategy has been strengthened by the University's membership of the European alliance EU-GREEN. This approach promotes student-centred teaching and learning focused on developing competences. The methodology adopted is therefore designed to encourage the development of essential skills such as critical thinking, intellectual independence, self-confidence, creativity, autonomy in problem solving and the ability to work in a collaborative way.
Inquiry and problem-based learning strategies will be implemented in the classroom activities in order to achieve these objectives. Various activities will be carried out on the Moodle platform. These will encourage students to work autonomously and collaboratively. There will also be extensive use of other digital technologies.
Inquiry and problem-based learning strategies will be implemented in the classroom activities in order to achieve these objectives. Various activities will be carried out on the Moodle platform. These will encourage students to work autonomously and collaboratively. There will also be extensive use of other digital technologies.
Assessment
Self-regulated learning assessment practices will be implemented through a qualitative evaluation focused on feedback, enabling students to improve their skills throughout the semester.
Continuous assessment will consider the following elements:
- Completion of individual and cooperative tasks (through activities on Moodle) (30%);
- Presentations of individual and/or group work (70%).
- The criteria used to assess the tasks are as follows:
- Achievement of objectives;
- Ability to organise content;
- Coherence and relevance of the argumentation;
- Originality;
- Bibliography used.
The final exam (regular or resit) will consist of an open-ended written test conducted in the classroom.
Continuous assessment will consider the following elements:
- Completion of individual and cooperative tasks (through activities on Moodle) (30%);
- Presentations of individual and/or group work (70%).
- The criteria used to assess the tasks are as follows:
- Achievement of objectives;
- Ability to organise content;
- Coherence and relevance of the argumentation;
- Originality;
- Bibliography used.
The final exam (regular or resit) will consist of an open-ended written test conducted in the classroom.
Teaching Staff
- Irene Viparelli [responsible]
Certificações
