Ocean Regions

Political Science — International Relations 6.0 ECTS 2nd Cycle Studies - Mestrado

Year
1

Academic year
2026-2027

Code
02058420

Subject Area
Political Science — International Relations

Language of Instruction
Portuguese

Other Languages of Instruction
English

Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face

Duration
SEMESTRIAL

ECTS Credits
6.0

Type
Compulsory

Level
2nd Cycle Studies - Mestrado

Recommended Prerequisites

Knowledge of academic writing. Fluency in English and Portuguese.

Teaching Methods

Classes will be held in seminar format, combining lectures with analyses of practical cases. The analysis of bibliography and its critical discussion will be essential for developing students' analytical skills. This interaction is complemented by the tutorial guidance available to students, enabling them to clarify doubts, receive guidance on preparing assignments and discuss issues raised during the course of the semester.

Learning Outcomes

The course aims to familiarise students with the regional dynamics underlying ocean governance, mapping the particularities of international politics in different regional contexts. It also aims to develop the concept of ocean regions as an element for analysing international politics and to stimulate the analysis of regional cases based on its application.

Work Placement(s)

Syllabus

Ocean Regions in International Relations – conceptual clarification and validity

Region building from the oceans – instruments and actors

1. Ocean regions in context:

2. The global Ocean

3. The Atlantic Ocean

4. The Indian Ocean

5. The Pacific Ocean

6. The Artic Ocean

7. The Antartic Ocean

Head Lecturer(s)

Licínia Maria dos Santos Simão

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Resolution Problems: 35.0%
Research work: 65.0%

Bibliography

Ashworth, L. M. (2023). “Mother of the Oceans”: Maritime Governance as a Template for a New Global Order in the International Thought of Elisabeth Mann Borgese (1918–2002). Global Studies Quarterly, 3, 1–10

Blachford, K. (2024) ‘Ocean flows and chains: sea power and maritime empires within IR theory,’ Cambridge Review of International Affairs, 37:1, 44-59

Peters, K; Anderson, J.; Davies, A.; Steinber, P. (eds) (2023) The Routledge Handbook of Ocean Space. Oxon: Routledge.

Bueger, C.: Mallin, F. (2023) Blue paradigms: understanding the intellectual revolution in global ocean politics. International Affairs, 99(4),pp. 1719–1739.

Schoeman, M. e Wu, Y-S. (2022), ‘The Evolving Indo-Pacific Region: An Introduction to External Perspectives on Africa’s Role and Position’, The Strategic Review for Southern Africa, 44(2).

Mattheis, F. e Siman. T. (2023). Maritime Regional Security Governance in the Atlantic: Antagonisms, Overlaps and Cooperation. Nação e Defesa, N.º 164 pp. 9-22