The School of International Studies’ Applied Workshops on Global Affairs

The “Applied Workshops on Global Affairs” aim at bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The Workshops introduce students to specific problems of international relations, European affairs and policies, and international security by adopting a practical approach and innovative teaching methods. Students are involved in simulations, debates, role-play, etc., by qualified instructors with direct knowledge in the relevant field.

Workshops take place each year in September and February, before the kick-off of the courses, and are open to a limited number of students (maximum 20-25), who would like to gain specific skills and experience, under the guidance of qualified practitioners, concerning the management and resolution of practical cases.

On-going Edition - September 2023

Workshops are scheduled according to the following timetable:

Humanitarian Intervention in Complex Crisis: a Frontliner Humanitarian Organization’s Experience

  • Alda Cappelletti – Senior Humanitarian Advisor, INTERSOS
  • Andrea Accardi – Senior Project Coordinator, INTERSOS

Calendar

Two sessions of 3 hours each
Monday, 18th of September, 9:00-12:00 (Room 114 - School of International Studies, Palazzo Paolo Prodi)
Tuesday, 19th of September, 14:00-17:00 (Room 114 - School of International Studies, Palazzo Paolo Prodi)

Abstract of the Workshop

The workshop’s goal is to give the students an in depth understanding of strategies, approaches and standard procedures, as well as best practices coming out from INTERSOS experience, about intervention in emergency in complex humanitarian crisis. Beyond the classification and theory about humanitarian emergencies, analysis and aid, the practical experience of the only “single mandate” Italian NGO will help the students to understand the general context, main elements for a good response strategy but also tools for implementation. The simulation based on real experience (Ukraine crisis) and working groups (Yemen, Syria) will facilitate the analysis of different methods and approaches.

EU Foreign Policy in 2030 - in Asia and beyond

  • Stefania Benaglia - Head of the Global Connectivity Programme - CEPS (Centre for European Policy Studies)

 Calendar

Two sessions of 3 hours each
Monday, 18th of September, 14:00-17:00 (Room 114 - School of International Studies, Palazzo Paolo Prodi)
Tuesday, 19th of September, 9:00-12:00 (Room 114 - School of International Studies, Palazzo Paolo Prodi)

Abstract of the Workshop

The workshop’s goal is to give the students an in depth understanding of the future of EU foreign policy in Asia and beyond. The workshop will be divided into two sessions. In the first session, the instructor will introduce students to the empirical and theoretical context that shape’s the EU’s engagement with Asia, with a specific focus on different domains of foreign policy. In the second session, the instructor will organise a foresight exercise, likely asking students to draw two scenarios: 1) the global politics future they want, and 2) the future they likely consider to happen. The instructor will then lead an exercise on what should happen, from an EU foreign policy point of view, to pass from scenario 2 to scenario 1.

Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Investigations

  • Leone Hadavi - Freelance Open-Source Investigator, Consultant, Analyst and Trainer

Calendar

Two sessions of 3 hours each
Wednesday, 20th of September, 9:00-12:00 (Lab. multimediale 1 - School of International Studies, Palazzo Paolo Prodi)
Thursday, 21st of September, 9:00-12:00 (Lab. multimediale 1 - School of International Studies, Palazzo Paolo Prodi)

Abstract of the Workshop

REMOTE INSTRUCTOR
With the rise of digital technology globally, including the widespread use of smartphones and social media networks, Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) skills and techniques are key tools to understand and analyze an increasing data-centric and
digitalized world. Whether it be for the purpose of collecting evidence of human rights abuses or international crimes, observing natural disasters, or assessing the impact of military activities, OSINT is an ever-so-demanding asset. The course aims to provide students with introductory OSINT tools and techniques to exploit data and information available online. The outline will follow an initial theoretical approach to key aspects of OSINT followed back-to-back by practical and hands-on exercises to be carried out by the students, supervised by an experienced trainer. The examples the students will be walked through originate from real investigations into human rights violations, arms transfer and armed conflict scenarios. At the end of the course students will be able to approach problems with an inquisitive mindset and creative attitude, to conduct basic searches and verification of online data – including imagery – to analyze and cross- reference the result of their research through multiple platforms.

Application (deadline: August 25th 2023)

on-line form to apply

Each workshop is open to max 25 students: registration is mandatory. Applications will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis.

Please note that, as registration is open to a limited number of students, joining the workshops implies the assumption of a commitment to participate. Acceptable justifications for absence only include illness or other compelling reasons.  Please note that participation in workshops does not constitute a valid excuse for absence in other teaching activities. Students engaged in simultaneous and incompatible teaching activities (e.g. crash courses, compulsory language courses) are requested not to attend the workshops.

By attending at least two workshops participating SIS students will earn two ‘extra credits’, which will be registered in their academic transcript of records.  In addition, participation in each workshop will allow students to gain one virtual micro-credential for each workshop (further information available at https://education.ec.europa.eu/education-levels/higher-education/micro-c...).

Subject to availability of places, the seminars are also open to non-SIS Master's students (i.e. 'laurea magistrale' or 'laurea a ciclo unico') from the University of Trento. Please note that the awarding of credits to non-SIS students can only be undertaken if approved by their own Department.