The course shall treat various conflicts related to the international energy industry which lead to disruptions in energy supplies, in addition to the economic, legal, geopolitical and security risks linked to the following global energy activities and their related infrastructures:
• Exploration and search for fossils fuels, both onshore and offshore (with a special focus on the regions with undiscovered potential);
• Development and production of energy (with a special focus on oil and gas production and processing facilities and on power generation);
• Export and import of energy sources (with a special focus on domestic export and import terminals and pipelines);
• Regional and global energy trade (with a focus on water channels, tankers and carriers, and intercontinental pipelines, as well as interregional electric trade);
• The development of nuclear energy;
• The development of new and renewable energy sources;
• Role of regional and international energy organisations.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Acquiring in-depth knowledge on the various energy sources and their economic and geopolitical importance and challenges;
2. Building analytical reasoning allowing a more comprehensive understanding of the risks linked to the global energy industry;
3. Developing critical thinking when it comes to risk issues related to energy sources, especially those extensively traded on a global scale.
• Online learning activities: 4 hours a week / 48 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 3 hours a week / 36 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
1. A 10–15-minute oral presentation to be performed by 2 or 3 students during each session (20%); Topics will be made available and assigned to the students during the first class.
2. An individual written essay to be prepared by each student in a 4-week time frame (30% of the final grade); Topics will be made available and assigned to the students during the first class.
3. A 2-hour final exam, with case studies, to assess the acquired level of knowledge and analysis during session 12 (40%);
4. Participation in the class discussions and debates (10%).