AUR Viewbook in PDF - The American University of Rome

BJØRN THOMASSEN
Associate Professor of
International Relations
Department Chair
B.A., M.A., University of
Copenhagen
Ph.D., European University
Institute
International Relations and Global Politics trip to Egypt
Recent themes for conferences and workshops organized by the
department include topics as diverse as international migration,
urban change in local and global Rome, human rights and
global justice, modern forms of slavery, Italian nationalism,
transatlantic relations, and rebellion and revolution in the Arab
world and beyond.
The University and the International Relations Club sponsor
lectures, seminars, films and visits to embassies and other sites
in Rome. Recent speakers addressed topics as diverse as racism,
Abraham Lincoln and the Italian imagination, and the concepts
and consequences of revolution.
Collaborative Learning, Professional Readiness
Students in our program relish the mix of learning in the
classroom, in fieldwork and internships, and in learning
excursions and conversations with peers from around the
world. In addition, internships in Rome with organizations
such as the Food and Agricultural Agency of the UN, The World
Food Program, the NATO College, and a number of embassies
prepare our graduates to pursue advanced degrees or build
careers nationally and internationally throughout the world.
Professor Thomassen’s professional interests
cover a wide range of topics within the social
and political sciences which he continues to
develop in tandem with his teaching at the AUR.
He has done research on nationalism and the
anthropology of borders and boundaries (the
focus of his Ph.D. thesis). He is publishing on
both anthropological and political theory. He is
particularly interested in how anthropological
ideas and approaches can inform political and
social theory and the study of contemporary
politics. His research agenda also includes the
study of memory and identity politics especially
as related to the Italian debate. He has
published on International Relations theory,
from the perspective of long-term history and
comparative civilization. His teaching areas include
thematic courses in anthropology, politics,
sociology and history and regional courses on
Urban Rome, Italy, the Mediterranean and the
Balkans.
Marzieh Talebi
Netherlands/Iran
International Relations
I applied to AUR after looking at its International
Relations web page and when I visited
I experienced the ease and comfort of AUR’s
cozy campus.
Now—two semesters later—I realize AUR is
unique. Based in The Eternal City, its multicultural
setting is a perfect place for diplomacy
and understanding among its students, creating
a warm and loving atmosphere that is a
pleasure to work in. Students are always being
encouraged to immerse themselves in the Roman
culture and language. All in all, AUR is an
easy stepping-stone between high school and
graduate school with not only very interesting
and varied courses, but amazing professors
as well.
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