The educational objectives of the program aim to provide PhD students with training that can be readily applied to research and national and international institutions. This training combines solid theoretical and conceptual preparation with mastery of research methodologies, including the informed use of European Union languages, to foster the ability to innovatively interpret the problems and transformations of contemporary society.
The specific curriculum for the first year focuses on an in-depth study of the history of political thought, contemporary history, political and social processes, and the legal and regulatory framework, with particular reference to the Italian context, the European Union, the American continent, and the analysis of the major themes of republicanism, constitutionalism, and representative democracy. Particular attention is also paid to understanding governance processes in a globalized society, migration phenomena, the decline of monoculturalism, and the new dimensions of citizenship.
The specific educational objective for the second year is to delve deeper into the construction of the nation state, considering its historical, theoretical, constitutional, and political aspects. Critical reflection on the challenging process of European integration is also emphasized, particularly in light of recent health emergencies and the juridical-political debate between collective and individual rights, and between forms of representative and participatory democracy.
During the third year, the dynamics of change, ecological, cultural, and institutional transition in globalized society are explored, along with a proper understanding—from a historical, legal, social, and economic perspective—of international relations and cooperative relationships.
At the end of each academic year, the Doctoral School, based on a detailed report (on teaching, seminar, and research activities) presented by the doctoral students to the Coordinator, decides on their admission to the following year.
In making this evaluation, the School is supported by the Supervisors.
Theses will include study visits to Italian and foreign archives and libraries, under the constant supervision of tutors.
The overall commitment is 180 credits (ECTS), evenly distributed over the three years of the program (60 credits for each year).
Specific training requires the acquisition of 20 credits annually through attendance at lectures and seminars offered by the University of Messina.
The 20 credits for the first, second, and third years must be earned through attendance at specific in-depth courses in the disciplinary areas (SSD) of the individual majors. Each credit is equivalent to 6 hours of lectures.
Pursuant to Article 24, paragraph 1 of the Regulations for the "Doctorate at the University of Messina", attendance at the training activities of the Doctoral Program is mandatory. Absences for each individual course are permitted, not exceeding 30% of the scheduled teaching hours, except for proven needs and/or reasons of study or research outside the doctoral program.
The remaining number of credits (40 ECTS) is assigned by the Academic Board to activities related to the specific research of individual doctoral students, including participation in conferences, seminars, schools, and stays abroad.
Specifically, these include individual research activities to be discussed in the report for the transition to subsequent years, activities related to the final thesis, and participation in research-related activities chosen by the doctoral student, including conferences, congresses, and stays abroad (Erasmus or other types).