We asked Professor Daniela Ropelato, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Doctoral School, why should one study political science today?

At a time like this, it is not easy to decide to study political science, well actually to opt for political science for one’s career. Yet, what we are currently living is confirming this: there is the urgency to give politics its central role back. To give politics their gentle meaning back. Its original meaning, its role as pillar supporting different aspects of social life and its organization. At the same time, it is a powerful meaning because solid roots and extensive expertise are needed to formulate efficient solutions to the problems of life in society. The new Sophia’s offer perfectly meets these two needs. Two different offers meet the need for specialization of many people. They are introduced by a common course that provides the unitary and interdisciplinary framework to the specific political approach of the culture of unity so that the encounter of disciplines is rich and fruitful.

Therefore, on one hand, fundamentals provide solidity, on the other hand current questions set challenges. After all, it is no longer conceivable to provide traditional analyses and scenarios if precisely these analyses and scenarios are part of the problem… Maybe, now more than ever, asking the right questions is more important than trying to provide answers, no matter how well asked. What counts is the journey we make together.

And how does Sophia face this challenge?

The new Master’s degree encompasses two research lines. The first one delves into fraternity as the principle of the res publica to develop both its theoretical bases and operative lines. We can do that thanks to the maturity of the research centres that have been working on it for several years from different regions of the world. We can also do that because this is what is currently required. In the face of global challenges that shake the human coexistence from its foundations, an equally global and incisive reference point is needed. Then, there is the second one: common goods, which governance can organize and take care of the common good and the common goods of our peoples. In a moment when the temptation to hold onto what we have is prevailing, the challenge is considering co-production and co-governance.

Any other idea to customize the courses?

An insight on digital politics, the great issues of information, participation and generative communication, relational paradigms, the role of ideology especially in the existential dimension and then the analysis of international areas in the contemporary world…

In an international campus students do not just study fraternity and participation, they experience it. In the library or behind the computer monitor it is possible to experience the brotherly and free society that needs new leaders and professionals of unity and dialogue.