Politics and Economics of International Energy from Coursera

Energy issues have always been important in international relations, but in recent years may have become even more important than in the past due to the widespread awareness of existing limits to energy sources and negative climate impacts. The course discusses global trends in energy consumption and production, various available scenarios for potential developments in the coming decades, the availability of oil reserves and the evolution of the oil industry. It then discusses natural gas and highlights the differences between oil and gas. It will also discuss renewable energy sources, nuclear energy and EU energy policy.

The course aims at providing students whose main interest is in international relations a background on energy resources, technology and economic realities to allow them to correctly interpret the political impact of current developments. It also aims at providing students, who already have a technical background in energy science or engineering, with the broad global view of energy issues that will allow them to better understand the social, economic and political impact of their technical knowledge.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR :

Giacomo Luciani

Scientific Advisor for the Master in International Energy at the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) Sciences Po, Giacomo Luciani is also Adjunct Professor at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva and Director of the Executive Master in International Oil and Gas Leadership. For the period 2010-13 he was appointed Princeton University Global Scholar, attached to the Woodrow Wilson School and the Department of Near Eastern Studies. His research focuses on the political economy of the Middle East and North Africa and on global energy issues.

RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND :

The course requires no special scientific, mathematical or economic background; all key concepts are clearly and elementarily explained. It is expected that it will be of interest to undergraduate and graduate students in schools where an equivalent course is not offered (this being the case for the vast majority of schools).

USPC

Sorbonne Paris Cité

Supported by Université Sorbonne Paris Cité

IDEX

Investissements d'Avenir

Funded by Investissements d'Avenir - 'ANR.

Info :

Course content : Licence Creative Commons BY NC SA

What's inside

Syllabus

Week #1 : Introduction to global energy trends and scenarios

This module presents the Introduction to global energy consumption, Energy scenarios, Energy transition and poverty

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores energy issues that have become increasingly important in international relations

Taught by Giacomo Luciani, who is recognized for their work in international energy

Supported by Université Sorbonne Paris Cité and Funded by Investissements d'Avenir - 'ANR

Examines energy from a global perspective, including consumption, production, and scenarios for the future

Develops knowledge of oil and gas, including their economics and geopolitics

Explores renewable energy sources and their integration into the energy mix

Reviews summary

Politics and economics of global energy

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the complex world of international energy, covering politics, economics, and technology. Students particularly highlight the instructor's deep expertise and engaging delivery, finding the lectures informative and well-structured. While the course is praised for its broad coverage across different energy sources like oil, gas, renewables, and nuclear, some with prior backgrounds note that the depth may be introductory. The course involves significant reading requirements, which some found challenging but valuable. Overall, it's seen as highly relevant and valuable for understanding global energy issues from multiple perspectives.

Serves as a broad introduction, may lack depth for specialists.

"As someone with a background in engineering, I found some topics were covered quite superficially."

"It's an excellent starting point for beginners, but those seeking advanced knowledge might find it basic."

"The course provides a solid foundation but doesn't delve deeply into every single sub-topic."

"I think it's perfectly suited for IR students, maybe less so for energy economists or engineers looking for deep dives."

"It gives you the big picture, which is great, but specifics on certain policies or technologies are limited."

Provides valuable insights into current global energy issues.

"The insights provided are highly relevant to understanding contemporary energy challenges and trends."

"I found the discussions on energy security and the energy transition particularly insightful."

"This course equipped me with knowledge essential for anyone interested in international affairs or energy policy."

"The content is directly applicable to understanding news and developments in the global energy sector."

"It's a highly valuable course for gaining perspective on a critical global topic."

Covers a wide range of essential international energy topics.

"This course provides a great overview of the global energy landscape, including various sources and geopolitical aspects."

"I gained a solid understanding of the political and economic forces shaping international energy markets."

"The breadth of topics covered, from oil and gas to renewables and nuclear, is impressive."

"It offers a holistic perspective on energy issues, which is crucial in today's world."

"The course structure logically progresses through key areas of international energy."

Lectures delivered by a highly knowledgeable expert.

"Professor Luciani is truly an expert in the field and shares valuable insights into the politics and economics of international energy."

"His lectures are very clear and engaging, making complex topics understandable even without prior knowledge."

"The instructor's extensive experience in the energy sector adds significant value to the course content."

"I appreciate the instructor's ability to explain intricate concepts in an easy-to-follow manner."

"The professor's passion for the subject is evident and makes the learning experience enjoyable."

Involves a substantial amount of assigned reading material.

"Be prepared for a significant amount of reading each week to keep up with the course."

"The readings are extensive but complement the lectures well, providing deeper context."

"While the readings are informative, the sheer volume can be challenging for some."

"I spent a considerable amount of time on the required reading assignments."

"Balancing the video lectures with the necessary readings is key to succeeding."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Politics and Economics of International Energy with these activities:

Math Refresher

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Review essential math skills like Calculus and Statistics to enhance your comprehension of complex energy concepts.

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Review basic functions and algebra.
Practice differentiation and integration techniques.
Study probability and statistical analysis.

Introduction to Energy Concepts Tutorial

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Explore online tutorials to grasp the fundamentals of energy resources, production, and consumption.

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Watch videos on different energy sources.
Read articles on energy consumption patterns.

Book Review: Energy: Big Ideas

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Delve into the book 'Energy: Big Ideas' to broaden your understanding of global energy trends and challenges.

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Read and summarize key chapters.
Analyze the author's arguments and perspectives.

Four other activities

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Energy Data Analysis Discussion

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Engage in peer discussions to analyze real-world energy data and draw meaningful insights.

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Form small study groups.
Collect and analyze data from credible sources.
Discuss your findings and share perspectives.

Energy Policy Brief

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Research and write a policy brief on a specific energy-related issue, applying the knowledge gained in the course.

Browse courses on Energy Policy

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Choose a policy focus area.
Research and gather relevant data.
Analyze the data and develop recommendations.
Write and format the policy brief.

Contribute to Energy Data Collection Projects

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Contribute to open-source projects collecting and analyzing energy-related data, gaining practical experience and supporting the community.

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Identify relevant data collection projects.
Contribute to data collection or analysis efforts.

Energy Industry Trends Workshop

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Attend a workshop conducted by industry experts to gain insights into the latest developments and trends in the energy sector.

Browse courses on Oil and Gas Industry

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Research and identify relevant workshops.
Register and attend the workshop.

Career center

Learners who complete Politics and Economics of International Energy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Energy Analyst

An Energy Analyst studies the production, distribution, and consumption of energy. They may also develop energy policies and advise governments and businesses. This course would be highly useful for an Energy Analyst because it provides a comprehensive overview of energy issues, including the political, economic, and environmental aspects of energy production and use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Analyst

Petroleum Engineer

A Petroleum Engineer designs, builds, and maintains oil and gas wells. They may also work on environmental projects, such as oil spill cleanup and remediation. This course would be highly useful for a Petroleum Engineer because it provides a comprehensive overview of energy issues, including the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of oil and gas production and use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Petroleum Engineer

Professor

A Professor teaches and conducts research at a college or university. They may also specialize in a particular field, such as energy. This course would be highly useful for a Professor because it provides a comprehensive overview of energy issues, which would be essential for teaching and conducting research in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst studies public policy and makes recommendations to policymakers. They may also work on environmental policy, such as energy regulation and climate change mitigation. This course may be useful for a Policy Analyst because it provides a foundation in energy economics and policy, which is essential for understanding the policy aspects of energy production and use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Economist

An Economist studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They may also develop economic policies and advise governments and businesses. This course may be useful for an Economist because it provides a foundation in energy economics, which is essential for understanding the economic impact of energy production and use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst studies the financial performance of companies and industries. They may also develop investment recommendations and advise clients on financial matters. This course may be useful for a Financial Analyst because it provides a foundation in energy economics, which is essential for understanding the financial impact of energy production and use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Geologist

A Geologist studies the Earth's physical structure and history. They may also work on environmental projects, such as oil and gas exploration and development. This course may be useful for a Geologist because it provides a foundation in energy production and use, which is essential for understanding the geological aspects of energy exploration and development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist

Management Consultant

A Management Consultant advises businesses on how to improve their performance. They may also specialize in a particular industry, such as energy. This course may be useful for a Management Consultant because it provides a foundation in energy economics and policy, which is essential for understanding the business aspects of energy production and use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer designs, builds, and maintains mechanical systems, such as engines, turbines, and pumps. They may also work on renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind power. This course may be useful for a Mechanical Engineer because it provides a foundation in energy production and use, which is essential for the design and operation of mechanical systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Lawyer

A Lawyer advises clients on legal matters and represents them in court. They may also work on environmental law, such as energy regulation and climate change litigation. This course may be useful for a Lawyer because it provides a foundation in energy law and policy, which is essential for understanding the legal aspects of energy production and use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs, builds, and maintains electrical systems, such as power plants, transmission lines, and electrical equipment. They may also work on renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind power. This course may be useful for an Electrical Engineer because it provides a foundation in energy production and use, which is essential for the design and operation of electrical systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer designs, builds, and maintains environmental systems, such as water treatment plants, air pollution control systems, and waste management facilities. They may also work on renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind power. This course may be useful for an Environmental Engineer because it provides a foundation in energy production and use, which is essential for the design and operation of environmental systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Chemical Engineer

A Chemical Engineer designs, builds, and operates chemical plants and other industrial facilities. They may also develop new chemical processes and products. This course may be useful for a Chemical Engineer because it provides a foundation in energy production and use, which is essential for the design and operation of chemical plants.

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Civil Engineer

A Civil Engineer designs, builds, and maintains infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They may also work on environmental projects, such as water treatment and pollution control. This course may be useful for a Civil Engineer because it provides a foundation in energy production and use, which is essential for the design and construction of infrastructure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Atmospheric Scientist

An Atmospheric Scientist studies the Earth's atmosphere and its interactions with other systems. They may also study the effects of human activities on the atmosphere. This course may be useful for an Atmospheric Scientist because it provides a broad overview of energy issues, including the environmental impact of energy production and use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Atmospheric Scientist