AMU3570 · International relations

Overview

This unit introduces you to key concepts and theories in the discipline of International relations with the aim of exploring how these help explain events and developments in world politics. You will examine how material power and interests as well as norms, culture, and ideas/theories shape outcomes in the international system, considering theoretically their role in inter-state conflict and war, prospects for peace and cooperation, as well as broader governance questions pertaining to human rights, development and the environment. Drawing also on cases, developments, events and skills encountered in other International Studies subjects, a key aim of this unit is to consider whether it is possible to secure broader normative and humanitarian goals in a state-centric international system that still appears to take seriously the preservation of state sovereignty.

Areas of study: Global studies

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. identify key concepts and theoretical perspectives in International Relations and explain the differences between these theoretical models;
2. compare how different theoretical perspectives in International Relations explain events, the behaviour of key actors and structural developments in the international system;
3. apply the various theoretical perspectives and conceptual tools studied in this unit to analyse contemporary issues in world politics;
4. evaluate key debates in International Relations, especially as they apply to contemporary world issues and conflicts;
5. present and defend arguments on contemporary issues in International Relations.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.