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A Postcolonial International Relations? (POLS40014)
HonoursPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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This subject introduces students to postcolonial thought as it might relate to the poltiics of the international. We will use postcolonial discourses to critique the deep Eurocentrism that characterizes so much of disciplinary international relations. Particular attention will be paid to development, security, the struggles of Indigenous peoples and the role of performance. Throughout questions will be raised about the problem of the nation-state, the prospects of rethinking the international from the perspective of everyday life, and the returns that might flow from using alternative source material (imaginative literature, visual culture) and writing differently. The course will mesh closely with seminars and other events at the Institute of Postcolonial Studies. So far as possible, it will be collaborative in nature. On completion of the subject, students should have an understanding of very different ways of approaching international politics, and be able to decide for themselves which kind of knowledges they wish to pursue.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should:
- be able to relate postcolonial concerns to disciplinary international relations;
- be able to evaluate the argument that international relations is fundamentally Eurocentric;
- be able to engage with grassroots approaches to the international such as Subaltern Studies;
- be able to identify potential points of connection between critical security studies and postcolonialism;
- be in a position to take postcolonialism in new and exciting directions;
- be ready to commence research for a postgraduate thesis in international politics.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should:
- be able to apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry;
- be able to develop persuasive arguments on a given topic;
- be able to communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively and articulately.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Politics and International Studies at Undergraduate level
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- A class paper of 2000 words (40%) due one week after Class Presentation.
- A 3000 word essay (60%), due in the examination period.
- Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject. Regular participation in class is required.
- Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10 marks per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Phillip Darby Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours A 2-hour seminar per week for 12 weeks. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017 Census date 31 August 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2017 Assessment period ends 17 November 2017 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
Total of 170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Readings will be provided online through the subject's LMS site prior to the commencement of semester.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation PD-ARTS Politics and International Studies Informal specialisation Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced) - Politics and International Studies Informal specialisation 100 Point Master of International Relations Informal specialisation Graduate Diploma in Arts - Politics and International Studies Specialisation (formal) Graduate Diploma in Arts - Politics and International Studies Specialisation (formal) Graduate Certificate in Arts - Politics and International Studies Specialisation (formal) Politics and International Studies Specialisation (formal) Politics and International Studies Informal specialisation Politics and International Studies Informal specialisation 200 Point Master of International Relations Informal specialisation 200 points Master of Arts (Professional and Applied Ethics) Informal specialisation Graduate Certificate in Arts (Advanced) - Politics and International Studies - Links to additional information
Last updated: 3 November 2022