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International Policymaking in Practice (POLS90034)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 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 1
Overview
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How is foreign policy made? Who are the key actors involved in foreign and trade policymaking? What factors and information sources do they consider? What are the frames of reference that national and international policymakers bring to bear, the obstacles they confront, and the strategies and techniques of diplomatic persuasion they are most likely to find effective in moving issues forward? What factors determine which issues and problems get priority government attention? What determines success or failure in areas such as bilateral initiatives, treaty negotiations, external interventions, conflict prevention and resolution and engagement with multilateral organisations? How much influence do non-governmental organisations and other civil society actors have in international policymaking?
This subject is based around a series of case studies taught by the Subject Coordinator as well as a number of senior guest lecturers who are or have been international policymakers. In previous years, guest lecturers have included a former Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs who has chaired international panels and commissions, senior diplomats, officials and advisers in the sector and the head of a Diplomatic Mission to Australia. The subject has a very practical focus, and all lecturers speak from their own extensive and diverse experience. The subject focuses on Australian foreign policy and national interest; however, it is not necessary for students to have extensive prior knowledge of Australian foreign policy or politics to successfully complete the subject.
Case studies and specific issues may include:
- The evolution of economic diplomacy, including adjustments to new international dynamics with respect to trade negotiations and the G20:
- Australia's multilateral engagement, including as a United Nations Security Council member (2013-2014) and with the UN Human Rights Council;
- Refugees – international policymaking in the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR);
- Bilateral relationship development and management – Latin America as a case study;
- Australia’s bilateral relationship with China – developing policy to advance interests with a great power;
- Responding to international crises - Australian policy towards the Middle East;
- The international response to genocide and other mass atrocity crimes - the Responsibility to Protect;
- The roles of Ministerial advisers and other stakeholders in the development of trade policy and initiatives; and
- The role of news media in international policymaking.
The subject examines the roles and opportunities for influence of various actors in the sector, such as advisers and MPs, diplomats and departmental officials, and the intelligence community.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- Develop a closer understanding of the way in which real-world international policymakers think and act, and the elements that inform decision-making;
- Develop a specific understanding of the practical dynamics of foreign and trade policymaking, foreign and trade policy implementation and international norm-building;
- Develop an understanding of the roles of different actors and agencies in Australian foreign policymaking;
- Develop the skills needed to become effective practitioners in foreign policymaking, both nationally and internationally
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- apply research skills and critical methods in developing persuasive arguments on a given topic;
- communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively and articulately;
- write professionally in a variety of governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental policymaking contexts.
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 1,000 word paper in the form of a ministerial submission on an international policy issue, (25%) due after week four of semester.
- A 1,500 word paper in form of a 3 member team-prepared NGO submission to government on an international policy issue, (20%) due in week 8 of semester.
- A 2,500 word research paper, in the form of a briefing to government for a UN conference convened to determine a response to, or review progress made on, specific goals agreed by the United Nations, or specific reviews mandated by UN Commissions, or the report and recommendations of a major high-level international commission or panel from an approved list, (55%) due at the beginning of the examination period.
- Hurdle requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject, and regular class participation is expected.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator John Woods Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 24 hours: A 1-hour lecture and a 1-hour seminar per week for 12 weeks. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2018 to 27 May 2018 Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018 Census date 31 March 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 4 May 2018 Assessment period ends 22 June 2018 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Subject readings will be available on the LMS, drawing inter alia on international policy texts, think tank analyses and reviews, international commission reports, government documents and practitioner speeches.
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
Last updated: 3 November 2022