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Ethics and International Relations (POLS90048)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2019
Overview
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This subject will explore a number of real-world ethical problems in international politics, and analyse the ethical responsibilities of citizens, states, and non-state actors in responding to these problems. These problems focus on ethical dilemmas concerning welfare, justice, and political legitimacy in relation to: political violence; world poverty and economic inequality; international governance; global gender inequalities; migration and refugee protection; environment; regulation of Multinational Corporations and NGOs; and international responses to human rights violations by states and Corporations. This subject will further familiarise students with a range of theories – in particular, ‘consequentialist’ and ‘deontological’ ethical theories, and normative political theories of ‘justice’, ‘legitimacy’, and ‘human rights’ – and help students to develop skills in applying these theories as tools for critical analysis of real-world ethical problems, and for prescribing ethical international institutions, policies, and political actions.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- demonstrate detailed knowledge and critical understanding of key ethical concepts and theories applicable to international relations; and
- demonstrate capacity to analyse critically the ethical dimensions of prominent political problems in international relations; and
- develop the ability to apply ethical concepts and theories as tools for the critical analysis of international institutions and policies.
Generic skills
Student who successfully complete this subject should:
- have developed critical analysis and creative thinking skills; and
- have developed research, writing, and communication skills; and
- have developed leadership and communication skills.
Last updated: 3 November 2022