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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
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
It is recommended that this subject be taken after International Relations Theory POLS90028, or alternatively after undergraduate-level studies in international relations theory, political theory, or applied ethics
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
- 2,000 word case study analysis (40%), due by Week 6 of Semester.
- 3,000 word research essay (60%), due during 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
Not available in 2019
Time commitment details
170 Hours
Additional delivery details
Admission to the MC-IR Master of International Relations program.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
All readings will be available electronically on the subject LMS site.
- 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
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022