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International Relations: Key Concepts (POLS20025)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.
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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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject explores key concepts of international relations that have shaped the different theoretical, epistemological, and methodological approaches to studying global politics. This subject builds on the foundations of international relations theory and deepens our understanding of the operations and study of global politics by examining the various approaches and assumptions underpinning the core concepts of the discipline, including: order, sovereignty, the state, globalization, war, and international cooperation. It sheds light on key debates in the field by unpacking how the different conceptual approaches answer questions on issues including: what is the nature of power? Who are the main actors in global politics? Why does war occur? How has the principle of sovereignty come into being and changed over time? Why is the state the core unit of organising international affairs? What role does the political economy play in global politics? How can we characterise world order and its changes over time? Students will be encouraged to evaluate theoretical assumptions and key debates through the focus on core concepts in international relations and how they relate to timely issues in global politics.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should:
- Have an appreciation of the contending theories in and approaches to international relations
- Develop the ability to think critically about these theories and approaches
- Have the ability to apply a variety of theories and approaches to contemporary international relations
- Be able to deploy a range of critical thinking and analytical skills to practical problems
- Be able to demonstrate improved writing and oral skill.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Politics and International Studies at Level 1
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: 11 April 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
An essay
| Mid semester | 50% |
Take-home Exam
| During the examination period | 50% |
Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject. Regular participation in tutorials is required. | Throughout the semester | N/A |
Additional details
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: 11 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Sara Meger Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 30 contact hours:. 2 x one hour lectures and 1 x one hour tutorial per week. The lecture and tutorial programs are staggered and cover the 12 weeks of semester. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 24 July 2023 to 22 October 2023 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2023 Census date 31 August 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2023 Assessment period ends 17 November 2023 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
Total of 170 hours
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Readings will be provided online through the subject's LMS site prior to the commencement of semester.
- Subject notes
Available as a Breadth subject to non-Bachelor of Arts students.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Politics and International Studies - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- 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.
- 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: 11 April 2024