Comparative Regional Governance (POLS90043)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2023
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About this subject
Overview
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This subject examines regionalism in a comparative perspective, focusing in particular on Europe and the Asia Pacific. It examines regional governance in terms of institutions, practices, values, norms and governance outputs. The role of leadership is scrutinised. The value of comparative approaches is critically examined. The subject explores theories of regionalism and comparative regionalism studies. It critically assesses The European Union’s experience of regional integration and the ideas that it constitutes a template of reference point for other regions and for regionalism studies.
The role of sovereignty, consensus identity and security are examined in the case of Asia regionalisms. The differing emphases accorded to institutions, supranationalism, intergovernmentalism and law are examined comparatively.
The debates regarding what and who constitute drivers are presented in a thematic and comprehensive manner. They examine historical contexts; intellectual initiators; crisis; external threats; institutions; multilateralism; common problems; ideas and narratives all as drivers, or on occasion, as inhibitors of regionalism and integration in Asia and Europe as well as aspects of South America and Africa. This subject examines alternative views on what drives regionalism, such as multilateral forums such as the UN or the experiences and promotion of other regions – so here exogenous factors, including other regions or multilateralism or crisis or threat perception are crucial elements in this subject. Leadership and core states are also critically examined. Material, ideational and normative factors are all examined and assessed comparatively.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Understand the origins, drivers and impediments in regionalism and integration in Europe; Asia; Africa and South America;
- Comprehend the role of crisis and endogenous and exogenous factors in regional governance architectures;
- Demonstrate knowledge of major debates in the comparative regionalism literature concerning regional architecture and institutional structure;
- Demonstrate in-depth understanding of important historical and contemporary issues concerning the role of leadership in regional governance;
- Demonstrate analytical skills relevant to careers in international affairs, including in government, business, media, and nongovernment organisations.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should:
- apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry;
- develop persuasive arguments on a given topic;
- communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively;
- develop cross-cultural understanding.
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Politics and International Studies at the 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: 10 November 2023
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Written paper
| Week 7 | 20% |
Policy briefing
| Week 10 | 40% |
Research essay
| During the examination period | 40% |
| 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. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Dates & times
Not available in 2023
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of International Relations Specialisation (formal) Politics and International Studies Specialisation (formal) Politics and International Studies - 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
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
Last updated: 10 November 2023