International Relations: Key Concepts (POLS20025)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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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

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:

  • 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
  • Deploy a range of critical thinking and analytical skills to practical problems
  • Demonstrate improved writing and oral skill.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

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: 14 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

An essay

  • 2000 words
Mid semester50%

Take-home Exam

  • 2 hours
During the examination period50%
Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures.Throughout the semesterN/A
Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. Throughout the semesterN/A

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    CoordinatorsSimon Pratt and Terry MacDonald
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursTotal of 30 contact hours: Two 1 hour lectures per week, and a 1 hour tutorial per week for 10 weeks. The lecture and tutorial programs are staggered and cover the 12 weeks of semester.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025
    Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025
    Census date 1 September 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 September 2025
    Assessment period ends21 November 2025

    Semester 2 contact information

    Associate Professor Terry Macdonald

    Email: terry.macdonald@unimelb.edu.au

    Dr Simon Pratt

    Email: simon.pratt@unimelb.edu.au

     

Time commitment details

Total of 170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 14 March 2025