International Politics
Duration
- One Semester or equivalent
Contact hours
- 3 Hours per Week
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning. For Online unit delivery, learning is conducted exclusively online.
2024 teaching periods
Swinburne Online Teaching Period 3 |
Swinburne Online Teaching Period 2 | |
---|---|---|
Dates: Results: Last self enrolment: Census: Last withdraw without fail: |
Dates: Results: Last self enrolment: Census: Last withdraw without fail: |
Aims and objectives
This unit provides an introduction to foundational concepts and theories of international politics and their application to historical and contemporary case studies, which will include war and peace, security, power, political economy and globalization. It focuses on the relationship and interaction between state and non-state actors in global politics, as well as compares and contrasts the various approaches that explain and interpret events. The unit also critically assesses and analyses the foundational theories, concepts and approaches in their underlying assumptions and outcomes.
Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO)
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
1. Critically review the major institutions, actors, and issues shaping world politics
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the major theories and concepts used in the study of international politics
3. Understand how political scientists analyse and explain international politics
4. Apply theories of international politics to empirical case studies
5. Present clear arguments based on research and evidence and evaluate arguments in terms of their strengths and weaknesses, both independently and with others
Courses with unit
BA-ART3 Bachelor of Arts
BA-ARTSPROF Bachelor of Arts (Professional)
BB-ARTBUS1 Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business
BB-ARTSC Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
BB-EDSART1 Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts
BB-LAWART Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts
BA-ARTSPROF Bachelor of Arts (Professional)
BB-ARTBUS1 Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business
BB-ARTSC Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
BB-EDSART1 Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts
BB-LAWART Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment and content.
Teaching methods
Swinburne Online
Type | Hours per week | Number of Weeks | Total |
Live Online Class | 1 | 4 | 4 |
Online Learning activities | 8 | 12 | 96 |
Unspecified Activities Various | 4 | 12 | 50 |
TOTAL | 150 hours |
Assessment
Types | Individual/Group Role | Weighting | Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) |
Minor Essay | Individual | 30% | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
Major Essay | Individual | 50% | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
Literature Review | Individual | 20% | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
Content
- Introduction to the foundational theories of international relations
- Key concepts in international politics relating to war and conflict, the role of the state and global institutions, structures and agents
- Analysis of globalization and global change
- Case studies of contemporary international issues and problems
- Critical assessment of foundational methodologies
Study resources
- Reading materials.
Reading materials
Students are advised to check the unit outline in the relevant teaching period for appropriate textbooks and further reading.