Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Education and Arts

School: Communications and Arts

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Introduction to International Relations: The World into the 21st Century

• Unit Code

  POL1105

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

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Description

This unit examines the ways in which the international relations system operates. The range of issues confronting global politics is profound: the rise of ethnic conflict and terrorism; the emergence of the global economy and its stability and fairness; the threat of nuclear proliferation and the quest for cooperation over climate change are just some of the notable examples. The unit introduces the major theories, participants, institutions and processes associated with international relations.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Analyse the contribution of various participants and institutions.
2. Apply various theories and concepts to current affairs.
3. Evaluate media coverage of current affairs.
4. Examine the forces shaping the international political system.

Unit Content

1. Key actors/institutions in international relations: the United Nations, non-government agencies, G-20, World Bank, IMF, World Trade Organisation, International Criminal Court.
2. Key concepts in international relations: sovereignty, the nation state, nationalism, security, globalisation.
3. Key processes in international relations: war, foreign policy, diplomacy, international law, humanitarian interverntion.
4. Key theories in international relations: realism, liberalism, Marxist theories, social constructivism.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, class presentations, Internet research, essay writing, documentary analysis.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ Mingst, K. (2007). Essentials of international relations. New York: W.W. Norton.
• McWilliams, W., & Piotrowski, H. (2005). The world since 1945: A history of international relations. Lynne Reinner: Boulder.
• Nye, J. (2007). Understanding international relations conflicts. New York: Pearson.
• Kegely, C., & Wittkopf, E. (2008). World politics. Thompson/Wadsworth.
• Jackson, R., & Sorensen, G. (2007). Introduction to international relations. Oxford; Oxford University Press.
• Griffiths, M., & O'Callaghan, T. (2007). International relations: The key concepts. London; Routledge.
• Friedan, J. et al. World politics, interests, interactions and institutions. New York: W.W. Norton.
• Collins, A. (2010). Contemporary security studies. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Burchill, S., et al. Theories of international relations. London: Palgrave.
• Brown, C. & Ainley, K. (2009). Understanding international relations. London: Palgrave.
• Bayliss, J., & Smith, S. The globalization of world politics: An introduction to international relations. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Website References

• Global Crisis Group
• World Policy Institute
• Washington Quarterly
• New Internationalist
• Global Policy Forum
• Foreign Policy
• Foreign Affairs
• Earth Policy Institute
• Global Exchange
• Human Rights Watch

^ Mandatory reference

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