PL2153 - International Relations and Foreign Policy

[Offered in even-numbered years]

This subject introduces students to two key areas of world politics: political/security relations, and international political economy. Global governance will form an integral part of the political and economic relations among countries. More particularly, it focuses on why and how countries enter conflict or develop cooperation with one another. Within the broader scope of the main foci in international relations, students will also learn about foreign policy making and diplomacy, military force build-up and humanitarian intervention, peace building and preventive diplomacy, international aspects of human rights, international development, environmental degradation, and international migration and refugees. Historical was well as recent cases of conflict and cooperation will be discussed. These will include military, political, and economic conflict and cooperation among various countries, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Key and foundational concepts and theories in international relations will be introduced, such as realism, liberalism, the national interest, and globalisation and global governance. Within the context of global governance, students will learn about important roles played international organizations (eg the UN), regional organisations (eg ASEAN), and international non-government organisations (eg Amnesty International) to arrest conflict and promote international cooperation.

Learning Outcomes

• create awareness among students about the extent to which they may, as individuals, impact on international events;
• develop students' critical thinking and skills in research and writing appropriate to the discipline of political science;
• enhance students' awareness of Australia's role in the international community;
• introduce students in a systematic and analytical way to understanding conflictual and cooperative relations among nation states;
• provide introductory conceptual tools so that students can better understand and critically analyze international relations.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to speak and write logically, clearly and creatively;
• A coherent and disciplined body of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to learn independently and in a self-directed manner;
• A commitment to lifelong learning and intellectual development.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.