International Politics

Aims and objectives

After completing this unit of study students should have developed an understanding of:

• The major institutions, events and issues in international politics.
• How political scientists analyse and explain international politics.
• The major concepts and theories used in th study of international politics.
  Students should also have developed their skills in:
• Critically evaluating conflicting viewpoints.
• Commencing their findings and ideas in a professional manner.

Teaching methods

Lectures and Tutorials

Assessment

Tests, Essays, Attendance

Generic skills outcomes

Students will learn how to gather information from a range of sources - print and electronic - and in a variety of forms - text, tables, charts, maps, etc. They will learn to analyse the arguments of others, to develop an argument of their own, and to communicate their ideas clearly and concisely.

Content

The unit of study provides students with an overview of the development of world politics. It introduces analytical approaches to the subject and explores a broad range of contemporary issues. It deals with the politics of nation states, and the traditional diplomacy and security issues based on them. The unit of study also deals with the emerging structures of the global political economy and international organisations, and their impact on nation-states. While global in scope, the unit of study highlights many issues relevant to the conduct of Australian foreign affairs and trade policy.