THEORIES OF WORLD POLITICS
POL2TWP
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject students are provided with a comprehensive overview of the major approaches International Relations theory. In this subject we examine the purpose of theory, the origins of International Relations theory and its institutional evolution. We then consider the following approaches: realism; liberalism; constructivism; 'English School' approaches; classical theories; materialist theories; foreign policy analysis, normative theory; and post-positivist theory. Students undertake a detailed analysis of the central ideas associated with each theoretical approach, the major proponents of each theory, the historical and political factors which have given rise to each approach and the opportunities and shortcomings of having such a diverse range of theories competing for analytic and real-world influence.
School: School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Daniel Bray
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: 15 credit points of any first year Politics subject and 15 credit points of any Humanities and Social Sciences subject, or subject coordinator's approval.
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: POL3TWP
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: Core subject at 2nd year for the Bachelor of International Relations (ABIR) degree.
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Theories of International Relations | Prescribed | Lawson, S. | Polity |
| Readings | Theories of International Relations, 5th edition | Recommended | Burchill et al | Palgrave |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Complete written work that shows a broad understanding of how theories have emerged in response to changing intellectual, political and economic circumstances.
- Activities:
- Essay, take home exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
02. Complete written work that shows a developed broad understanding of International Relations theory.
- Activities:
- Essay, take home exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Writing(Writing)
03. Complete written work that shows the ability to critically analyse International Relations theory.
- Activities:
- Essay, take home exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Melbourne, 2015, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Daniel Bray
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.
TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| one 2,000-word essay | 50 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| one mid-semester examination (1000 words equivalent) | 25 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| one take-home exam (equivalent to 1000 words) | 25 | 01, 02, 03 |