THEORIES OF WORLD POLITICS
POL2TWP
2017
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject, students are provided with a comprehensive overview of the major approaches to International Relations (IR) theory. We examine the purpose and history of IR theory and then consider the following approaches: realism; liberalism; constructivism; 'English School' approaches; normative theory; post-positivist theory; feminist theory and green 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. In so doing, this subject addresses La Trobe's Sustainability Thinking Essential. Sustainability Thinking entails deep appreciation of how the theories we adopt and the choices we make affect the natural, economic, social, political and cultural systems - now and in the future.
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: Enrolment in the Bachelor of International Relations and associated double degrees.
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: POL3TWP
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: Exclusive 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 | International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity, 4th edition | Prescribed | Tim Dunne et al 2016 | Oxford University Press |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Understand the main ideas and claims of each of the approaches to International Relations (IR) theory
- Activities:
- Research Essay, Take-home Exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
02. Recognise how IR theories have emerged in response to changing intellectual, political and economic circumstances.
- Activities:
- Research Essay
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
03. Critically analyse IR theories and apply them to developments in world politics.
- Activities:
- Essay, take home exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
04. Examine how each approach reflects a normative worldview concerning what kind of international system ought to be sustained.
- Activities:
- Take-home Exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
Melbourne, 2017, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Daniel Bray
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-semester Exam | 25 | 01, 02 | |
| Research Essay (2000 words) | 50 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| Take-home Exam (1000 words) | 25 | 04 |