pol1sns states, security
STATES, SECURITY AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
POL1SNS
2019
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This first year subject is designed to introduce students to the main security concepts and issues in contemporary international relations. In Part A, we explore the historical context of international relations and the conceptual building blocks that underpin the international system, including key ideas like sovereignty and the nation-state. In Part B, we bring in International Relations experts to examine contemporary security issues, beginning with traditional debates concerning American power; the rise of China; WMD proliferation; and contemporary armed conflict and terrorism. We then examine new challenges associated with human security and environmental security, which prompt us to re-examine the sources of insecurity in the world today. This subject addresses La Trobe's Global Citizenship Essential, which entails deep appreciation of how we live in an interconnected world, being able to recognize the global context of political issues, and act across cultures and boundaries in international relations.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorJasmine-Kim Westendorf
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 1 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditions Core subject at first-year level for the International Studies major in the Bachelor of Arts (ABA); core subject for the Bachelor of International Relations (ABIR)
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | An Introduction to International Relations | Prescribed | Devetak, R., George, J. and Percy, S. (eds) (2017) (Third Edition) | Cambridge University Press |
| Readings | Global Politics | Recommended | Heywood, A. (2014) (2nd edition) | Palgrave Macmillan |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Critically analyse the main security issues in international relations and the global historical context in which they have developed.
- Activities:
- Research Essay and Policy Brief
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
02. Identify the conceptual building blocks of international relations and use them to analyse global challenges and obligations relating to security.
- Activities:
- Research Essay and Policy Brief
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
03. Recognise the diversity of perspectives on security across the globe and policy implications for traditional security issues that centre on inter-state relations and violent conflict.
- Activities:
- Research Essay
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
04. Examine the new global challenges of security posed by complex interdependence.
- Activities:
- Policy Brief
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2019, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorJasmine-Kim Westendorf
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
Two 1.0 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* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay Proposal and Annotated References (500 words) | 15 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| Research Essay (2000 words) | 50 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| Policy Brief (1500 words) | 35 | 02, 04 |