THEORIES OF WORLD POLITICS

POL2TWP

2020

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This subject provides a comprehensive overview of the major approaches to International Relations (IR) theory. The subject first explores the purpose and history of IR theory and then examines the following approaches: liberalism; realism; the 'English School'; constructivism; Marxist approaches; critical theory and post-structuralism; post-colonialism; 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, and the historical and political factors which have given rise to each approach. 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: Humanities and Social Sciences (Pre 2022)

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: Daniel Bray

Available to Study Abroad/Exchange Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG

Exchange Students: No

Available as Elective: No

Learning Activities: N/A

Capstone subject: No

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: 15 credit points of level one POL coded subjects

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: POL3TWP

Equivalent subjects: N/A

Quota Management Strategy: N/A

Quota-conditions or rules: N/A

Special conditions: N/A

Minimum credit point requirement: N/A

Assumed knowledge: N/A

Learning resources

International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity

Resource Type: Book

Resource Requirement: Prescribed

Author: Tim Dunne et al

Year: 2016

Edition/Volume: N/A

Publisher: Oxford University Press

ISBN: N/A

Chapter/article title: N/A

Chapter/issue: N/A

URL: N/A

Other description: N/A

Source location: N/A

Career Ready

Career-focused: No

Work-based learning: No

Self sourced or Uni sourced: N/A

Entire subject or partial subject: N/A

Total hours/days required: N/A

Location of WBL activity (region): N/A

WBL addtional requirements: N/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

Graduate Capabilities

COMMUNICATION - Communicating and Influencing

DISCIPLINE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Creativity and Innovation

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Research and Evidence-Based Inquiry

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Ethical and Social Responsibility

Intended Learning Outcomes

01. Understand the main ideas and claims of each of the approaches to International Relations (IR theory

02. Recognise how IR theories have emerged in response to changing intellectual, political and economic circumstances.

03. Critically analyse IR theories and apply them to developments in world politics.

04. Examine how each approach reflects a normative worldview concerning what kind of international system ought to be sustained.

Melbourne (Bundoora), 2020, Semester 2, Day

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information: N/A

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Daniel Bray

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.00 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.

TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.00 hour tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment element	Comments	Category	Contribution	Hurdle	%	ILO*
Mid-semester Exam (1000 word equivalent)In-class exam consisting of extended answers to a list of questions	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	25	SILO1, SILO2
Research Essay (2000 words)	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	50	SILO1, SILO2, SILO3
Take-home Exam (1000 words)Essay based on the concept of sustainability	N/A	N/A	N/A	No	25	SILO4