STATES, SECURITY AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
POL1SNS
2021
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. Part A explores 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. Part B brings in International Relations experts to examine contemporary security issues, beginning with traditional debates concerning American power; the rise of China; Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) proliferation; and contemporary armed conflict and terrorism. It then examines 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.
SchoolHumanities and Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorBen Habib
Available to Study Abroad/Exchange StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 1 - UG
Available as ElectiveYes
Learning ActivitiesLecture presentations; expert question and answer sessions; tutorial discussion activities; online activities; research essay; and policy brief
Capstone subjectNo
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Quota Management StrategyN/A
Quota-conditions or rulesN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Minimum credit point requirementN/A
Assumed knowledgeN/A
Readings
An Introduction to International Relations
Resource TypePrescribed
Resource RequirementN/A
AuthorDevetak, R., George, J. and Percy, S.
Year2017
Edition/VolumeN/A
PublisherCambridge University Press
ISBNN/A
Chapter/article titleN/A
Chapter/issueN/A
URLN/A
Other descriptionN/A
Source locationN/A
Global Politics
Resource TypeRecommended
Resource RequirementN/A
AuthorHeywood, A.
Year2014
Edition/VolumeN/A
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
ISBNN/A
Chapter/article titleN/A
Chapter/issueN/A
URLN/A
Other descriptionN/A
Source locationN/A
Career Ready
Career-focusedNo
Work-based learningNo
Self sourced or Uni sourcedN/A
Entire subject or partial subjectN/A
Total hours/days requiredN/A
Location of WBL activity (region)N/A
WBL addtional requirementsN/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
Graduate Capabilities
Intended Learning Outcomes
Subject options
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Melbourne (Bundoora), 2021, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorBen Habib
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
Two 1.00 h lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.
TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.00 h tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Category | Contribution | Hurdle | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Essay Proposal and Annotated References (500 words) | Assignment | Individual | No | 15 | SILO1, SILO2, SILO3 |
Research Essay (2000 words) | Assignment | Individual | No | 50 | SILO1, SILO2, SILO3 |
Policy Brief (1500 words) Take-home exam requiring a policy brief on one security issue covered in the subject. | Other | Individual | No | 35 | SILO2, SILO4 |