THEORIES OF WORLD POLITICS
POL5TWP
2020
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject provides foundational knowledge and skills concerning the major approaches to International Relations (IR) theory for postgraduate coursework students. 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 critically analyse 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.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorDaniel Bray
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 5 - Masters
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Enrolment in the Master of International Relations or nested degrees.
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects POL3TWP or POL2TWP
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
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 and critically analyse the main ideas and claims of each of the approaches to International Relations (IR) theory
- Activities:
- Lecture presentations and tutorial discussion activities; research essay, take-home exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills (Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
02. Understand how IR theories have emerged in response to changing intellectual, political and economic circumstances.
- Activities:
- Lecture presentations and tutorial discussion activities; research essay
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills (Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
03. Apply IR theories and research skills to construct arguments about contemporary world politics.
- Activities:
- research essay, take home exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills (Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2020, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorDaniel Bray
Class requirements
Lecture
Week:
32
-
43
One 2.0 hours lecture per week
on weekdays
during the day
from week 32 to week 43
and delivered via face-to-face.
Tutorial
Week:
32
-
43
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week
on weekdays
during the day
from week 32 to week 43
and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-semester Exam (1500 word equivalent) | In-class exam consisting of extended answers to a list of questions | 35 | 01, 02 |
| Research Essay (3000 words) | Students are required to research and write an essay in response to a question set by the subject coordinator. | 65 | 01, 02, 03 |