ATS1873: Introduction to international relations

Overview

In this unit you will be introduced to key issues in International Relations (IR), from traditional preoccupations – such as international security, arms control, war and peacebuilding, and political violence and terrorism – to more recent concerns, including the climate crisis, migration, inequalities and development challenges. You will also be looking at the role of states and supra-state organisations, such as the United Nations; nations and nationalism; world order and global governance; and globalisation and the international political economy. You will engage with key IR concepts and theories to understand these issues, including Realism and Liberalism and critical theories, such as Feminism, Marxism, Postmodernism and Postcolonialism. You will draw from contemporary and historical events to further explore these issues and apply these theories.

Assessment

1 - Quiz/Quizzes - 20% 2 - Annotated bibliography - 30% 3 - Essay - 50%

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Sustainable development goals

Adopted by the UN Member States in 2015, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. Read more

This unit covers content related to the following SDGs:

5. Gender Equality 10. Reduced Inequalities 16. Peace Justice and Strong Institutions