International Governance and Law

Subject POLS90023 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week. If enrolments exceed 30, the 2nd hour of the seminar may be split into 2 or 3 small classes.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Entry into the Master of International Relations, Master of International Politics or the Master of Arts International Politics (ASST).
Corequisites: none
Recommended Background Knowledge: A background in politics, history, law or economics is recommended but not essential
Non Allowed Subjects: none
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr David Mickler

Contact

Prof. Robyn Eckersley

rwecke@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject provides an advanced introduction to the history, theory, institutions and practice of international governance and law. The subject will provide students with a broad understanding of the evolution of the international system of states, the development of diplomacy, the evolution of international law (including the role of both soft &amp.amp. hard law), the changing form and practice of multilateralism and the emergence of non-state or hybrid forms of power and authority. Key challenges in global governance will be critically explored, including the impact of globalisation on the political autonomy of states. the future of multilateralism. the accountability, representativeness and legitimacy of international organisations and international regimes and the challenge of democratising global governance. the role of non-state actors and civil society. and the challenge of coordinating and harmonising an increasingly dense network of international organisations and regimes.
Objectives:
  • Developing a critical understanding of the key issues, challenges, actors, and institutions associated with international governance and international lawl.
  • Developing an understanding of the relationship between international politics and international law.
  • Developing a critical understanding of the main theories of global governance.
  • Developing a critical understanding of the debates concerning the reform of global governance.
Assessment: 4 x 500 word briefing papers, each worth 10% due throughout the semester, and a 3000 word essay worth 60% due at the end of semester.
Prescribed Texts: A Reading Pack will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Applying research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry.
  • Developing persuasive arguments on a given topic.
  • Communicating oral and written arguments and ideas effectively.
  • Developing cross-cultural understanding.
Notes: This subject is a compulsory component of the Master of International Relations course. It is also compulsory in the Master of International Politics 100-point program (teach out) and the Master of Arts International Politics (ASST) for those students who have not completed 166-502.
Related Course(s): M.A.International Politics (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)
Master of Arts (Asian Societies)
Master of International Politics
Master of International Relations
Master of International Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in International Studies

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