International Relations Internship

Subject POLS90009 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 25
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

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

Semester 2, 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: To be determined in consultation with organisation officers and program staff
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Politics and International Studies at Undergraduate level
Non Allowed Subjects: 166-535 International Relations Internship
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 Thomas Davis

Contact

Dr. Tom Davis tdavis@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

In this subject students will be placed in an organisation which either analyses or formulates and implements policy in relation to international affairs. The range of organisations relevant to the internship is broad: international organisations, government departments, non-government organisations (including church-based aid agencies), academic and analytical think tanks. Interns will work under the supervision and guidance of a senior manager within these organisations. Students will be provided with advice by the Subject Coordinator on potential organisations to contact, but will also be required to use their own networks; their choice will then need to be ratified by the Subject Coordinator. Students will carry out research or analytical exercises of relevance to the organisation’s international affairs-related work. Students will also observe the structure, culture and policy environment of the organisation and develop advanced analytical, research and report-writing skills; as well as negotiating and interpersonal skills. Students completing this course should expect to acquire significant insight into the complexities of international relations and associated policy making and management activities. During the internship an academic supervisor will advise them.
Objectives:
  • demonstrate a specialist understanding of the subject being studied.
  • have developed the analystical skills to evaluate the core issues of the subject.
  • have an awareness of the contemporary theoretical debates in the subject area.
  • demonstrate an ability to undertake critical independent research.
  • show a good capacity to communicate research in written form.
Assessment:

A report of 10,000 words (100%) due at the end of the semester.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working day.

Prescribed Texts:

none
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of organization reports.
  • be able to conceptualize theoretical problems, form judgments and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through report writing, workplace discussion and presentations.
  • be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through report and workplace discussion.
  • be able to manage workloads with regard to recommended reading and the completion of organization reports.
  • be able to participate in team work through involvement in workplace placements.
Notes: Students must lodge their intention to enrol in the International Relations Internship to the subject coordinator during the semester prior to enrolment, by completing an on-line application form that can be downloaded from the Political Science Postgraduate page of the School of Social and Political Science's website.
Related Course(s): Master of International Relations
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Development
Governance, Policy and Communication

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