UQ: Conceptions of World Politics

This subject is not offered in 2012.

Admission into the D-GLOBISS Diploma in Global Issues or 777CC Certificate in Global Issues.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability
Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage
Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Description, Course
Objectives and Generic Skills 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/

The principal purpose of this course is to introduce students to the various theoretical approaches to the study of world politics. The subject matter of international political theory – who gets what, when, where and how on a global scale – is open to a number of contrasting interpretations. The course therefore helps students critically engage with the ways in which ideas shape the practices of global politics. The course examines rival paradigms such as realism, liberalism, constructivism and feminism, as well as key concepts such as power, the international system, the state, anarchy, sovereignty, security, governance and norms.

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

1. Understand different ways of thinking about international politics.
2. Apply different traditions of thinking to the examination of practical dilemmas in world politics.
3. Demonstrate enhanced skills in verbal communication.
4. Demonstrate enhanced skills in written communication.

Participation in a weekly blog, a written research assignment and a take-home exam.

TBA

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.