International Governance and Law

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

Admission to the Master of International Relations (MIR)

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/

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 & 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.

On completion of this subject students should:

• Develop a critical understanding of the key issues, challenges, actors, and institutions associated with international governance and international law;
• Develop an understanding of the relationship between international politics and international law;
• Develop a critical understanding of the main theories of global governance;
• Develop a critical understanding of the debates concerning the reform of global governance.

2 x 1000 word briefing papers (20% each) due throughout the semester, and a 3000 word essay 60%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A Reading Pack will be available.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should:

• Apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry;
• Develop persuasive arguments on a given topic;
• Communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively;
• Develop cross-cultural understanding.

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.