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Undergraduate | LTU-POL1SNS-2023

States, Security and International Relations

Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements

Study method

100% online

Assessments

100% online

Entry requirements

No ATAR needed

No prior study

Duration

12 weeks

Start dates

  • 31 July 2023

Price from

$1,892

Upfront cost

$0

HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available

About this subject

What you'll learn

Understand the main security issues in international relations and the global historical context in which they have developed.

Identify the conceptual building blocks of international relations and use them to analyse global challenges and obligations relating to security.

Recognise the diversity of perspectives on security across the globe and policy implications for traditional security issues that centre on inter-state relations and violent conflict.

Examine the new global challenges of security posed by complex interdependence.

    • • Evolution of International Relations and the modern states system.
    • • What is international security and the IR theory family tree.
    • • States and competition.
    • • Institutions and cooperation.
    • • International Relations as a social construct.
    • • International Relations driven by exploitation.
    • • Global IR.
  • This first-year subject is designed to introduce you to the main actors, concepts, institutions and debates of contemporary international relations. It will give you the basic tool-kit to develop your knowledge and understanding of the central security challenges we face in contemporary international relations. Our aim is to give you the theoretical understanding, the skills and the inclination to dig beyond superficial media representations and develop a deeper and more nuanced understanding of of these issues. In POL1SNS we explore the historical context of international relations and the conceptual building blocks that underpin the international system, including key ideas like sovereignty and the nation-state. We examine both contemporary security issues and new challenges associated with human and environmental security. Through our journey in POL1SNS, students will develop a deep appreciation of how we live in an interconnected world, being able to recognize the global context of political issues, and act across cultures and boundaries in international relations.

    • Online quizzes (6 x 5% each, 6 x 200 word count equivalence) (30%)
    • Essay plan (600 words) (20%)
    • Research essay (2,000 words) (50%)
  • For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).

  • The third university established in Victoria, La Trobe University has a diverse community of more than 38,000 students and staff. Its commitment to excellence in teaching and research prepares students to make a bold and positive impact in today's global community. La Trobe provides Open Universities Australia with its core tenets, entrepreneurship and sustainability.

    Learn more about La Trobe.

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    QS Ranking 2023: 20

    Times Higher Education Ranking 2023: 16

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No entry requirements

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