Introduction to Global Politics

• • An introduction to the study of Global Politics
  • Historical Context: Political Systems in World History
  • Historical Context: International Relations in the Twentieth Century
  • Theories of International Relations
  • Security and Insecurity in Global Politics
  • The Global Governance Challenge
  • Essay Writing and Research Skills
  • International Political Economy
  • Religion, culture and Global Politics
  • Great Power Competition
  • Globalisation and Study of World Politics
  • Agency in World Politics: what can we do to change the world?

Equivalent subjects

You cannot enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:

• MAQ-PLT120
• MAQ-POIX108-Introduction to Global Politics

Others

If you have no prior university experience, you should complete BAR100 Academic Learning Skills or COM10006 Academic Literacies: Learning and Communication Practice before starting this subject.

Special requirements

• OtherDetails -

  Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.

This subject was previously known as POIX108 Introduction to Global Politics.

Global politics is often dramatic and contentious covering big picture dilemmas such as what are the causes of war and peace? How do we find solutions to shared global problems like climate change and preventing the spread of nuclear weapons? How do we make sense of persistent poverty and underdevelopment in some parts of the world but not others? Whose political ideas matter most and why? Finally, what have been the implications of globalisation for world politics? This unit equips students with the tools to understand the forces that shape the world we live in by introducing them to the key issues, institutions, ideas and actors involved in global politics. The first section of the unit outlines the historical context, key theories and concepts, and fundamental institutions of contemporary global politics. The second section covers important contemporary issues including security challenges, climate change, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, global inequality, the role of culture, religion and identity in global politics, great power rivalry, and globalisation. The unit gives students the foundations necessary for undertaking a major in International Relations or Politics.

• Online Discussion Board Participation (10%)
• Quiz 1 (7.5%)
• Quiz 2 (7.5%)
• Research Essay (40%)
• Final Exam (35%)