Undergraduate MUR-POL161-2018

Understanding International Politics

Chip away at the issues and relationships that define contemporary global affairs. Examine the global role of capitalism and democracy. Apply idealistic, constructivist, Marxist and feminist thinking to your research about international relations.

Duration

13 weeks

Student rating

N/A

Study method

100% online

Available loans

FEE-HELP
HECS-HELP

Assessments

Subjects may require attendance

Prior study

Not required

Study terms

28 May 2018

This research-based university in Perth has a strong interdisciplinary focus and a reputation for outstanding teaching and ground-breaking research. With more than 22,000 students and 2,000 staff from over 90 countries, and campuses in Dubai and Singapore, Murdoch embraces free thinking, shared ideas and knowledge to make a difference, and Open Universities Australia is certainly part of that.

University ranking

2018

Subject details

What you'll learn

At the completion of this subject students will:

develop a critical understanding of, and the ability to discuss, a wide range of issues and processes in international politics
develop an understanding of, and ability to discuss, the main International Relations theories, such as realism, idealism, constructivism, feminism and critical theory
understand the history of International Relations and identify its landmark debates
identify and discuss major global issues, such as globalisation, modernisation, development, and global warming
read widely and analyse other people's works.

Topics covered

Topics
- Imagining an 'Asia-Pacific' region
- Politics of 'Asian values'
- Ethnic and nationalist politics
- Politics of Islam
- Democracy and capitalism
- The World Bank
- Failed and fragile states
- US hegemony
- The rise of China
- Security and the environment
Study resources
- Instructional Methods
  - Disscusion forum/Discussion Board
  - Online assignment submission
  - Podcasting/Leacture capture
  - Standard Media
  - Web links
- Online Materials
  - Resources and Links

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements

Equivalent Subjects

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

MUR-PTR161

Special requirements

No special requirements

Description

This subject was previously known as Asia-Pacific in the Global System.

Aims to produce a critical understanding of global affairs. This subject's major assumption is that what we see as comprising 'international politics' is not determined exclusively by what is out there, but also by something in our own heads. It is the theories and concepts constructed by International Relations scholars that enable us to make sense of global affairs. Examines various theoretical approaches, including realism, idealism, constructivism, feminism and Marxism. Explores such issues as globalisation, development, environmentalism, and the global economy.

Assessments

Essay 1 (20%)
Essay 2 (50%)
Invigilated Exam (30%)

Textbooks

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

View textbooks

Related Degrees

undergraduate MUR-ART-DEG-2018

Bachelor of Arts

4 available majors

Major in Community Development
Major in International Aid and Development
Major in Security, Terrorism and Counter-terrorism
Major in Sustainable Development