Undergraduate MUR-POL161-2019

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

3.68

Study method

100% online

Available loans

FEE-HELP
HECS-HELP

Assessments

Subjects may require attendance

Prior study

Not required

Study terms

02 Mar 2020
01 Jun 2020

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

2019
2020

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

- Introduction – Nature of International Relations
- Realism, war and power politics
- Liberalism, peace and cooperation
- Constructivism, identity and interests
- Feminism, gender and global change
- Understanding globalisation
- Marxism, critical theory and the global economy
- Modernisation and development
- Environmentalism and climate change
- Popular dissent and anarchism?
- Eclecticism: Can we operate above paradigms?
- How International Relations theories make sense of the world
Study resources
- Instructional methods
  - Discussion forum/Discussion Board
  - Online assignment submission
  - Podcasting/Lecture capture
  - Standard Media
  - Web links
- Online materials
  - Resources and Links

Entry requirements

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:

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 (40%)
Invigilated Exam - Open Book (40%)

Textbooks

Current study term (01 Mar 20 to 31 May 20)

Textbook information is pending.

Next study term (31 May 20 to 30 Aug 20)

Textbook information is pending.

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