Understanding International Politics

• 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

    • 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 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

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.

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

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.

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