INR 1000 International Relations in a Globalizing Era

STAFFING:

RATIONALE:

An understanding of international relations, both historically and in the contemporary world, is crucial as societies and cultures, political systems and ideologies, and economies interact in dynamic and complex - and often confusing - ways at the different "levels" of the global system. Indeed, the actors in international relations range from individual persons to groups and institutions - with the latter including states and sub-state units, international organizations and movements, non-governmental organizations, multi-national corporations and regional organizations. Across disciplines, as well as across geopolitical borders and time periods, there are enduring coherent world views which shape perspectives about and analyses of global, regional, national and local environments; which portray expectations concerning the future; and which pronounce prescriptions for action by actors with authority. These views frame long-extant debates on war and peace, poverty and plenty, survival and extinction; and it is essential that Australians understand them in their regional contexts.

SYNOPSIS:

This course, and its sequel course INR1001 (("Global Transitions and Human Security") is offered in semester two of year one, are required courses in the International Relations Major and the International Relations Option Studies program in the Bachelor of Arts program. Both courses, first, cluster the above-mentioned views into perspectives focused on political ecology, political economy, political culture and behaviour, and the "problems of humanity"; and, secondly, put them into an international relations framework with a focus on Australia and its Asian context - with attention given to the pressing issues, events and concerns of humanity globally. Specifically, Course INR1000 focuses on the evolution of the international system with an emphasis on more recent processes of globalization, and the practice of diplomacy through a critical presentation of three major competing analytical perspectives and approaches, namely "realism/states systems", "world systems", and "pluralism/Liberalism". It then explores two issue areas utilising the historical and theoretical contexts presented earlier, with students being assigned concrete cases for analytical study and, where feasible, workshop interaction so as to achieve a more grounded understanding about the utility of these approaches.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students will demonstrate:

1. An analytical understanding of the nature and evolution of "International Relations" as a series of processes in and of themselves as well as an interdisciplinary field of academic study;
2. An understanding of the nature and evolution of the international system and the practice of diplomacy and other forms of interaction at the various levels of the system;
3. Enhanced abilities to communicate clearly, both in written and oral form, the results of the research and other work they have been assigned; and
4. An understanding of the currency and relevancy of the study of International Relations to their career interests and to the broader community within which they will function as informed citizens.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

Course INR1000 Introductory Book, Course Study Book and Course Selected Readings Book, 2005.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

Various Internet Sources (see course Introductory Book).

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Students will be advised of exact exam dates when the timetable has been finalised

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   There are no attendance requirements for this external course. However, it is the student's responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To be assured of completing each assessment item satisfactorily a student must submit all of the items of summative assessment by the due date and achieve on each the minimum specified standards outlined in 4 (Requirements for a pass in the course).
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval, then a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each of the first FIVE working days late, after which a zero mark will be given.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks for all summative assessment.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   The exam for this course is a CLOSED EXAMINATION, and candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any deferred or supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Students must submit all assignments and sit for the final examination in order to complete the requirements for this course.
2. The final grade is based on summative total of all items of assessment, that is students must submit all assignments and sit for the final examination in order to complete the requirements of this course. The final course mark will be based upon the total accumulated points for all items of assessment, as follows: HD=100-90; A=89-80; B=79-65; C=64-50; F=49-0.
3. Students are to follow the stated University policy in the submission of their assignments. Lecturers reserve the right to deduct 10% from the total paper mark for each day it is overdue, to a maximum of 5 days (after which time it will not be accepted for marking without certified reasons for lateness).