INR1000 International Relations in a Globalizing Era
| Subject | Cat-nbr | Class | Term | Mode | Description | Units | Campus |
| INR | 1000 | 86497 | 1, 2009 | EXT | International Relations in a Globalizing Era | 1.00 | Toowoomba |
|---|
| Academic group: | FOART |
| Academic org: | FOA003 |
| Student contribution band: | 1 |
| ASCED code: | 090101 |
Contents
- Staffing
- Rationale
- Synopsis
- Objectives
- Topics
- Texts
- Reference materials
- Student workload
- Assessment details
- Important assessment information
- Assessment notes
- Other requirements
- Production date
-
PDF version
STAFFING
Examiner: Gillian ColcloughModerator: Anna Hayes
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.
- Academic and professional skills by applying a critical 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.
- Written communication skills that conform with the requirements of the discipline by preparing and submitting both essays;
- 4.
- Comprehension 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.
- 5.
- Ethical research and inquiry skills by comprehending and applying basic referencing norms and practices in their work.
TOPICS
| Description | Weighting (%) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | The Study of International Relations and Its Historical Contexts (4) |
20.00 |
| 2. | Perspectives on International Relations: - Overview and The Realism/States System World View and the Behaviouralist Critique (2) - World Systems Theories (2) - Pluralism/Liberalism (2) - Post-Cold War Frameworks and New Approaches (1) |
50.00 |
| 3. | International Regimes and Organizations (1) |
15.00 |
| 4. | Regionalism and Integration (1) |
15.00 |
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).
2008, Course INR1000 Selected Readings, USQ Press, Toowoomba.
(To be purchased from USQ Bookshop)
Baylis, J, Smith, S & Owens, P (eds) 2007, The globalization of world politics: an introduction to international relations, 4th edn, Oxford University Press, London/New York.
Cullen, A & Murray, S 2007, The globalization of world politics: case studies from Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific, Oxford University Press, Melebourne.
(These texts are to be purchased as a package.)
REFERENCE MATERIALS
Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.
Various Internet Sources (see course Introductory Book).
Amstutz, MR 1999, International conflict and co-operation: an introduction to world politics, 2nd edn, McGraw-Hill College, Boston.
Baylis, J & Rengger, NJ (eds) 1992, Dilemmas of world politics: international issues in a changing world, Clarendon Press, New York.
Baylis, J & Smith, S (eds) 2005, The globalization of world politics: an introduction to international relations, 2nd edn, Oxford University Press, London.
Baylis, J & Smith, S (eds) 2001, The globalization of world politics: an introduction to international relations, 2nd edn, Oxford University Press, London.
Baylis, J & Smith, S (eds) 2005, The globalization of world politics: an introduction to international relations, 3rd edn, Oxford University Press, London.
Capling, MA, Considine, M & Crozier, M 1998, Australian politics in the global era, Addison Wesley Longman, Melbourne, Australia.
Goldstein, JS & Pevehouse, JC 2006, International relations, 7th edn, Pearson-Longmaan, New York.
Jackson, R & Sorensen, G 2007, Introduction to international relations: theories and approaches, 3rd edn, Oxford University Press, London.
Kegley, CW Jr 2007, World politics: trends and transformations, 11th edn, Thomson/Wadsworth, Boston.
Little, R & Smith, M 1991, Perspectives on world politics, 2nd edn, Routledge, London.
McGrew, A & Brook, C (eds) 1998, Asia-Pacific in the new world order, Routledge, London.
McMillen, D (ed) 1997, Globalisation and regional communities: geoeconomic sociocultural and security implications for Australia, USQ Press, Toowoomba.
Nester, W 1995, International relations: geopolitical and geoeconomic conflict and co-operation, Harper Collins, New York.
Russett, B & Starr, H 1995, World politics: the menu for choice, 5th edn, WH Freeman & Company, Boston.
Scholte, JA 2005, Globalization: a critical introduction, 2nd edn, Palgrave/MacMillan, London.
Spiegel, SL & Wehling, FL 1999, World politics in a new era, 2nd edn, Harcourt Brace, New York.
Steger, M 2003, Globalization: a very short introduction, Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Viotti, PR & Kauppi, MV 1993, International relations theory: realism, pluralism, globalism, 2nd edn, Allyn & Bacon, Boston, Mass.
STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS
| ACTIVITY | HOURS |
| Directed Study | 60.00 |
| Examinations | 2.00 |
| Private Study | 98.00 |
ASSESSMENT DETAILS
| Description | Marks out of | Wtg(%) | Due date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASSIGNMENT 1 - 1500/1750 WORDS | 100.00 | 30.00 | 24 Apr 2009 | (see note 1) | |
| ASSIGNMENT 2 - 1500/1750 WORDS | 100.00 | 30.00 | 05 Jun 2009 | (see note 2) | |
| EXAMINATION (2 HOURS) | 100.00 | 40.00 | END S1 | (see note 3) | |
NOTES
- 1.
- This assessment is aligned with all Objectives.
- 2.
- This assessment is aligned with all Objectives.
- 3.
- Students will be advised of exact exam dates when the timetable has been finalised. This assessment is aligned with all Objectives.
IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
- 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. - Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
To successfully complete an individual assessment item, a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks or a grade of at least C-. This statement must be read in conjunction with Statement 4 below. - Penalties for late submission of required work:
If students submit assignments after the due date without extenuating circumstances and without prior approval, then a penalty of a maximum of 5% of the assigned mark may apply for each working day late, up to a maximum of 10 working days, at which time a mark of zero can be recorded for that assignment. - Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
To be assured of receiving a passing grade, a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course. - Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the aggregate of the weighted marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course. - 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. - 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. - 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
ASSESSMENT NOTES
| 9. | (a) The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner. (b) Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be despatched to USQ within 24 hours if requested by the Examiner. (c) In accordance with University's Assignment Extension Policy (Regulation 5.6.1), the examiner of a course may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances such as documented ill-health. (d) In the event that a due date for an assignment falls on a local public holiday in their area, such as a Show holiday, the due date for the assignment will be the next day. Students are to note on the assignment cover the date of the public holiday for the examiner's convenience. (e) Students who do not have regular access to postal services or who are otherwise disadvantaged by these regulations may be given special consideration. They should contact the examiner of the course to negotiate such special arrangements. (f) Students who have undertaken all of the required assessments in the course but who have failed to meet some of the specified objectives of the course within the normally prescribed time may be awarded the temporary grade: IM (Incomplete-Makeup). An IM grade will only be awarded when, in the opinion of the examiner, a student will be able to achieve the remaining objectives of the course after a period of non-directed personal study. (g) Students who, for medical, family/personal, or employment-related reasons, are unable to complete an assignment or sit for an examination at the scheduled time, may apply to defer an assessment in the course. Such a request must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. One of the following temporary grades may be awarded: IDS (Incomplete - Deferred Examination; IDM (Incomplete Deferred Make-up); IDB (Incomplete - Both Deferred Examination and Deferred Make-up). |
| 10. | Students are strongly advised to maintain regular contact with their supervisor. |
| 11. | If assignments in the course require the use of surveys, interviews, etc., students should be aware of the University and Faculty of Arts ethical requirements/guidelines. (The course syllabus distributed to students in the first week of teaching provides this information.) |
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Students must submit all assignments and sit for the final examination in order to complete the requirements for this course.
- 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.
- 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).
This version produced 11 Dec 2009.