The University of New South Wales

go to UNSW home page

Undergraduate Handbook

PRINT THIS PAGE
International Relations: Continuity and Change - POLS1020
The Red Centre promenade

 
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of Social Sciences and International Studies
 
 
Course Outline: http://www.arts.unsw.edu.au/politics/
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Equivalent: INST1002, INST1400
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

An introduction to world politics and its study by scholars of International Relations. The course is in three sections which deal respectively with the key actors in, the dynamics of, and issues currently facing, the system of international politics.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students should:
  • Be able to explain, using specific examples, the role played by various actors in world politics
  • Know the meaning of key terms and concepts used in the study of the international political system
  • Be able to analyse a piece of writing on international politics to discern its underlying assumptions about the nature of the international system
  • Be familiar with realism as the dominant theoretical paradigm in the study of international relations as well as liberalism and Marxist approaches
  • Reference correctly
  • Be able to undertake the necessary research and write an essay on a chosen aspect of the contemporary international political system
  • Know of current issues relating to the future of the system and develop an informed opinion as regards their potential to challenge the nature of the system as it currently operates.

Assessment

  • Tutorial work - 20%
  • Research paper (2000 words) - 45%
  • Two class tests - 35%

URL for this page:

© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.