Credit Points 10

Coordinator Margaret Hanlon Opens in new window

Description This subject is an introduction to the key topics and debates that make up contemporary world politics and international relations. The subject will address the major historical developments, key issues and the various actors and institutions that make up world politics. Students will be introduced to some of the principal international relations theories that will provide them with the tools to investigate specific challenges confronting states, citizens, and non-state actors in our increasingly interconnected world. Issues of war and peace, state sovereignty, globalisation, global inequality, humanitarian intervention and human security will be addressed.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline Political Science

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Equivalent Subjects POLI 1002 Introduction to International Relations
POLI 1003 Introduction to International Relations (WSTC)

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this subject, students will be able to

1. Describe the major developments in the history of world politics and international relations
2. Explain the main components of key international relations theories 
3. Identify and discuss the role of various actors in world politics
4. Examine current debates in world politics and international relations
5. Employ independent research skills
6. Demonstrate effective writing and analytical skills

Subject Content

The topics covered include but are not limited to the following. Not all topics will be included each semester and will not necessarily be taught in the order they are listed below. 

1. A history of international relations
2. The Cold War and post-Cold War world
3. International relations theory
4. Ethics in world politics
5. States, state sovereignty and globalisation
6. International organisations, international law, international regimes and global governance
7. Non-state actors
8. Nationalism
9. Security and insecurity in world politics including human security
10. Terrorist and extremist groups 
11. International political economy
12. Global inequality
13. Human rights and humanitarian intervention
14. Climate change and environmental issues
15. Refugees and migration
16. Global health
17. Gender and race in world politics