POLS8603: International Relations in the Asia-Pacific RegionAvailability: Semester 1 2010
The unit reviews the
historical evolution of relations in the Asia-Pacific (East Asia, South Asia
and the South Pacific), before devoting attention to the contemporary foreign
policies of states, such as China, Japan, India, the USA and Australia, which
are influential in the affairs of this region. Regional organizations, human
security issues, and Australia’s
changing relations with the region are among the topics expected to be
investigated.
POLS8605: States and International Political Economy
Availability: Semester 1 2010
States
exist in an international system of political, military and economic
interdependence. The unit investigates
this political-economic system, its key institutions (World Bank, World Trade
Organization, International Monetary Fund) and its consequences for political
stability and economic growth. Topics are expected to include the capacity of
institutions to assist less developed countries and to deal with resource
scarcity, climate change and environmental degradation.
POLS8602: The International Political System: Evolution and Contemporary
Issues
Availability: Semester 2 2010
The unit reviews the
historical development of the international system from various Western and
non-Western perspectives. It investigates the extent to which a norm of
sovereign independence and non-intervention has defined this system, and whether
the norm is now fundamentally challenged. Particular attention is paid to the
implications of the end of the Cold War and of a range of contemporary
challenges in world politics.
POLS8604: Problems of International Security
Availability: Semester 2 2010
The unit analyses contemporary
international problems affecting the security of individuals, communities and
states and the means available to resolve them. Relevant subject matter
includes key institutions and actors involved in global and regional security;
perspectives on issues such as such as nuclear weapons, terrorism, and
humanitarian intervention; and contemporary conflict situations and their
prospects for resolution. Topics may
differ from year to year depending on staff input.
POLS8601: Identities in Global Politics
Availability: Not available in 2010
The
unit examines competing identities in global politics, with a focus on
nationalism and ethnicity in various regions and on Islam as a global religion.
Relevant subject matter includes the competing identity claims of nationalism
and cosmopolitanism, forms of contemporary nationalism, nationalist rivalry and
ethnic conflicts in Asia, and the role of
Islam in contemporary international politics. The attention given to different
parts of the unit may vary from year to year.
POLS8606: Theory and Method in International
Relations
Availabillity: Not available in 2010
The unit explores the role of
theory and method in research in international relations. Students are
introduced to a number of major contending theories and approaches in the field
and their application in major contributions to the international relations’
literature. Further, commonly used research methods are examined and several
methodological issues are discussed. Students taking this unit may have an
opportunity to apply knowledge gained to the design of their own research
project.
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