International Relations Theory

Course aim

To introduce students to critical analysis and to develop the capacity to interpret the significance of current events with the help of various theoretical frameworks.

Course content

Students will be introduced to the predominant theories that underpin the study of International Relations today, including Realism, Liberalism, the English School, Critical Theory, Marxism and Constructivism. The goal of this course is to develop the student's ability to form nuanced understandings of current international events by approaching them from different theoretical viewpoints. Understanding the explanatory strengths and blind spots of these alternative paradigms will develop students' skills of critical analysis, which are important in subsequent subjects in the majors this program offers. Discussions about the different theories will be complemented by case studies analysing in depth particular contemporary events.

Textbook(s)

Devetak, R, Burke, A & George, J 2012, An introduction to international relations, 2nd edn, Cambridge University Press, Port Melbourne

Prerequisite(s)

COURSE ALERT: This course is not available to students who have completed: POLI 2011 Contending Theoretical Perspectives in International Politics

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Component	Duration
INTERNAL, MAGILL
Lecture	1 hour x 13 weeks
Seminar	2 hours x 13 weeks
EXTERNAL, MAGILL, ONLINE
Lecture (recorded/online)	1 hour x 13 weeks
Forum discussions and debates	2 hours x 13 weeks

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Continuous Assessment (quizzes), Presentation, Research paper

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 1)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
How to determine your Commonwealth Supported course fee. (Opens new window)

Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
How to determine the relevant non award tuition fee. (Opens new window)

Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.