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Course Description
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Course Name
Foundations of International Relations
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Host University
University of Newcastle
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Location
Newcastle, Australia
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Area of Study
International Relations, Political Science
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Language Level
Taught In English
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Prerequisites
10 units in Politics at 1000 level or equivalent
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Course Level Recommendations
Upper
ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.
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Host University Units
10 -
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits3 - 4
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Recommended U.S. Quarter Units4 - 6
Hours & Credits
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Overview
Foundations of International Relations examines the fundamental principles of international relations. The course will provide students with an understanding of the origins and evolution of the key concepts and theories that have been developed to explain the relations between modern nation-states. This will include detailed analysis of concepts such as idealism, realism, neo-realism, social constructivism, collective security, multilateralism, unilateralism, and the idea of the just war as well as analysis of approaches to statecraft, security, and diplomacy. These analyses will be situated in the context of significant international events such as colonialism and decolonization, the two World Wars, the Cold war, the post-September 11 reconfiguration of political relations, and the emerging doctrine of pre-emption.LEARNING OUTCOMES1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the nature and significance of politics and governance2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of differences in political systems and the contexts in which they operate3. Apply concepts and theories used in the study of political science to the analysis of interests, ideas, institutions and political behaviour4. Critically evaluate different interpretations of political phenomena5. Demonstrate knowledge of the different research methods used to investigate political phenomena6. Demonstrate the capacity to use the different research methods used to investigate political phenomena7. Demonstrate the capacity to develop evidence-based argument and evaluation8. Gather, organise and use evidence from a variety of secondary and primary sources9. Identify, investigate, analyse, formulate and advocate solutions to problems10. Communicate effectively in oral and/or written work11. Recognise the importance of ethical standards of conduct in the research and analysis of politicsCONTENTThe course content will be drawn from but not restricted to:- Debates about the development of the Western system of relations between states from the Treaty of Westphalia to the present.
- Detailed analysis of core theoretical concepts such as idealism, realism, neo-realism, multilateralism, unilateralism.
- Discussion of the role of war (and terrorism) as an extension of politics and the role of diplomacy and statecraft.
- Analysis of the role of ethics and justice in international relations.
- Introduction to issues such as human rights, war crimes and a consideration of the role and justification for the use of weapons of mass destruction.
- Introduction to core security issues and concepts.
ASSESSMENT ITEMSWritten Assignment: Oral Reviews and Tutorial PapersEssay: Essay / Contemporary / Analysis
Course Disclaimer
Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.