PL1002:03
World Politics: International Conflict and Cooperation
Townsville, Cairns
HECS Band 1
26 hours lectures, 12 hours tutorials. Semester 2.
Staff: Dr S Maisrikrod (Townsville campus); Dr D Hunt (Cairns campus).
This subject introduces students to international relations with a focus on international conflict and cooperation. It will focus on exploring why conflict emerges between nations and how nations manage (or do not manage) that conflict. The subject will introduce a number of concepts, such as nationalism, sovereignty, power, national interest, state and non-state actors, interdependence, regional integration and international regime, which are central to understanding world politics. The increasing visibility of international institutions (such as the United Nations) in managing conflict and cooperation will also be discussed. The subject will relate these broader concepts to a range of ongoing international issues, including war and peace-keeping, weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, human rights violations, environmental degradation, international migration and refugees, North-South relations and international development. The subject will also discuss Australia’s role as a medium-sized power in the management of international conflict and cooperation.
Learning Objectives:
- provide introductory conceptual tools so that students can better understand and critically analyse issues on an international agenda;
- introduce students in a more systematic and analytical way to understanding conflictual and cooperative relations among states;
- enhance students’ awareness of Australia’s role in the international community;
- create awareness among students about the extent to which they may, as individuals, impact on international events;
- develop students’ critical thinking and skills in research and writing appropriate to the discipline of political science.
Assessment by a combination of a seminar presentation, essay and an examination, weighting to be decided after consultation with students.