James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2021

PL3250 - Australia and World Politics

Subject Description

This subject examines Australia in world affairs, with a particular focus on its global position and role. It explores the evolution of Australian foreign, defence and trade policies and investigates the assumptions about Australia and the world which underpin those policies. The subject involves analysis of: theoretical concepts; historical perspectives; process, partisanship and political economy; strategic and defence perspectives.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse and evaluate changing conceptions of Australia's national interests and the strategies employed in advancing them
• Analyse, generate and transmit solutions to unpredictable and the sometimes complex problems of Australia's international relations
• transmit knowledge, skills and ideas on Australias global position and role in world politics
• critically evaluate government and academic literature on Australia's international relations and foreign policy

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination - In class - (40%) - Individual
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (35%) - Individual
• Written > Case study analysis - (25%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Assumed Knowledge:  To undertake this subject, students must have successfully completed 12 credit points (four subjects) of level 1 study at tertiary level

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  PL2250 and PL5250

Availabilities