ISA2035 - Diplomacy in contemporary international relations

Leader(s): Michelle Small

Offered

South Africa Second semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

Basic understandings of diplomacy in international relations are developed: what diplomacy is, what it entails (structure, process, agenda), what some of the complexities, anomalies and challenges are. Follows the historical trajectory of diplomacy in international relations and deliberates upon what are seen as key historical junctures. Seeks to link the relevance of diplomacy to current international issues, events, relations, and nuances. The course is theoretically grounded and practically useful. Relevance is tied directly to contemporary examples and case studies.

Objectives

The objectives lie within five inter-related bands. These concern:

1. factual information;
2. sources and resources;
3. conceptual definitions;
4. academic debates; and
5. analytic communication skills. Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of and familiarity with the following types of information, academic perspectives and skills:

1. Knowledge of the divergent structures, processes, and agendas that exist in multi-issue areas of diplomacy
2. An appreciation of the complexities, problems, anomalies, and challenges that diplomatic negotiations undergo
3. An understanding of what it means to be a diplomat, to partake of diplomatic functions and duties
4. Grounding in the theoretical and normative debates, discourses, and perspectives underpinning foreign policy decision making
5. A familiarity of key terminologies such as foreign policy, game theory, levels of analysis, rational choice theory, bureaucratic politics model, group think, instrumental rationality, procedural rationality, policy agenda, mediation, arbitration, negotiation, sanctions, carrot and stick approach, brokering, brinkmanship policies
6. Experience in conducting independent research and writing tasks, utilising a wide array of primary, secondary, visual, and electronic resources
7. Improved oral, debating, presentation, and writing skills
8. Students undertaking this unit at a third year level will be expected to meet all these objective criteria at a higher level of demonstrable and proven competency than those completing the unit at a second year level.

Assessment

Primary source material (900 words): 20%
Case Study analysis (900 words): 20%
Research Essay (1800 words): 40%
Tutorial Presentation and Participation (900 words): 40%

Contact hours

1 x 2 hr lecture + 1 hr tutorial + 9 hours of private study per week.

Prerequisites

INT1010 and INT1020

Prohibitions

INT2035 and INT3035 and ISA3035