Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit examines International Relations in its historical context, engaging with major events and developments in the 20th and early 21st centuries. Students will examine the emergence of key theoretical perspectives and the development of core disciplinary concepts. Students will utilize these in engaging with major International Relations issues including the utility and inevitability of war, the role of a balance of power and prospects for peaceful relations between states.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. identify the main actors and structural developments in international relations and describe their roles in contemporary international relations;
2. engage with key debates and identify factors in the evolution of models and practice in international relations;
3. demonstrate an understanding of conceptual and analytical models of international relations;
4. analyse relations between states;
5. identify key international institutions;
6. analyse state-institution relations, drawing upon relevant conceptual models;
7. identify and explain the roles of key determinants of international relations.

Assessment

Essay (2500 words): 20%
Case study (4500 words): 50%
Examination (2 hours): 30%

Chief examiner(s)

Elizabeth Edmondson

Prohibitions

HPL4503