Students

POIX108 – Introduction to Global Politics

2017 – S1 OUA

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Tutor/ilearn Convenor
To Be Announced
Lorna Barrow
Glenn Diesen
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
Global politics is often dramatic and contentious covering big picture dilemmas such as what are the causes of war and peace? How do we find solutions to shared global problems like climate change and preventing the spread of nuclear weapons? How do we make sense of persistent poverty and underdevelopment in some parts of the world but not others? Whose political ideas matter most and why? Finally, what have been the implications of globalisation for world politics? This unit equips students with the tools to understand the forces that shape the world we live in by introducing them to the key issues, institutions, ideas and actors involved in global politics. The first section of the unit outlines the historical context, key theories and concepts, and fundamental institutions of contemporary global politics. The second section covers important contemporary issues including security challenges, climate change, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, global inequality, the role of culture, religion and identity in global politics, great power rivalry, and globalisation. The unit gives students the foundations necessary for undertaking a major in International Relations or Politics. All enrolment queries should be directed to Open Universities Australia (OUA): see www.open.edu.au

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.open.edu.au/student-admin-and-support/key-dates/

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Develop the capacity for critical analysis
  • Develop and apply research skills that enable students to provide evidence to support their arguments
  • Develop the skill to write cogently and to structure arguments in a logical order
  • Encourage students to become engaged with the key issues and challenges that are currently facing the world
  • Encourage students to see themselves as agents of positive change
  • Understand and explain the key concepts, theories, methods, and issues relevant to the study of International Relations at an introductory level
  • Identify and understand the defining debates in the field of Global Politics

General Assessment Information

Late Submission

Unless otherwise stated, late submission of written work will result in a deduction of 10% of the mark awarded for each week or part of a week beyond the due date, or date to which an extension has been granted.

Extension Request

Disruption to Studies Procedure (http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/procedure.html)

The University recognises that students may experience disruptions that adversely affect their academic performance in assessment activities.

The disruption to studies policy (http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html) applies only to serious and unavoidable disruptions that arise after a study period has commenced.

Serious and unavoidable disruption

The University classifies a disruption as serious and unavoidable if it:

  • could not have reasonably been anticipated, avoided or guarded against by the student; and
  • was beyond the student's control; and
  • caused substantial disruption to the student's capacity for effective study and/or completion of required work; and
  • occurred during an event critical study period and was at least three (3) consecutive days duration, and/or
  • prevented completion of a final examination.

If you feel that you've been impacted by a serious and unavoidable disruption to study situation, submit an application as follows:

  1. Visit Ask MQ (https://ask.mq.edu.au) and use your OneID to log in via 'Current student domestic and international'
  2. Under 'Forms' select 'disruptions' and fill in your relevant details.
  3. Attach supporting documents by clicking 'Add a reply', click 'browse' and navigating to the files you want to attach, then click 'submit form' to send your notification and supporting documents
  4. Please keep copies of your original documents, as they may be requested in the future as part of the assessment process

Review

Once your submission is assessed, recommendations are sent to your unit convenor to ensure an appropriate solution for affected assessment(s) is organised.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Online Participation 10% No Weekly
Quiz 10% No 30 March 2017
Essay Plan 10% No Friday 7 April 2017
Major Research Essay 40% No Tuesday 2 May 2017
Final Examination 30% No 9 June 2017

Online Participation

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 10%

A discussion board has been set up on ilearn as a forum to facilitate on-line discussion of the course material. Discussion will centre on specific questions which will be uploaded onto the board from week to week. There may also be debates, case studies, and scenarios that will require prior preparation. Students will be assessed on their contributions to the discussion board throughout the semester. 

To encourage regular participation, contributions to the discussion board made on a particular topic will not be assessed unless it is made within a two week period after the relevant lecture. For example, contributions related to the topic discussed in week 2 should be made by week 4 at the latest. As a minimum, you should make at least 6 contributions to the discussion board throughout the semester – however, more frequent participation is encouraged. Further, at least three contributions must be made to a topic in weeks 1-7, and three for a topic in weeks 9-12.

Assessment of participation in the discussion board is based on the quality of your contributions rather than the number of contributions made. The quality of your contributions will be significantly enhanced by the amount of preparation you do each week. To prepare you should read the materials set as 'required reading' on ilearn, engage in any online activities listed for each week, and listen to the lectures. You might also share news reports, video links, articles that you come across and explain why you think they might be relevant to the discussion on a particular topic. Students who complete the readings, and engage with the lecture and online material always get the most benefit from the unit. 

It is also important that the contributions made by students acknowledge previous points of view and provide constructive follow-on comments. That is, there should be an attempt to respond to the comments previously made on a topic. Participants should avoid making unconnected statements unless they wish to start a new thread (raise a new issue). 

Remember also to be courteous to other participants – if you would not make particular comments to another student in person, then you should refrain from making them online. I want to encourage open, friendly, and respectful discussion and debate. 

Contributions to the discussion board made after week 13 will not be assessed.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop the capacity for critical analysis
  • Develop the skill to write cogently and to structure arguments in a logical order
  • Encourage students to become engaged with the key issues and challenges that are currently facing the world
  • Encourage students to see themselves as agents of positive change
  • Understand and explain the key concepts, theories, methods, and issues relevant to the study of International Relations at an introductory level
  • Identify and understand the defining debates in the field of Global Politics

Quiz

Due: 30 March 2017
Weighting: 10%

An online quiz will be released on ilearn on Thursday 30 March 2017. It will be 1 hour in length and consist of multiple choice questions covering the topics discussed in weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the course.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop the capacity for critical analysis
  • Encourage students to become engaged with the key issues and challenges that are currently facing the world
  • Identify and understand the defining debates in the field of Global Politics

Essay Plan

Due: Friday 7 April 2017
Weighting: 10%

This assessment is intended to assist you in researching, planning and writing your major essay. In this task, you will select an essay question for the major essay, complete some preliminary research on the topic, provide an annotated bibliography identifying three key works that you will refer to in the essay, and write an essay plan. Further instructions on how to complete this task will be provided on ilearn and in lectures.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop and apply research skills that enable students to provide evidence to support their arguments
  • Develop the skill to write cogently and to structure arguments in a logical order

Major Research Essay

Due: Tuesday 2 May 2017
Weighting: 40%

This assessment consists of an 1800-2000 word research essay. The word length excludes footnotes and bibliography. Essay topics will be uploaded onto ilearn early in the semester. Essays will be graded using the Discipline of Politics and International Relations' Grade Criteria and Rubric document, which will be uploaded onto ilearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop the capacity for critical analysis
  • Develop and apply research skills that enable students to provide evidence to support their arguments
  • Develop the skill to write cogently and to structure arguments in a logical order
  • Encourage students to become engaged with the key issues and challenges that are currently facing the world
  • Encourage students to see themselves as agents of positive change
  • Understand and explain the key concepts, theories, methods, and issues relevant to the study of International Relations at an introductory level
  • Identify and understand the defining debates in the field of Global Politics

Final Examination

Due: 9 June 2017
Weighting: 30%

Students will complete a take home examination paper. This is an individual assessment task and will cover topics discussed in week 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. 

The paper will be released on ilearn at 9.30 am on Saturday 3 June 2017. The completed paper is due for re-submission on Friday 9 June at 11.59 pm 

Students are expected to be available to complete the exam in the time given. Please see the University's 'Disruption of Studies Policy' below in cases of serious and unavoidable disruption. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop the capacity for critical analysis
  • Develop the skill to write cogently and to structure arguments in a logical order
  • Encourage students to become engaged with the key issues and challenges that are currently facing the world
  • Understand and explain the key concepts, theories, methods, and issues relevant to the study of International Relations at an introductory level
  • Identify and understand the defining debates in the field of Global Politics

Delivery and Resources

Textbook

The following textbook will be used in this course and is required for purchase: 

Lawson, S. (2017). International Relations (3rd Ed) Cambridge MA: Polity Press (ISBN: 9781509508563)

Please ensure that you buy the latest 2017 edition. Copies have been ordered for the Co-op Bookshop located on campus. 

Additional required readings will be available through the library and ilearn. Students will be expected to also conduct their own research using online and other sources to complete some assessment tasks.

Technologies Used

This unit has an online presence in ilearn. Students will require access to reliable broadband and a computer. Students must login to this site, and also their student email account each week. 

To login go to: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/index.php 

Unit Schedule

Week 1 - An Introduction to the study of Global Politics

Week beginning 27 February 

Week 2 - The Historical Context: Political Systems in World History

Week beginning 6 March

Week 3 - The Historical Context: IR in the Twentieth Century

Week beginning 13 March

Week 4 - Theories of International Relations

Week beginning 20 March 

Week 5 - Essay Writing and Research Skills

Week beginning 27 March

QUIZ - Thursday 30 March

Week 6 - Security and Insecurity

Week beginning 3 April. 

ESSAY PLAN DUE Friday 7 April

Week 7 - The Global Governance Challenge

Week beginning 10 April

MID-SEMESTER RECESS - 17 April to 31 April 

Week 8 - No lecture or tutorials

Week beginning 1 May. 

MAJOR ESSAY DUE Tuesday 2 May

Week 9 - International Political Economy

Week beginning 8 May

Week 10 - Religion and Culture in Global Politics

Week beginning 15 May

Week 11 - Great Power Transitions

Week beginning 22 May

Week 12 - Globalisation and the Study of International Relations

Week beginning 29 May

Week 13 - Concluding Comments

Week beginning 5 June

FINAL EXAMINATION - TAKE HOME PAPER

Paper released Saturday 3 June 9.30 am - and is due Friday 9 June at 11.59 pm.

Policies and Procedures

Late Submission - applies unless otherwise stated elsewhere in the unit guide

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Extension Request

Special Consideration Policy and Procedure (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration)

The University recognises that students may experience events or conditions that adversely affect their academic performance. If you experience serious and unavoidable difficulties at exam time or when assessment tasks are due, you can consider applying for Special Consideration.

You need to show that the circumstances:

  1. were serious, unexpected and unavoidable
  2. were beyond your control
  3. caused substantial disruption to your academic work
  4. substantially interfered with your otherwise satisfactory fulfilment of the unit requirements
  5. lasted at least three consecutive days or a total of 5 days within the teaching period and prevented completion of an assessment task scheduled for a specific date.

If you feel that your studies have been impacted submit an application as follows:

  1. Visit Ask MQ and use your OneID to log in
  2. Fill in your relevant details
  3. Attach supporting documents by clicking 'Add a reply', click 'Browse' and navigating to the files you want to attach, then click 'Submit Form' to send your notification and supporting documents
  4. Please keep copies of your original documents, as they may be requested in the future as part of the assessment process

Outcome

Once your submission is assessed, an appropriate outcome will be organised.

OUA Specific Policies and Procedures

Withdrawal from a unit after the census date

You can withdraw from your subjects prior to the census date (last day to withdraw). If you successfully withdraw before the census date, you won’t need to apply for Special Circumstances. If you find yourself unable to withdraw from your subjects before the census date - you might be able to apply for Special Circumstances. If you’re eligible, we can refund your fees and overturn your fail grade.

If you’re studying Single Subjects using FEE-HELP or paying up front, you can apply online.

If you’re studying a degree using HECS-HELP, you’ll need to apply directly to Macquarie University.

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Develop the skill to write cogently and to structure arguments in a logical order

Assessment tasks

  • Online Participation
  • Essay Plan
  • Major Research Essay
  • Final Examination

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Encourage students to become engaged with the key issues and challenges that are currently facing the world
  • Understand and explain the key concepts, theories, methods, and issues relevant to the study of International Relations at an introductory level

Assessment tasks

  • Online Participation
  • Final Examination

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Encourage students to become engaged with the key issues and challenges that are currently facing the world
  • Understand and explain the key concepts, theories, methods, and issues relevant to the study of International Relations at an introductory level
  • Identify and understand the defining debates in the field of Global Politics

Assessment tasks

  • Online Participation
  • Quiz
  • Major Research Essay
  • Final Examination

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop the capacity for critical analysis
  • Develop the skill to write cogently and to structure arguments in a logical order
  • Encourage students to become engaged with the key issues and challenges that are currently facing the world
  • Understand and explain the key concepts, theories, methods, and issues relevant to the study of International Relations at an introductory level
  • Identify and understand the defining debates in the field of Global Politics

Assessment tasks

  • Online Participation
  • Quiz
  • Major Research Essay
  • Final Examination

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop and apply research skills that enable students to provide evidence to support their arguments
  • Develop the skill to write cogently and to structure arguments in a logical order
  • Encourage students to become engaged with the key issues and challenges that are currently facing the world
  • Understand and explain the key concepts, theories, methods, and issues relevant to the study of International Relations at an introductory level
  • Identify and understand the defining debates in the field of Global Politics

Assessment tasks

  • Essay Plan
  • Major Research Essay

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop and apply research skills that enable students to provide evidence to support their arguments
  • Develop the skill to write cogently and to structure arguments in a logical order
  • Understand and explain the key concepts, theories, methods, and issues relevant to the study of International Relations at an introductory level

Assessment tasks

  • Online Participation
  • Essay Plan
  • Major Research Essay
  • Final Examination

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Encourage students to become engaged with the key issues and challenges that are currently facing the world
  • Encourage students to see themselves as agents of positive change

Assessment task

  • Major Research Essay

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Encourage students to become engaged with the key issues and challenges that are currently facing the world
  • Encourage students to see themselves as agents of positive change

Assessment task

  • Online Participation