Students
IRPG841 – Theories of International Relations
2019 – S1 External
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Aleksandar Pavkovic
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MIntRel or PGDipIntRel or GradDipIntRel or MIntCommMIntRel or MIntBusMIntRel or MSecStrategicStudMCrim or MSecStrategicStudMIntell or MSecStrategicStudMCyberSec or MSecStrategicStudMCTerrorism or MIntellMCrim or MIntellMCyberSec or MIntellMCTerrorism or MCTerrorismMCrim or MIntRelMIntTrdeComLaw or MTransInterMIntRel or MConfInt or GradCertIntRel or MPPP or MPPPMIntRel or GradCertPP or GradDipPP or MSecStrategicStud or MCrim or MIntell or MCTerrorism or MIntPubDip or MDevStud or MPASRMDevStud or MPPPMDevStud
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides students with a grounding in the principle theoretical approaches to the study of international relations and world order. Beginning with a focus on the historical emergence of traditional approaches such as realism, liberalism and Marxism and their competing perspectives on the causes of war and the conditions for peace, the unit goes on to consider more recent approaches, including gender approaches, critical theory, constructivism, postcolonialism, postmodernism and green theory.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- As a core compulsory unit for all students in the MIR program, this unit provides an essential grounding in theories of International Relations (IR).
- Students will gain a critical appreciation of traditional theoretical approaches to the study of international relations as well as of newer approaches that have emerged in recent years.
- Students will be able to practically apply IR theory to the analysis of issues in the general field of international politics
General Assessment Information
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.”
In all your assessment tasks, you are obliged to avoid unacceptable academic activities including plagiarism and contract-cheating. See Policies and Procedures, below Academic Integrity Policy, Part B Unacceptable academic activities. Students' alleged ingorance of the University Academic Integrity Policy is not accepted as an excuse for engaging in unacceptable academic activities.
The unit convenor does not grant extensions to any assessment tasks. For the procedure see below Policies and Procedures, Special Consideration Policy.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation | 15% | No | ongoing |
| An article review | 15% | No | 25 March 5pm |
| Online test | 30% | No | Week 13 |
| Research essay | 40% | No | 20 May, 5 pm |
Participation
Due: ongoing
Weighting: 15%
External students will participate in weekly online discussions for this unit each week. You will respond to a question posed each week the External Students Forum. Questions will usually deal with the cases studies discussed in the textbook chapters. Responses should be posted before Monday of the following week.
You should aim to post around 200 words every week (except the reading week and the final week of lectures). No referencing is required BUT it is very important to avoid plagiarism, that is, copying of any text from any sources into your posts. Your posts have to be in your own words and they have to be written specifically for this purpose (you cannot use a text you have written for another purpose). If plagiarism is detected in any one of your posts at the end of the semester (when all posts are marked), you may fail the whole assessment task. In order to get 8 points (the lowest passing mark) you need to post at least 8 post/responses. Each post will not be marked but an over-all mark for all the posts will be given for each student.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- As a core compulsory unit for all students in the MIR program, this unit provides an essential grounding in theories of International Relations (IR).
- Students will gain a critical appreciation of traditional theoretical approaches to the study of international relations as well as of newer approaches that have emerged in recent years.
- Students will be able to practically apply IR theory to the analysis of issues in the general field of international politics
An article review
Due: 25 March 5pm
Weighting: 15%
You should write a short review of one of the additonal readings from the first four weeks of the unit. You choose the reading you want to write about. You need to summarize the argument in this reading in your own words and, if you wish, offer a critical comment (the latter is not obligatory).The review should have a basic structure of an essay. Its maximum length is 800 words. In this assessment task you should show how well you understand the chosen text and its argument as well as your ability to write succinctly and coherently. It should be posted via Turntin (Short review slot).
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Students will gain a critical appreciation of traditional theoretical approaches to the study of international relations as well as of newer approaches that have emerged in recent years.
- Students will be able to practically apply IR theory to the analysis of issues in the general field of international politics
Online test
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 30%
External students will have one-hour online test on the same day as internal students in Week 13. You will be notified of the date and time (the test will be open for at least 8 hours so you can choose the time when you will access but you will be able to access it only for an hour) There will be four questions out of which you will select two questions to answer in the form of a short essay. The questions will be restricted to material from the required readings and lectures (no names and dates will need to be memorized). The test aims to test your comprehension of the theories discussed in the unit and their basic form of argumentation (methodology). You are not supposed to use any sources but you can use hardcopy foreign language dictionaries.
Only one hour is alloted for this examination, after which you will not be able to access the exam space. Your answers will be tested for plagiarism as any other online submission (using copy and paste to write your answeers is plagiarism, of course, and will be penalized accordingly). You should answer in your own words only.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- As a core compulsory unit for all students in the MIR program, this unit provides an essential grounding in theories of International Relations (IR).
- Students will gain a critical appreciation of traditional theoretical approaches to the study of international relations as well as of newer approaches that have emerged in recent years.
Research essay
Due: 20 May, 5 pm
Weighting: 40%
An essay of up to 2,500 words max. You must include the word count on the title page of your essay. If you exceed the word limit by more than 10% you will be penalised. Essays that are well short of the word limit (more than 10% under) will also be penalised.
POIR702 students: your essay should be 3,500-4000 words long. All other assessment tasks are the same as for IRPG841 students.
A list of possible topics/questions for your essay will be posted on iLearn at the end of the 4th week. You should choose one topic from the list and write an essay on that topic/question.Be sure to include examples (one or more case studies) to support your argument.
All essays should be upload it through Turnitin - no hardcopy is required.
In all your assessment tasks, and in your Research Essay, you are obliged to avoid unacceptable academic activities including plagiarism and contract-cheating. See Policies and Procedures, below Academic Integrity Policy, Part B Unacceptable academic activities. Students' alleged ingorance of the University Academic Integrity Policy is not accepted as an excuse for engaging in unacceptable academic activities.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- As a core compulsory unit for all students in the MIR program, this unit provides an essential grounding in theories of International Relations (IR).
- Students will gain a critical appreciation of traditional theoretical approaches to the study of international relations as well as of newer approaches that have emerged in recent years.
- Students will be able to practically apply IR theory to the analysis of issues in the general field of international politics
Delivery and Resources
Teaching Methods/Mode of Delivery
There will be two hour lecture and one hour tutorial every week. Students will present in the tutorial hour.
Prerequisites and Preparation
Students taking this unit inevitably come from a wide range of academic backgrounds. Some students will already have been introduced to the study of IR, and IR theory, at undergraduate level. For others, this unit will be their first experience of the subject, or of the more general field of political studies, of which IR is a part. For those with little or no previous background in the study of politics and IR, it is essential that you do some extra reading and preparation for the unit. Even if you have done some politics and IR before, you will benefit from some revision.
Textbooks and Sources: The core text for IRPG841 is: International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity, edited by Tim Dunne, Milja Kurki ,Steve Smith, Oxford University Press. Each chapter is written by a leading theorist who is working on the theory which she or he is writing about. The texts are thus coming from the actual theorists-practiotioners.
It should be available to be purchased at the co-op book store. Most of the required readings for each week’s topic will come from the textbook. The required reading for week 12 "Foreign Policy analysis" comes from Chapter 10, Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches by Robert Jackson and Georg Sørensen, Oxford University Press, Fifth edition. This should be available online in due course.
There will be also additional readings which are optional. Some of them, including videos, were provided by the previous convenor Dr Keane.
In a few lecture sessions, the slides from the previous convenor of this unit, Dr Conor Keane are also available. These slides provide interesting illustrations - which I left in the context of his own lecture slides.
Unit Schedule
The following are topics of lecture sessions by the week (teaching):
1. Introduction to IR Theory
2. Normative International Relations Theory
3. Realism: Classical
4. Realism: Structural
5. Liberalism and Neoliberalism
6. International Society approach (the English School)
7. Constructivism
8. Marxism and Critical Theory
9. Reading week - Essay Preparation
10. Post-structuralism, Post-Colonialism and Feminism
11. Green Theory and Globalization
12. Foreign Policy Analysis: Individual Actors and Bureaucracies
13. IR Theory: One and Many
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- As a core compulsory unit for all students in the MIR program, this unit provides an essential grounding in theories of International Relations (IR).
- Students will gain a critical appreciation of traditional theoretical approaches to the study of international relations as well as of newer approaches that have emerged in recent years.
- Students will be able to practically apply IR theory to the analysis of issues in the general field of international politics
Assessment tasks
- An article review
- Online test
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- As a core compulsory unit for all students in the MIR program, this unit provides an essential grounding in theories of International Relations (IR).
- Students will gain a critical appreciation of traditional theoretical approaches to the study of international relations as well as of newer approaches that have emerged in recent years.
- Students will be able to practically apply IR theory to the analysis of issues in the general field of international politics
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- An article review
- Online test
- Research essay
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- As a core compulsory unit for all students in the MIR program, this unit provides an essential grounding in theories of International Relations (IR).
- Students will gain a critical appreciation of traditional theoretical approaches to the study of international relations as well as of newer approaches that have emerged in recent years.
- Students will be able to practically apply IR theory to the analysis of issues in the general field of international politics
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- An article review
- Online test
- Research essay
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- As a core compulsory unit for all students in the MIR program, this unit provides an essential grounding in theories of International Relations (IR).
- Students will gain a critical appreciation of traditional theoretical approaches to the study of international relations as well as of newer approaches that have emerged in recent years.
- Students will be able to practically apply IR theory to the analysis of issues in the general field of international politics
Assessment task
- Research essay
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- As a core compulsory unit for all students in the MIR program, this unit provides an essential grounding in theories of International Relations (IR).
- Students will gain a critical appreciation of traditional theoretical approaches to the study of international relations as well as of newer approaches that have emerged in recent years.
- Students will be able to practically apply IR theory to the analysis of issues in the general field of international politics
Assessment tasks
- Participation
- An article review
- Online test
- Research essay
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Students will gain a critical appreciation of traditional theoretical approaches to the study of international relations as well as of newer approaches that have emerged in recent years.
- Students will be able to practically apply IR theory to the analysis of issues in the general field of international politics
Assessment task
- Online test
Changes from Previous Offering
This is a newly designed unit which thematically (as expected) overlaps with the previous unit.