General Information
This subject will provide students with a familiarity with the basic concepts and theoretical approaches in International Relations to provide them with a framework to analyse and understand contemporary international affairs. The design of this subject is intended to provide students with a broad focus on the matter of international relations. Upon the provision of a theoretical foundation, students will investigate topics such as war and peace, the state and nationalism, sovereignty and intervention, non-state actors, and human security.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Society & Design Subject code: INTR11-100 Subject title: Introduction to International Relations Subject level: Undergraduate Semester/Year: September 2020 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Standard Workload items: - Lecture: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Weekly Lecture
- Tutorial: x12 (Total hours: 12) - Weekly Tutorial
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 84) - Recommended Study Hours
Attendance and learning activities: -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- Richard Devetak, Jim George,Sarah Percy (2017). An Introduction to International Relations. 3rd ed, Cambridge University Press 620
iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the online learning environment at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, lecture recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Society & Design |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | INTR11-100 |
| Subject title: | Introduction to International Relations |
| Subject level: | Undergraduate |
| Semester/Year: | September 2020 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the online learning environment at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, lecture recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.
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| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Compare and contrast the main theoretical foundations of the modern International Relations system through the application of theoretical constructs to historical, and contemporary issues in International Relations.
- Convey an understanding of the contentious debates around contemporary international relations issues, in both the written and oral form, in such a way that generates both critical and persuasive arguments.
- Develop their ability to analyse International Relations and political science related materials to provide them with skills required to enhance their employability in a variety of fields.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed *Online Quiz Mid-Term Test 30% Week 7 1,2,3 Project Research Project Part 2: Final Report 35% Week 12 1,2,3 *Class Participation Preparation and Contribution 10% Ongoing 1,2,3 Project Research Project Part 1: Plan & Presentation 25% In Consultation 1,2,3 - * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| *Online Quiz | Mid-Term Test | 30% | Week 7 | 1,2,3 |
| Project | Research Project Part 2: Final Report | 35% | Week 12 | 1,2,3 |
| *Class Participation | Preparation and Contribution | 10% | Ongoing | 1,2,3 |
| Project | Research Project Part 1: Plan & Presentation | 25% | In Consultation | 1,2,3 |
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A student who has not established a basis for an extension in compliance with University and Faculty policy either by 1) not applying before the assessment due date or 2) by having an application rejected due to failure to show a justifiable cause for an extension, will receive a penalty on assessment submitted after its due date. The penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment for every day late, with the first day counted after the required submission time has passed. No assessment will be accepted for consideration seven calendar days after the due date. Where a student has been granted an extension, the late penalty starts from the new due date and time set out in the extension.
Academic Integrity
University’s Academic Integrity Policy defines plagiarism as the act of misrepresenting as one’s own original work: another’s ideas, interpretations, words, or creative works; and/or one’s own previous ideas, interpretations, words, or creative work without acknowledging that it was used previously (i.e., self-plagiarism). The University considers the act of plagiarising to be a breach of the Student Conduct Code and, therefore, subject to the Discipline Regulations which provide for a range of penalties including the reduction of marks or grades, fines and suspension from the University.
Bond University utilises Originality Reporting software to inform academic integrity.Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, as per the Assessment Policy.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
If you have a disability, illness, injury or health condition that impacts your capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks, it is important you let us know your special requirements, early in the semester. Students will need to make an application for support and submit it with recent, comprehensive documentation at an appointment with a Disability Officer. Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Office at the earliest possible time, to meet staff and learn about the services available to meet your specific needs. Please note that late notification or failure to disclose your disability can be to your disadvantage as the University cannot guarantee support under such circumstances.
Additional subject information
Subject curriculum
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The Foundations of International Relations
The lecture series will start by introducing students to the foundations of international relations: answering the why, and how, we as students in the 21st century will be investigating how the world works.
SLOs included
- Convey an understanding of the contentious debates around contemporary international relations issues, in both the written and oral form, in such a way that generates both critical and persuasive arguments.
- Develop their ability to analyse International Relations and political science related materials to provide them with skills required to enhance their employability in a variety of fields.
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The Theoretical Toolbox (I)
In the next part of the subject, students will be introduced to the main theoretical foundations of modern International Relations: Realism & Liberalism.
SLOs included
- Compare and contrast the main theoretical foundations of the modern International Relations system through the application of theoretical constructs to historical, and contemporary issues in International Relations.
- Convey an understanding of the contentious debates around contemporary international relations issues, in both the written and oral form, in such a way that generates both critical and persuasive arguments.
- Develop their ability to analyse International Relations and political science related materials to provide them with skills required to enhance their employability in a variety of fields.
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The Theoretical Toolbox (II)
Continuing the discussion of the theoretical foundations of IR, this week will investigate Social Constructivism and some of the other minor - but no less important - theories within IR.
SLOs included
- Compare and contrast the main theoretical foundations of the modern International Relations system through the application of theoretical constructs to historical, and contemporary issues in International Relations.
- Convey an understanding of the contentious debates around contemporary international relations issues, in both the written and oral form, in such a way that generates both critical and persuasive arguments.
- Develop their ability to analyse International Relations and political science related materials to provide them with skills required to enhance their employability in a variety of fields.
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Political Organisation (I): Power: Hard & Soft
Power is a central element of the International Relations system developing an appreciation for them, and how power can be utilised in both a traditional "hard" approach and the non-traditional "soft" approach, is vital to our understanding of the modern world.
SLOs included
- Compare and contrast the main theoretical foundations of the modern International Relations system through the application of theoretical constructs to historical, and contemporary issues in International Relations.
- Convey an understanding of the contentious debates around contemporary international relations issues, in both the written and oral form, in such a way that generates both critical and persuasive arguments.
- Develop their ability to analyse International Relations and political science related materials to provide them with skills required to enhance their employability in a variety of fields.
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Political Organisation (II): Politics, Nationalism, and the State
An investigation into the establishment of the modern state system and the evolution of politics and nationalism.
SLOs included
- Compare and contrast the main theoretical foundations of the modern International Relations system through the application of theoretical constructs to historical, and contemporary issues in International Relations.
- Convey an understanding of the contentious debates around contemporary international relations issues, in both the written and oral form, in such a way that generates both critical and persuasive arguments.
- Develop their ability to analyse International Relations and political science related materials to provide them with skills required to enhance their employability in a variety of fields.
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Emerging Power Networks: NGOs, Institutions, and Global Norms
The task of this week's lecture is to first introduce students to the ideas of networks and meta-geography. The lecture will then delve into three types of non-state actors: NGOs, MNCs, and IGOs to illustrate how these networks increasingly challenge the state.
SLOs included
- Compare and contrast the main theoretical foundations of the modern International Relations system through the application of theoretical constructs to historical, and contemporary issues in International Relations.
- Convey an understanding of the contentious debates around contemporary international relations issues, in both the written and oral form, in such a way that generates both critical and persuasive arguments.
- Develop their ability to analyse International Relations and political science related materials to provide them with skills required to enhance their employability in a variety of fields.
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War
This week students will investigate the concept of ‘war’ and the variety of debates surrounding the causes of this traditional security issue. The lecture will also look towards the idea of justifying war through the Just War theory and the ethics of the Global War on Terror.
SLOs included
- Compare and contrast the main theoretical foundations of the modern International Relations system through the application of theoretical constructs to historical, and contemporary issues in International Relations.
- Convey an understanding of the contentious debates around contemporary international relations issues, in both the written and oral form, in such a way that generates both critical and persuasive arguments.
- Develop their ability to analyse International Relations and political science related materials to provide them with skills required to enhance their employability in a variety of fields.
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Peace
The approach of this week's lecture is a challenge to the student to discover just what peace actually is: is it merely the absence of conflict? or something more? In order to address these questions, the lecture will touch on defining peace and introducing the area of peace studies. The lecture then focuses on various attempts at world peace, and peace activism.
SLOs included
- Compare and contrast the main theoretical foundations of the modern International Relations system through the application of theoretical constructs to historical, and contemporary issues in International Relations.
- Convey an understanding of the contentious debates around contemporary international relations issues, in both the written and oral form, in such a way that generates both critical and persuasive arguments.
- Develop their ability to analyse International Relations and political science related materials to provide them with skills required to enhance their employability in a variety of fields.
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Traditional Security & Human Security
Next, students will learn about different aspects of traditional security as well as the human security framework.
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Climate Change
This week will look towards the human security implications of climate change in the 21st century.
SLOs included
- Compare and contrast the main theoretical foundations of the modern International Relations system through the application of theoretical constructs to historical, and contemporary issues in International Relations.
- Convey an understanding of the contentious debates around contemporary international relations issues, in both the written and oral form, in such a way that generates both critical and persuasive arguments.
- Develop their ability to analyse International Relations and political science related materials to provide them with skills required to enhance their employability in a variety of fields.
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Human Rights
This lecture addresses the evolution of human rights and some of the challenges that exist in the struggle for human rights within the modern international relations system.
SLOs included
- Compare and contrast the main theoretical foundations of the modern International Relations system through the application of theoretical constructs to historical, and contemporary issues in International Relations.
- Convey an understanding of the contentious debates around contemporary international relations issues, in both the written and oral form, in such a way that generates both critical and persuasive arguments.
- Develop their ability to analyse International Relations and political science related materials to provide them with skills required to enhance their employability in a variety of fields.
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Future International Relations
The lecture series will conclude with a brief overview of some of the issues that IR will be forced to confront over the coming years.
SLOs included
- Compare and contrast the main theoretical foundations of the modern International Relations system through the application of theoretical constructs to historical, and contemporary issues in International Relations.
- Convey an understanding of the contentious debates around contemporary international relations issues, in both the written and oral form, in such a way that generates both critical and persuasive arguments.
- Develop their ability to analyse International Relations and political science related materials to provide them with skills required to enhance their employability in a variety of fields.