Course Outline

INT101 Introduction to International Relations: An Australian Perspective

Course Coordinator:Shannon Brincat (sbrincat@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2024Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course is an introduction to international relations from an Australian and a global perspective. It focuses on the political system and institutions of Australia and their importance in the development of Australian foreign policy and its relations across the globe. It examines a number of key challenges facing the future of world politics. The purpose of the course is to provide you with an engaging, contemporary introduction to the field of international relations. The course provides an opportunity for you to critically examine topic areas of your choice covered within the course. 

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Asynchronous learning materials 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus tutorial 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Online
Learning materials – Asynchronous learning materials 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Online tutorial 2hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

Introduction: What is Politics?

Political Ideas and Ideology

Representation and Democracy

Society and Identity

Political Systems

Political Parties 

Political Assemblies

Law and Consitutions

Regions and Regionalism

Nations and Nationalism

World Order and Global Governance

Security: Domestic and International 

Conclusion: Is Politics Broken?

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Discuss the key theories and practices relating to major events in international politics. Knowledgeable
2 Describe and explain Australia's political institutions, relations with other countries, international organisations and the impact of globalisation on Australian domestic and foreign policy. Knowledgeable
3 Demonstrate critical reasoning and research skills used in international relations and politics. Creative and critical thinker
4 Communicate research through written modes. Engaged

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Formative quiz will be given in Week One for early feedback on assessment. Tutorial in weeks 2-7 will practice writing and researching skills needed for the assessments. 

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Quiz/zes Individual 20%
20 minutes
Refer to Format Online Test (Quiz)
All 2 Examination - not Centrally Scheduled Individual 35%
1000-1500 words
Week 8 Online Submission
All 3 Essay Individual 45%
1000-1500 words
Exam Period Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Weekly reading quizzes
Goal:
You will enhance your knowledge and understanding of the key concepts, practices, and events in international relations found within International Relations academic literature.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format:
Weeks 2-11.
Weekly Canvas quizzes in multiple choice format covering the week's assigned readings.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Identification of concepts, practices and key issues
1 2
2
Critical reasoning
1 3
All - Assessment Task 2:Multiple Choice and Short Essay Question
Goal:
You will demonstrate critical reasoning and research skills used in international relations and politics. You will use the information you have gained from weekly readings, learning materials, tutorials, and quizzes to answer the question you choose from the list distributed from the instructor.
Product: Examination - not Centrally Scheduled
Format:
1000-1500-word essay. You will choose one essay topic from the questions distributed by the instructor. Multiple choice test will be administered on Canvas. Weighting 25% essay and 10% quiz.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Explanation of theory and practice of international relations
1
2
Description of political institutions of Australia and global governance
1
3
Analysis of international relations
2
4
Critical reasoning
3
5
Communication - scholarly and authoritative reference sources are used to directly support claims and arguments
1 3
All - Assessment Task 3:Final Essay
Goal:
You will demonstrate your ability to apply, analyse, synthesise and communicate the knowledge and concepts in international relations and politics. You will concisely answer essay questions using course materials. Multiple choice exam will complement written material.
Product: Essay
Format:
Students will answer two long essay questions and upload to Canvas. Multiple choice questions will be administered on Canvas. Weighting: 35% essay and 10% quiz
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Explanation of theory and practice of international relations
1 2
2
Description of political institutions of Australia and global governance
2
3
Analysis of international relations
1 3 4
4
Critical reasoning
3 4

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required Andrew Heywood 2019 Politics 5 Bloomsbury Press

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au