Download PDF

Course Outline

INT250 Forces of Change in International Politics

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 acquaints you with the forces that have influenced change in international relations and world orders, particularly in the twentieth century. It incorporates elements of political theory so that you acquire basic analytical tools for understanding the development of international relations. From a chronological and a thematic viewpoint, the course analyses the major forces of change - material, institutional, and ideational - in the history, present, and future of international politics.

How will this course be delivered?

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

Course Topics

Introduction to Forces of Change in International Politics

Theories of Change and Transformation

Nationalism, nation states, and global politics

The Cold War/s: superpowers, polarity, and hegemony

Political leadership as a force of change in international politics

Citizens and the state: Human security v. Human rights

The politics of globalisation and the transformation of political community

Colonialism, imperialism, and development

Gender, race, and identity

Environmental change: past and future

Futures of World Orders

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

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 Apply knowledge related to theory, history, and practice of forces of change in world politics. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Ethical
Engaged
Sustainability-focussed
2 Examine and critique international relations theory, concepts, and practice related to forces of change in world politics, including actors, institutions, processes, historical events and current affairs. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Ethical
Sustainability-focussed
3 Research, discuss, apply and communicate knowledge about the relationship between forces of change and world politics. Creative and critical thinker
Ethical
Engaged
Sustainability-focussed
4 Application of scholarly writing and research, in the field of politics and international relations. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Engaged
Sustainability-focussed
5 Research and critically engage with information about events and current affairs related to forces of change in world politics Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Ethical
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

Early feedback is provided in Assessment 3 Preparation and Participation Portfolio throughout all weeks of class. Students will be given direct oral feedback on their preparation and participation in the tutorial related to readings and lecture content.

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 1a Artefact - Creative Individual 15% 
An audio; or visual; artistic; or mixed-media artefact/s
 Week 7 Online Submission
All 1b Written Piece Individual 25% 
1,500 Words.
 Week 7 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Essay Individual 40% 
2000 Words
 Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Portfolio Individual 20% 
200 words - Weeks 1-10
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) In Class
All - Assessment Task 1a:Artefact/s on Forces of Change
Goal: 
To create an audio-visual; mixed media; artistic; audio or other artefact/s that explores one of the counter-factual questions that will be released on Canvass.
Product: Artefact - Creative
Format: 
Using any form of media or communication tools (video, illustration, oral presentation, radio, web etc), students are to develop a short artefact/s that explores one of the counterfactual scenarios released on Canvass.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Comparison of historical events and theory, combining analysis and synthesis of arguments.
 1 2
2 
Engagement with topic area by contrasting sources, and, using theories of IR and politics to ground the vignette
 1 2
3 
Creativity and effectiveness of communicating arguments and information to the audience
 1 2 4
4 
Critical and lateral thinking into the topic area
 3 4
All - Assessment Task 1b:Discussion Paper on Forces of Change Artefact
Goal: 
To write a discussion paper underlying the artefact (Assessment Task 1a) exploring one of the counter-factual questions released on Canvas.
Product: Written Piece
Format: 
The discussion paper is written as a formal, scholarly piece of writing. Students are to write a discussion paper based on research and concepts related to the course, to explore and speculate on an alternative history/counter-factual to world politics. The paper must have appropriate acknowledgement of research sources presented with references. Students will explore one of the counter-factual questions that will be released on Canvas. Particular attention will be focused on the ability to think critically and creatively through different theories, patterns, and conditions of the forces of change in world politics.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Critique and deployment of theory, history, and practice of forces of change in world politics
 1 2 3 5
2 
Creativity in critically exploring concepts related to forces of change in world politics
 2 3
3 
Written expression and organization of the paper
 3 4
4 
Critical analysis and synthesis of research materials/sources
 3 4
5 
Written communication skills and academic literacies including English expression grammar, spelling, punctuation, referencing conventions.
 1 2 4
All - Assessment Task 2:Essay
Goal: 
To undertake research and write an essay that explores forces of change in world politics.
Product: Essay
Format: 
The essay is written as a formal academic essay with appropriate acknowledgement of research sources presented with references.Students will answer one essay question from the topics provided on Canvas. Particular attention will be focused on the inclusion of empirical data to support points and arguments made, integration of arguments with theories of politics and IR, and, on the critical analysis and synthesis of materials in the essay.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Breadth of research, under-standing and application of relevant literature. Critique and deployment of theory, history, and practice of forces of change in world politics.
 1 2 4
2 
Comprehensiveness of argument in response to question. Appropriate and critical use of research to discuss, apply and communicate knowledge about the relationship between forces of change and world politics
 2 4
3 
Critical analysis; critical and lateral thinking; engagement with sources, theories and different viewpoints
 2 5
4 
Use of evidence; range of sources and evidence; quality of sources and evidence.
 1 2 5
5 
Language /written expression; written communication and language; structure of essay
 1 2 3 4 5
6 
Referencing and citations
 1 2 3 5
All - Assessment Task 3:Preparation and Participation Portfolio
Goal: 
Actively prepare for and engage in tutorial discussions and activities; and constructively respond to course content questions, theories and practices.
Product: Portfolio
Format: 
In each tutorial (weeks 1-10).
Tutorial preparation and participation is assessed on active and informed participation. The tutorial provides an opportunity to extend your understanding though an exchange of views, discussion, debate and group exercises. Your contribution needs to be informed. Asserting opinions without providing evidence in support or constantly wandering too far from the set topics will not constitute informed participation. Please note, you will be required to listen to each lecture recording and read all required readings before attending the seminar to understand the key ideas, concepts and themes for the week. Preparation for each tutorial will require: 
 
- reading the required readings for the week; - watching the online materials; - completing written summaries or question/answer of the Portfolio (200 words) each week and emailing these to the lecturer prior to the seminar; - reflecting about the issues highlighted for discussion in the seminar. 
 
Discussions will take place in the tutorial which will give you the opportunity to be heard and participate in a range of learning activities. The mark of 20% is based on active and informed participation but you can only participate if you are present; and you can only participate if you are prepared by having completed the Portfolio. This contributes to peer-to-peer collaborative learning.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Demonstrated knowledge of the required readings and lectures
 1 2 3 4 5
2 
Demonstrated capacity to analyse readings and lecture content
 1 2
3 
Contributed to class and group discussions with relevant and informed comments
 1 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 Richard Devetak,Jim George,Sarah Percy 2017 An Introduction to International Relations Latest or Third Cambridge University 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
Download PDF