Course Outline

INT335 International Relations Theory and Practice

Course Coordinator:Stefanie Fishel (sfishel@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2024Semester 2

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

Theory is crucial to how we understand and make meaning of global politics. In this course you will be exposed to the evolution of theories and philosophies concerning international relations and how they apply to and explain a range of practices in world politics. This strong critical underpinning will allow you to actively transform and better navigate the future of world politics.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Weekly tutorials (synchronous) 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Learning materials – Online (asynchronous) learning materials) 1hr Week 1 13 times
Online
Learning materials – Online (asynchronous) learning materials 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Weekly tutorials (synchronous) 2hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

What is International Relations Theory?: Introduction to theory; ontology and epistemology; positivism and post-positivism; Worldviews and Theories in International Relations; Guide to the Course

Realism and Utopia (Part 1): Realism and The Origins of War: The Hobbesian Imaginary and Machiavellian Politics; WWI; the formation of the discipline of IR; war and peace

Realism and Utopia (Part 2): Cosmopolitanism and the Possibilities of Perpetual Peace: The World State and Human Community; Kant; The League of Nations; The Inter-War period; the UN

Power and Institutions: The Neo-Neo-Con Synthesis: International Institutions; The Inter-Paradigm debate; Neorealism; The Neo-Neo Synthesis; Constructivism and the Normative Turn: Is anarchy what states make of it?

Order and Justice: The English School: The Problem of Order and Justice; The Anarchical Society; The expansion of International Society; pluralism & solidarism

Marxism and World-Systems Theory: Marxism; World-Systems Theory: Globalisation, Imperialism and Revolution; the problem of change; JusticeCritical International Relations Theory (Seminar): Critical Theory; Frankfurt School; Welsh School; Critical Security Studies; Positivism, Dialogue and Emancipation

Postmodernism: Postmodernism and the Other in World Politics; boundaries and borders; diversity, difference and otherness; pluralism and relativism; dissidence

Feminism and Gender in World Politics: Confronting Global Patriarchy; gender; human rights and women's rights; private & public; empowerment, opportunity and emancipation

Postcolonialism and the Subaltern: the Other in IR theory: Confronting Marginalisation in the Discipline of IR and the Practices of Sovereignty; epistemology and power; race and racism; empire and neo-colonialism

Green Theory and the Future of World Order: Global environmental crises and possibilities for the future; environmental crises; climate change; biosphere; ecosystems; resilience, mitigation and adaptation; the future of IR

[All course topics contain adult themes]

What level is this course?

300 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth 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 Critically review, analyse and evaluate theories and philosophies of international relations. Creative and critical thinker
2 Communicate international relations theory and philosophy through written and oral modes. Engaged
3 Critique and describe the conflicting ethical issues within various theories of international relation and their application in the practices of world politics Ethical

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

INT235

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

It is assumed students have basic knowledge of international relations as demonstrated by successful completion of any one INT subject.

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 1 Preparation and Participation Portfolio. Students will be given direct oral and written feedback on their preparation and participation in the tutorial related to readings and online-learning materials each week.

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 Portfolio Individual 30%
150 words per week
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) In Class
All 2 Written Piece Individual 20%
Paper is 2x 750 word answers (i.e. 1500 words)
Week 7 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Essay Individual 50%
2000-2500-word essay
Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Portfolio - Preparation and Participation
Goal:
You will complete a written portfolio documenting your engagement with readings and online materials. You will also prepare and participate in tutorials and seminar discussions and activities and constructively respond to course content questions, theories, concepts, and practices.
Product: Portfolio
Format:
Submissions Weeks 1 -11
Preparation for each tutorial and seminar/workshop will require:
reading the required readings for the week;
watching the online recording of the lecture and online materials; 
completing written summaries and/or question/answer (150 words) each week and emailing these to the lecturer prior to the tutorial or workshop/seminar and uploading to Canvas in Discussion format;
reflecting about the issues highlighted for discussion in the tutorial or seminar/workshop. 
Discussions will take place in the tutorials and seminar/workshop which will give you the opportunity to be heard and participate in a range of learning activities. The mark is based on active and informed participation.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Description/explanation of theory
1 2
2
Analysis of international relations theory application
1 3
3
Oral contributions to the class and group discussions ​
2
All - Assessment Task 2:Written Piece - Short Answer
Goal:
You will demonstrate your knowledge and application of international relations theory and practice.
Product: Written Piece
Format:
The short answer paper will consist of responses to two questions (750 words each for a total of 1500 words). You will have a choice of topics that will be listed on Canvas. The paper will be written as a formal academic paper.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Breadth of research, understanding and application of relevant literature; use of IR theories
1 3
2
Application of theory and comprehensiveness of argument in response to question
1 3
3
Critical analysis; critical and lateral thinking; engagement with sources, theories and different viewpoints
1 3
4
Structure of Short Answer
2
5
Language /written expression; written communication skills and academic literacies including English expression grammar, spelling, punctuation
2 3
6
Referencing and citations; ethical use of research and proper conventions
1
7
Use of evidence; range of sources and evidence; quality of sources and evidence
3
All - Assessment Task 3:Essay
Goal:
You will undertake research and write an essay that explores a specific topic regarding international relations theory and practice. In particular, you will critique and describe the conflicting ethical issues within various theories of international relation and their application in the practices of world politics.
Product: Essay
Format:
Academic format 2000-2500 words. This essay is an argumentative piece of writing. Particular attention will be focused on the inclusion of theoretical concepts to support points and arguments made, integration of arguments with theories of international relations, and, critical analysis and synthesis of materials in the essay.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Breadth of research, understanding and application of relevant literature; review of theory/philosophy
1 3
2
Comprehensiveness of argument in response to question
1 3
3
Critical analysis; critical and lateral thinking; engagement with sources, theories and different viewpoints; Critique and description of conflicting ethical issues
1 3
4
Written communication and language
2
5
Referencing and citations – ethical use of research and proper conventions
2
6
Use of evidence; range of sources and evidence; quality of sources and evidence
1 3
7
Structure of essay
2

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 Scott Burchill,Andrew Linklater,Jack Donnelly,Terry Nardin,Matthew Paterson,Christian Reus-Smit,André Saramago,Toni Haastrup,Alina Sajed 2022 Theories of International Relations 5 Bloomsbury

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
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  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au