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Course Outline

INT335 International Relations Theory and Practice

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

2026Trimester 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, unless your program has specified a mandatory onsite requirement.

Please go to unisc.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 10 times
Learning materials – Online (asynchronous) learning materials) 1hr Week 1 12 times
Online
Learning materials – Online (asynchronous) learning materials 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Weekly tutorials (synchronous) 2hrs Week 1 10 times

Course Topics

Introduction to Theory 

International Relations Theory from Realism to Green Theory

Using Theory for Analysis of Global Politics

 

Mature Content

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.

Microcredential Information

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 1 Intellectual Journal. 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 Journal Individual 20% 
250-350 words per week + tutorial discussion
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Discussion Board
All 2 Plan Individual 30% 
750-1000
 Week 7 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check and in class
All 3 Essay Individual 50% 
1500- 2000 words
 Exam Period Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Intellectual Journal and Discussion Warm-Up
Goal: 
Journals and discussions aim to deepen your understanding of key international relations theories by critically analysing their core assumptions, strengths, and limitations. You should connect the theory to real-world events or case studies, compare it with alternative theoretical approaches, and reflect on its relevance in contemporary global politics. Be prepared to engage with your peers by challenging or expanding on their interpretations, and to support your arguments with scholarly evidence.
Product: Journal
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
Weeks 2-10: Students will complete a written online discussion post documenting their engagement with readings and online materials during the tutorial and use these reflections to discuss in class.
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
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Organisation, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Global Engagement Research Proposal (Part 1)
Goal: 
You will demonstrate your knowledge and application of international relations theory and practice by formulating a compelling, doable, original research proposal on a global issue/topic. The goal is to examine the topic as an international phenomenon (event, actor, historical or current) and to create an abstract, a literature review, and an annotated bibliography. This is the first step of a multistep process culminating in the final draft. You will complete your proposal and then the final essay draft step-by-step throughout the semester.
Product: Plan
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
Online Canvas submission with plagiarism check.
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 
Language /written expression; written communication skills and academic literacies including English expression grammar, spelling, punctuation
 2 3
5 
Referencing and citations; ethical use of research and proper conventions
 1
6 
Use of evidence; range of sources and evidence; quality of sources and evidence
 3
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Collaboration, Organisation, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Global Engagement Research Essay (Part 2)
Goal: 
This essay will be prepared from Part 1: Research Proposal and instructor and peer feedback, Weeks 7-10, and from original research undertaken by the student, relying on course materials, the textbook, and relevant academic sources.
Product: Essay
Authorship Statement:
Format: 
To complete the task, students follow a scaffolded process within Cadmus: 
•	Access the task via Cadmus Classic: Students log in using multi-factor authentication, ensuring secure access. 
•	Engage with writing prompts: Cadmus provides structured guidance, including checkpoints for planning, drafting, and revising. 
•	Submit embedded reflections: Students respond to prompts about their research choices, writing challenges, and learning outcomes. 
•	Save and submit draft
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
Generic Skills: 
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Information literacy

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

You need regular access to the resource(s) below. Many texts are available as ebooks through the Library at no additional cost.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required Oliver Daddow 2017 International Relations Theory Third Sage

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

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.

The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

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

For course-specific questions, contact your teaching staff or Course Coordinator.  

For other enquiries or to access support, please contact Student Central: 

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