INTR1006 International Relations: An Introduction

2011

4.5

1 x 2-hour workshop weekly
1 x 1-hour on-line lecture weekly

INTR1006A has been successfully completed

Examination 30%, assignment(s)

Peace, cooperation, war, conflict, nationalist claims. Ever wondered why these phenomena occur? INTR1006 provides insights into relations between countries and groups in the realms of security and military strategy, international political economy, international law and culture.It concludes with an investigation into contemporary global concerns, including those of poverty, energy resources, the environment and religion. Two of the central questions examined in International Relations concern, first whether the outcome of any issue that takes place across international borders comes down to differentials in power. Second it asks what is the signifcance of culture and ideas in these transactions.

Thus international realations offers the opportunity for students not just to be more informed in the matters of their increasingly internationalised world, but importantly it provides students with tools of analysis. As such INTR1006 serves as a basic introduction to, and provides essential background for, many themes that are taught in other upper level topics within the Discipline of International Relations.

This topic provides an introduction to the contested legacy of September 11, 2001 in international relations. It serves as a basic introduction to, and provides essential background information for, many themes that are taught in other topics within the School of International Studies, and in the International Relations stream in particular.

The curriculum is organised thematically. The topic focuses on particular issues whose legacy continues to have a profound but much debated impact on international relations in the twenty-first century, in areas of political economy, warfare in the nuclear age, terrorism, the collapse of empire, and nationalism. It also examines the role of particular states and regions during and after the Cold War.

Students successfully completing this topic should be able to:

• acquire an introductory appreciation of the international system and of the academic 'international relations' stream which is devoted to its analysis
• develop research and critical reasoning skills through reading and library work relating to tutorials and written assignments
• develop professional writing skills by producing written assignments and develop oral communication skills through tutorial discussions.