INTR1007 Australia and the World

2015

4.5

2 x 50-minute lectures weekly
1 x 50-minute tutorial weekly

INTR1007A has been successfully completed

Associated Majors: International Relations, Amercian Studies

Examination 30%, assignment(s)

This topic provides an introduction to the political, historical, diplomatic and social dimensions of Australia's relationship with the rest of the world. It covers Australia's experience within the British Empire; Australian participation in war, peace, trade and diplomacy; the ANZAC tradition; Australia's changing relationship with Asia; Australian foreign policies; and the role of international migration in shaping Australian society and Australia's international image. The topic also examines Australia's bilateral relationships with key countries such as the United States, Britain, Japan, China and Indonesia. There is extensive use of video material.

The topic introduces the political, historical, diplomatic and social dimensions of Australia's relationship with the rest of the world. In the process, it provides a basic introduction to some of the themes taught in other topics within the School of International Studies, and within the International Relations stream in particular.

The curriculum is organised both chronologically and thematically. The topic begins with an analysis of the impact and significance of Australia's modern origins as a series of British colonies and of its historically ambivalent relationship with Asia. The topic then traces Australia's problematic evolution in the twentieth century from a branch of the British empire to its current position as an independent, multicultural 'middle power' within the Asia-Pacific region. The implications of this evolution for Australia's foreign policy and for its relationships with other key countries around the globe are examined. The topic gives special attention to some key foreign countries and regions: the United States, Britain, Europe, the Asian region in general, with Indonesia, China and Japan considered in detail.

The purpose here is

• to illustrate the general themes of the topic with reference to particular cases
• to explain the value to Australian students of a deeper understanding of these countries
• to analyse the significance of these countries as important actors within the international system in their own right
• to explore Australia's bilateral foreign policy, defence, trade, cultural and other relationships with these countries.

On successful completion of this topic, students should be able to:

• demonstrate a basic familiarity with the political, historical, diplomatic and social dimensions of Australia's place in the world
• demonstrate a basic appreciation of the dynamics of the international system and of the academic "international relations" stream which is devoted to its analysis
• demostrate that they have knowledge of Australia's relationship with the key countries and regions examined most closely
• demonstrate research and critical reasoning skills through reading and library work relating to tutorials and written assignments
• demonstrate professional writing skills by producing written assignments and oral communication skills through tutorial discussions.