POLIS 1102 - Global Transformations

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to international politics and international relations, focusing in particular on its origins and historical evolution, its key concepts, major theoretical frameworks, main actors, institutions, architecture of power, and its dynamic nature in the process of globalisation. It introduces concepts of power, political economy, statecraft, diplomacy, foreign policy, and international security, and examines the evolution of international politics in the 20th and 21st centuries.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code POLIS 1102
    Course Global Transformations
    Coordinating Unit Politics and International Relations
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Incompatible POLI 1102
    Course Description This course provides a comprehensive introduction to international politics and international relations, focusing in particular on its origins and historical evolution, its key concepts, major theoretical frameworks, main actors, institutions, architecture of power, and its dynamic nature in the process of globalisation. It introduces concepts of power, political economy, statecraft, diplomacy, foreign policy, and international security, and examines the evolution of international politics in the 20th and 21st centuries.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Benito Cao

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    Lectures: Tuesday    4pm -  5pm  --  The Braggs, G76 [Bragg Lecture Theatre]
                   Thursday 11am - 12pm  --  The Braggs, G76 [Bragg Lecture Theatre]

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. understand the broad history of international relations
    2. understand the key concepts and theories of global politics
    3. identify and discuss the major actors and processes of global politics
    4. think critically about the fundamental dimensions of global politics
    5. conduct independent research utilising a variety of sources
    6. critically engage with contemporary global political issues
    7. produce coherent and well substantiated arguments
    8. express ideas confidently, thoughtfully and respectfully
    9. work with others in the exploration of relevant political content
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2, 3, 4
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 5, 6, 7, 8
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 6, 7, 8, 9
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 5
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 3, 4, 6, 8, 9
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Textbook, Course Reader and access to MyUni. The textbook for this course is:

    Robert Jackson: Global Politics in the 21st century. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (2013).
    Recommended Resources
    Recommended resources such as additional readings, essay writing guides and referencing guidelines will be uploaded throughout the semester onto the Course Webpage located on MyUni.

    The following introductory text is also highly recommended:
    Peter Sutch and Juanita Elias: International Relations: The Basics. London and New York (2007).
    Online Learning

    MyUni will be utilised to upload additional resources, including recommended resources as well as links to news items suggested by students during the course. Lectures will be recorded and available on MyUni.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course is comprised primarily of lectures and tutorials. The lectures will introduce the key concepts, theories and themes, using a combination of multi-media sources (e.g. slides, videos, web-links, etc.).

    The tutorials will consist of small-group activities and semi-structured debates on the weekly topics.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Lecture attendance: 24 hours (2 hours per week)
    Tutorial attendance: 12 hours (1 hour per week)
    Tutorial preparation: 36 hours (3 hours per week)
    Written assignments: 84 hours
                   Class test: 16 hours    
                   Minor essay: 24 hours
                   Major essay: 44 hours

    Total: 156 hours (approx. 10 hours per week)
    Learning Activities Summary
    Week 1: Introduction to Global Politics
    Week 2: The Making of the 21st century
    Week 3: Theories of International Politics
    Week 4: The State and the Global System
    Week 5: Global Governance in Transition
    Week 6: Politics beyond the Nation-State
    Week 7: War, Terrorism and Global Conflict
    Week 8: Diplomacy and International Organisation
    Week 9: Human Rights and International Ethics
    Week 10: The Politics of Global Economics
    Week 11: Global Threats: Environment
    Week 12: The Future of Global Politics
    Specific Course Requirements
    none
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    Tutorials will include small-group activities and semi-structured discussions designed to provide students with a fulfilling 'small group discovery experience'. Students will also be encouraged to work in small groups outside the classroom, including in the research and production of some of their assignments.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Tutorial Work - 15% [weekly]
    Minor Essay - 25% [due date: tba]
    Major Essay - 40% [due date: tba]
    Multiple Choice Test - 20% [date: tba]
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Attendance at tutorials is compulsory. Failure to attend three or more tutorials without permission from the tutor or the course coordinator can result in the student being precluded from passing the course.

    Essays must be submitted both in hard copy, through the Politics Essay Box, Napier Level 4, and electronically, to Turnitin. In exceptional circumstances (e.g. work commitments, students from rural areas), upon notification to and approval by the course coordinator, the Turnitin copy will be sufficient.
    Assessment Detail
    Tutorial Work: Tutorials are forums for free exchange and discussion of informed opinions, that is, ideas and thoughts based on reading and reflection, as well as places for raising questions and for the exchange of relevant information. All students are expected to have read the required readings in preparation for the tutorials. Tutorials will be assessed on the basis of the depth of knowledge on the weekly topic, the quality of engagement with the weekly readings and other materials, and the attitude displayed towards the arguments and contributions of others. Tutorial work will include small-group presentations and semi-structured debates. Additional guidelines will be provided during the first tutorials, in Week 1.

    Minor Essay: The minor essay is designed to assess the student’s understanding of the main theories, concepts and actors of global politics (e.g. Liberalism, Realism, Feminism, the State, the United States, the European Union, the United Nations, etc.). This task will also assess the student’s ability to think critically and produce coherent and substantiated arguments. Students can formulate their own question (with their tutor’s approval) or select one the following options:
              1. In defence of Realism
              2. In defence of Liberalism
              3. In defence of the State
              4. In defence of the United Nations

    Research Essay: The research essay is designed to assess the student’s ability to conduct independent research, evaluate relevant materials, and formulate a coherent, sophisticated and well-substantiated argument on one of the topics covered in the course. Students will be able to select an essay question from a list that will be posted on MyUni, or come up with their own question. Those who choose to write their own question must get approval from their tutor no less than two weeks prior to the due date.

    Multiple Choice Test: A multiple-choice test will be held in the final teaching week. The test will assess the student's knowledge of the key concepts, theories and themes explored throughout the course. The test will be based on the material covered during the lectures and contained in the required readings.

    Important Note: essential information to complete these assignments successfully will be provided in due course in tutorials and on MyUni in the form of responses to frequently asked questions [FAQs].
    Submission
    • You must complete and attach a coversheet to all work that is submitted in hard-copy. Makers have the right to refuse to accept assignments which do not have a signed coversheet.
    • Coversheets are available on MyUni. Please be sure to read the declaration relating to plagiarism before signing. Please ensure you use the 'date stamper' to stamp your coversheet before placing your essay in the essay box. The office will no longer provide coversheets.
    • Essays must be submitted both in hard copy, through the Politics Essay Box, Napier Level 4, and electronically, to Turnitin (linke available on the Course Website, through MyUni). In exceptional circumstances (e.g. work commitments, students from rural areas), upon notification to and approval by the course coordinator, the Turnitin copy will be sufficient.
    •  Students must apply for extensions through the official procedure unless:
    •          1. The student is only requesting a short extension of two days or less. 
               2. The assessment is worth 20% or less.
               3. The student is registered with the Disability Office and has a Disability Access Plan.
    • Late essays without an extension will be penalized at the rate of 2% per day.



    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.