50484 The New World Politics

Handbook description

World politics permeates much of our lives, influencing and patterning our behaviour. But how can we understand it? This subject explores recent developments in world politics, covering issues such as war and security, the role of international organisations, markets and corporations, international law and global norms, and the place of the Third World. Issues are debated from a range of perspectives, from state-centred realism, to liberal internationalism, neo-Marxism, feminism, post-colonialism and constructivism. World politics is in a period of turbulence and transformation: the subject investigates the new issues and perspectives.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On completion of this subject, students are expected to be able to:

1. have investigated contemporary world politics, gaining a familiarity with emerging theorisations as well as more traditional approaches;
2. conduct presentations that engage with theories of world politics through issue-centred debates, developing innovative perspectives and proposals;
3. formulate and develop research questions that combine theoretical exploration with research into illustrations and case studies;
4. conduct research into the contemporary policy context as well as the broader conceptualisation of world politics.
5. have acquired a conceptual understanding spanning contemporary debates in political science, international relations and international history that is academically rigorous and relevant to the conduct of world politics.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject is designed to:

• enhance student capacity to evaluate theoretical claims and address strategic questions through in-depth research and analysis;
• contribute to the development of theoretical knowledge in social inquiry, offering a world context for understanding social environments;
• contribute to the development of critical thinking, analytical skill and research capacity in relation to key contemporary perspectives and issues;
• contribute to the development of ethical behaviour and practice, fostering understanding across widely varying political contexts;
• contribute to an appreciation of the importance of theory in understanding social and political life;
• contribute to the development of critical understanding of international processes;
• open up new perspectives on political life, widening horizons, facilitating greater commitment to lifelong learning.

Teaching and learning strategies

This class is taught on a lecture and tutorial basis. It includes: lectures, seminar discussions based on in-class student presentations; intense lecturer-guided small-group tutorial 'theme-explorations'; online discussions sustaining collaborative investigations and debates.

Content

World politics permeates much of our lives, influencing and patterning our behaviour. But how can we understand it? The traditional way of viewing world politics is to see it as the politics of inter-state relations, an approach challenged by people who emphasise non-state actors. World politics is either seen as a place where states rule, or where non-state players, like international organisations, corporations and non-government organisations, are gaining greater influence. State government is set against 'global governance'.

Recent world political events suggest the need for alternative perspectives. New forms of war accompany new challenges to security, whether environmental, cultural or social. New understandings of obligation and responsibility subvert and transform existing structures. New definitions of political action and identification reorder hierarchies. Welcome to the worlds of world politics, and join the struggle to understand them.

The subject is organised so as to present theoretical perspectives in tandem with analysis of key aspects: students are led into the worlds of world politics, as they do so, they engage with dominant institutions, prevailing forces and norms.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Class presentation

Assessment item 2: Research paper proposal

Assessment item 3: Manage online discussion

Assessment item 4: Research paper

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Attendance is particularly important in this subject because it is based on a collaborative approach which involves essential workshopping and interchange of ideas. Students who attend fewer than ten classes are advised that their final work will not be assessed and that they are likely to fail the subject.