This course will examine the major theoretical perspectives on nuclear proliferation and nonproliferation, including realism, neoliberal institutionalism, and constructivism. To what extent, and under what conditions, do strategic, economic, normative, and domestic-level factors encourage and restrain proliferation? Students will also explore the current theoretical and policy debates related to the new emphasis on nuclear disarmament. What are the obstacles to disarmament, and can they be overcome? Is the new disarmament momentum dangerous? Finally, students will examine future trends in research on nuclear politics, including critical and poststructural perspectives, the influence of emotions on policymakers, and the framing of nuclear disarmament through a humanitarian law perspective.
This course will not be taught again and has been disestablished as at 1/1/19
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Explain the benefits and limitations of the major theoretical perspectives on nuclear proliferation and nonproliferation
- Analyze the major issues under debate in nuclear politics today, from the value of deterrence and security guarantees to the importance of norms and psychological factors in nuclear proliferation and nonproliferation
- Dissect the current debates related to nuclear disarmament, from whether global zero is possible to whether disarmament is a dangerous concept
- Evaluate key areas of future research, including critical and poststructural approaches, perspectives from humanitarian law, and more.
Indicative Assessment
Analytical presentation report (1500 words) (25%) (LO 2, 3)
2 critical reading reflections (750 words each) (25%) (LO 1, 2)
Research essay (3000 words) (50%) (2, 3, 4)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Two hour seminar per week (12 weeks), individual meetings with lecturer (1 week), and 8-10 hours of independent reading/writing per week (13 weeks)
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3252 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $4638 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
