What determines a state's foreign policy decisions? Which domestic political factors matter, and how do they matter? How do features of the international system affect the choices made by states? The purpose of this course is to learn how to apply theories of international relations to the study of state behaviour. The course begins by providing an overview of the major theories of international relations, then moves to questions of research design and methodology. The specific drivers of foreign policy we will study include domestic political institutions; public opinion and the media; leadership and personality; territory and demography; and international organizations. The course concludes by examining two substantive policy areas: the use of force and trade.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students should be able to:
1. Understand the major theories of international relations and how they differ from one another;
2. Understand the major domestic and international drivers of foreign and security policy;
3. Understand the foreign and security policies pursued by countries in the Asia-Pacific region;
4. Display a critical understanding of the factors influencing decisions to use force and trade policy;
5. The capacity to conduct research and make an argument in both written and oral work (as developed through written assessments and in-class discussions);
Indicative Assessment
- Participation in Discussion - 10%
- Mid-term Exam – 40%
- Research Essay – 50%
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
One 2-hour seminar per week (over 12 weeks) with the expectation of a further 8 hours per week of independent study.Prescribed Texts
Prescribed texts will be provided via Wattle.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $3420 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $4878 |
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.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9600 | 24 Jul 2017 | 31 Jul 2017 | 31 Aug 2017 | 27 Oct 2017 | In Person | N/A |
