What are international (intergovernmental) organisations? Why have states established them and what roles do they play in international relations? This course examines theoretical debates concerning international organisations, both as forums for inter-state cooperation states and as actors in their own right. The course includes discussion of traditional and critical approaches to the study of international organisations and applies these approaches to examples of organisations working in different issue areas (e.g. security, trade, environment, human rights) and in the Asia-Pacific region. Key questions for debate include what international organisations are, where they come from, and what different theoretical approaches can tell us about them. The crucial relationship between states and international organisations and how international organisations can be actors in their own right are also examined.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the major traditional and critical theories of International Relations on international organisations
- Understand the historical development of international organisation and their current operations in different issue areas
- Analyse contemporary debates on the role and effect of international organisations as forums for inter-state cooperation and as actors in international relations
- Conduct a student research project and make clear and concise arguments in written assignments and oral class participation
Other Information
The course is conducted through seminars with an emphasis on interactive teaching aimed at engaging all students in active participation.
Indicative Assessment
- Please note that this assessment is indicative only. The actual assessment for the course is provided in the Class Summary prior to the commencement of the semester in which the course is being conducted and may differ from this assessment. (null) [LO null]
- Course Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Critical Reading Note I (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Critical Reading Note II (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Essay Plan (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research Essay (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
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Workload
Approximately 130 hours comprising seminars as well as associated preparation, independent study, and assessment time.
Please note this is a general guide, averaged over the semester and the final hours ultimately depend on the individual's ability in reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
To be advised.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $4110 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $5880 |
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.