The Pacific Islands is a region of diverse political traditions, complex developmental challenges and enduring strategic importance. The close relationship it shares with Australia stems from its geographical, historical and cultural ties, but has been tested by disputes over climate change and the role of China in the region. This course explores contemporary political and developmental issues in the region, including the ongoing legacy of colonialism, decolonisation and secessionist movements; the nature of democracy and how it has been challenged by coups, constitutional crises and rising authoritarianism in the region; and the ways in which Pacific states navigate the international system in an evolving geo-strategic environment.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity of the Pacific region, including its political institutions and cultures;
- Identify and discuss different approaches to politics and international relations in the region;
- Critically examine key theories on Pacific politics and apply these to different case studies;
- Critically reflect on the principal factors that shape politics and international relations in the region;
- Communicate persuasively, in a variety of formats, arguments about Pacific politics, international relations, and the relationship between politics and development in the Pacific Islands.
Indicative Assessment
- Blog post (800 words) (20) [LO 2,5]
- Essay (2,000 words) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Take home exam (2,500 words) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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
This course comprises some 130 hours of activity over 12 weeks, including some 24 hours of lectures or an equivalent activity and some 12 hours of tutorials or equivalent activity. The course comprises a maximum of 6k words of assessment or the equivalent. 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
There is no prescribed textbook for this course. All required readings will be made available on Wattle.
Majors
Minors
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 |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $5820 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7105 | 24 Jul 2023 | 31 Jul 2023 | 31 Aug 2023 | 27 Oct 2023 | In Person | View |
