All inquiries for this course should be directed to the lecturer: michael.varnay@anu.edu.au
Who are the main actors in international affairs? How do they shape political outcomes, and under what constraints? Why do wars happen and what drives globalisation? Through the course, students will evaluate and debate these ideas in the context of contemporary developments in world affairs. They will encounter and engage with a range of timely issues, including terrorism, failing states, strategic rivalry, global economic turbulence, and nuclear proliferation. As an introduction to the field of IR, the course also seeks to develop such skills as: how to read for argument, reasoning and evidence; how to construct an argument; how to structure an essay; how to conduct research; and how to engage in critical thinking.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Identify the key concepts that influence the dynamics of world politics
- Understand the sources of these concepts and their historical development
- Use these concepts in order to critically research, analyse, and evaluate major issues in contemporary world politics
- Develop a clear awareness of accepted academic practice -- referencing, citation, written expression
- Effectively communicate their own perspectives on key concepts and issues in world politics through research, argument and analysis
Other Information
The course is conducted through seminars with an emphasis on interactive teaching aimed at engaging all students in active participation.
Indicative Assessment
- Course Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,5]
- Reading Quiz (10 question multiple choice) (5) [LO 1,2]
- Short Essay (1,000 words) (15) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Literature Review (1,500 words) (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Research Paper (2,500 words) (50) [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
`Approximately 120 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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7360 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |