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 166-029 World Politics in Transition

Note

Formerly available as 166-234/334. Students who have completed 166-234/334 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Availability

2nd and 3rd year

Credit Points

12.5

Coordinator

Peter Shearman

Prerequisites

Usually 25 points of first year Politics subject. Students with only 12.5 points in Politics may apply to the second/third year coordinator.

Semester

2 (view timetable)

Contact

Usually two 1-hour lectures and a 1-hour tutorial per week

Subject Description

The subject examines the transformative dynamics shaping world politics since the end of the Cold War. Should international relations focus upon states, the global economy, gender, social movements, or international organisations like the United Nations? Different theories having different views on: the origins of wars; global ethics; the role of culture; human rights; the link between liberal democracy and inter-state peace; environmental issues; resource distribution; globalisation; interdependency; European integration; and the primacy and role of the nation state. By engaging with the relevant theories the subject tries to make sense of world politics in changing times, taking account of the forces for continuity and change. Students who complete this subject should: have an appreciation of the contending theories and approaches in international relations; have the background to think critically about these theories; have the ability to apply a variety of theoretical approaches to understand and make sense of contemporary international relations.

Assessment

An essay of 2000 words, and a 2-hour examination

Prescribed Texts

A subject reader will be available.

  • C W Kegley & E R Wittkopf, World Politics: Trend and Transformation. (5th ed).


Search : Index : Faculty of Arts : Political Science
Prev 166-028 Political Psychology: The Public Emotions and the Public Self
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Status:                   Official 1999
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