102-507 Themes in International Studies

Available to fourth year students with permission of subject coordinator. Strict enrolment deadlines apply to subjects taught intensively. The subject dates and HECS/course fee census date for this subject change each year. Check your enrolment record for the correct census date for this subject.

Admission to the Master of International Studies.

This subject provides students with a cross-disciplinary introduction to some of the key themes in the International studies program. It examines the broad historical, political and social contexts for understanding the 'Movements, Migrations and Mobilities' of peoples, cultures and ideas in the contemporary world. Through a series of intensive seminars, students will examine selected case studies and reflect upon such issues as immigration, diasporic cultures, media and communications, and human rights within international frameworks. It will explore wider theoretical issues such as the relationships between the local, national and global 'positioning' of cultures, and the implications of this for governance, citizenship and conflict.

• understand the roles of international organizations and institutions, and their inter-action with national and regional institutions, cultures and societies;

• critically appreciate how the processes of key concepts, including internationalism, globalisation and transnationalism, have shaped the contemporary world;

• understand the theory and method of comparative and cross-disciplinary approaches to a range of issues in international studies;

• understand, through detailed examination of selective case studies, how key concepts and approaches in international studies may be applied to processes, 'problems' and cultures.

Written assignments totalling 5000 words, comprising two 1000 word assignments 25% each (due over the course of the semester) and a 3000 word assignment 50% (due during the examination period). Students must attend the seminars to be eligible for assessment.

A subject reader will be available to purchase from the Bookroom before the start of teaching.