166-021 International Relations and its Others

Usually one first-year politics subject.

This subject considers alternative approaches to the relations between the developed world and Africa and Asia. Particular attention is paid to those processes of change and exchange which fall outside the formal interaction of states. Among the areas and issues considered are gender and sexuality, race, ideas about the nation and questions of economic dependency. By the end of this subject, students should have a grasp of contending approaches to North/South relations; an understanding of the ways in which the problems and perspectives of the Third World contest Eurocentric First World conceptualisations of international relations; and a basis for undertaking more advanced work on the place of race, culture and gender in international studies.

• be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;

• be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;

• be able to communicate knowledge ideologically and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision;

• be able to participate in team work through small group discussions.

An essay of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester) and a 2-hour exam 50% (during the examination period).

A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester.