166-103 Global Politics

This subject introduces students to the study of international politics, and provides a foundation for the School's 'international' offerings at second and third year. It deals with issues such as human rights, the environment, North-South relations, inter-civilisational relationships, gender politics, war, terrorism, nationalism, the role of the United Nations, American power, humanitarian intervention amid ethnic conflict and the global political economy. The issue topics will be used to introduce and demonstrate the relevance of the conceptual frameworks of liberalism, realism, neoliberal institutionalism, critical theory, feminism, constructivism, and postcolonialism.

• 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 intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• be able to participate in teamwork through small group discussions;

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

An essay of 1000 words 25% (due mid-semester), an essay of 2000 words 50% (due at the end of semester) and a take-home exam of 1000 words 25% (due during the examination period).