Unit Outline

HIR101 provides students with an overview of the theory and practice of international relations. The unit is divided into two modules. In module one, you will learn about theoretical approaches to the study of IR including introductions to realist, liberal, critical, feminist and green approaches. Each theory provides an important perspective on the international system, foregrounding some actors and issues while backgrounding others. In module two, the unit examines important topics in international relations related to international security, war and peace, great power rivalry, the United Nations system including the United Nations Security Council, global poverty and international development, global climate politics, international terrorism, and human rights. The unit provide you with an introduction to the process, substance, and fast changing nature of international relations and world politics, including a basic knowledge of some key theoretical debates in the field. Following completion of the unit, you will have a broad understanding of international relations, which not only enables the better understanding of global events generally but also provides an essential platform to those wishing to complete a major in the field.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Identify and evaluate different perspectives in the field of international relations.
2	Apply theoretical knowledge and research to analyse cases in international relations.
3	Communicate coherently in written and/or oral formats drawing upon evidence to support your argument.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)	HSD101 AND HSG102 AND HSD102 AND HSA101 AND HSA102 AND HSG106

Alterations as a result of student feedback

Online take-home exam has been reinstated to ensure equity in assessment method for online and on-campus cohorts.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Short essay	Week 6	10 %	LO1, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Major essay	Week 12	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Tutorial participation	Refer to Assessment Description	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 4:	Take-home exam	Exam Period	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Short essay

Task Description:

Write a short, argumentative essay, comparing theoretical frameworks employed in international relations based on the question posed (see MyLO for further details)

Task Length:

750 words (excluding references)

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain different theoretical frameworks employed in International Relations.	LO1
2	Develop an argument backed by evidence related to the question posed.	LO1
3	Write a coherent essay that meets expected academic standards.	LO3

Assessment Task 2: Major essay

Task Description:

Select one of the questions posed and write a 2,000 word essay that develops an argument in relation to it (see MyLO site for further details).

Task Length:

2,000 words (excluding references)

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Applied knowledge about theoretical perspectives to answer the question posed.	LO1
2	Undertook secondary research by reviewing additional academic resources beyond those provided in the unit.	LO2
3	Analysed the case chosen in response to the question posed.	LO2
4	Wrote a coherent essay that conformed to normal academic standards.	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Tutorial participation

Task Description:

On-campus students attend weekly on-campus tutorials as set out in the timetable.
Off-campus students participate in MyLO Discussions and/or Zoom tutorials.
Both on-campus and off-campus students must (a) do the assigned readings in advance; (b) complete the relevant weekly MyLO quiz; and (c) come prepared to discuss the week's learning resources.

Task Length:

Weekly

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrated knowledge by completing the online quizzes in MyLO	LO1, LO2
2	Applied knowledge and research in tutorial discussions by stating and elaborating arguments related to the weekly topic.	LO1, LO2, LO3
3	Communicated coherently and respectfully in face-to-face or online tutorials with the tutor and other students	LO3

Assessment Task 4: Take-home exam

Task Description:

See the information on MyLO

Task Length:

3,000 words maximum (including references)

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply theory and knowledge to the questions posed.	LO1
2	Develop a coherent argument backed up with appropriate evidence	LO1, LO2
3	Write coherent, concise, and informative answers to the questions posed.	LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.