How is the world organized?  The course examines what sovereign states do to manage international relations, and how and why.  The course first discusses the theoretical debates concerning international organization, and then examines specific issue areas—security, trade and finance, human rights, environment, and maritime issues.  In addition, we also look at the development of regionalization as a new alternative to global governance with emphasis on East Asia.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students should be able to: 

1.Understand the major theories of international relations and debates on the role and effect of international institutions; 

2. Understand the major international institutions that seek to regulate a diverse set of interstate relations from security, trade, and finance to human rights, environment, and maritime issues;

 3. Understand various alternative ways to organize interstate relations such as regionalism and regionalization, especially in East Asia;

 4. Display one’s own critical thinking and evidence on how best to organize interstate affairs; and

 5. The capacity to conduct research and make an argument in both written and oral work;

1. Participation in Discussion - 10%         

2. Research Paper - 40%                    

3. Final Exam - 50%

One 2-hour seminar per week (over 13 weeks) with the expectation of a further 6-8 hours per week of independent study.

None

Students will be expected to have some prior knowledge of the field of International Relations.

Prescribed texts will be provided via Wattle.

Access to Wattle