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SA3108 International Relations
Part I Course Duration: One semester No. of Credit Units: 3 Level: B3 Medium of Instruction: English Prerequisites: Nil Precursors: Nil Equivalent Courses: Nil Exclusive Courses: Nil Part II Course Aims:
This course aims to examine the essential concepts and theories in international relations so as to enhance students’ understanding of international affairs and to develop their relevant analytical skills. It will also attempt to cover international economics and finance, as well as international and regional organizations. Students will examine various approaches and models in the study of international relations, as well as the role of law, international public opinion and ethics in international relations. Considerable emphasis will be given to the study of foreign policy goals and strategies; foreign policy actions; and the instruments of foreign policy. Analysis of conflict, conflict resolution and international co-operation will be an important focus of the course too. Attempts will also be made to cover the impacts of technological change and globalization on international relations. They are encouraged to develop their own independent assessment of daily international affairs as well as significant international issues based on the international relations theories they have learnt and the social science research skills they have acquired.
Upon completing the course, students should be able to offer basic analysis of the politics among nation-states and international organizations in the modern world; and to apply theories of international relations to analyze the causes, processes, and consequences of current international conflicts and issues. Such competence, hopefully, will be valued by students’ future employers. Students will be encouraged to cultivate the skills to articulate their views effectively.
Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs) Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to: No. | CILOs | Weighting (notional) | 1. | Recognize the essential concepts and theories in international relations | 50% | 2. | Compare/contrast the different approaches and models in the study of international relations | 3. | Criticize/evaluate foreign policy goals and strategies; foreign policy actions; and the instruments of foreign policy. | 4. | Communicate effectively in oral presentation | 50% | 5. | Cultivate basic research skills and ability to develop and apply theoretical frameworks in analytical academic writing | 6. | Develop the basic skills in performing tasks associated with careers demanding an understanding of international relations |
Teaching and learning Activities (TLAs)
(Indicative of likely activities and tasks designed to facilitate students’ achievement of the CILOs. Final details will be provided to students in their first week of attendance in this course) CILO No. | TLAs | Hours/week (if applicable) | 1, 2, 3 | Lectures | 2 hours | 1, 2, 3 | Readings | 3 hours | 1, 2, 3 | Consultation | Subject to request/need | 1, 2, 3 | Spend one evening on news programmes offered by various channels including CNN, BBC, Channel NewsAsia, CCTV, Al Jazeera, and local television stations | 2 hours | 4 (also contributes to 1, 2, 3) | Oral presentation, Q&A and discussion in tutorial session | 1 hour in the tutorial session | 5 | Writing term paper | 8 hours per assignment | 6 | Role play/task performance | 7 hours per assignment |
Assessment Tasks/Activities
(Indicative of likely activities and tasks designed to assess how well the students achieve the CILOs. Final details will be provided to students in their first week of attendance in this course)
Students are required to pass BOTH the coursework assessment AND the examination before they can be awarded an overall passing grade of the course.
CILO No. | Type of assessment tasks/activities | Weighting (if applicable) | Remarks | 4 (1, 2, 3 involved) | Oral presentation: 5-minute discussion and analysis of a news item in the past two weeks | 10% | | 5 (1, 2, 3 involved) | Term paper: identify a topic of the student’s own interest, demonstrate knowledge of sources of information; ability to develop and apply a theoretical framework; and good analytical skills | 40% | 3,000 words, to be completed in the 10th week | 6 (1, 2, 3 involved) | Examination: questions will be based on team discussions of tasks associated with careers demanding an understanding of international relations | 50% | |
Grading of Student Achievement: Refer to Grading of Courses in the Academic Regulations Grading is based on student achievement of CILOs according to defined grading criteria governing oral presentation, term paper and examination.
Standard (A+AA-...F) Part III Keyword Syllabus:
Levels of analysis; international systems; foreign policy strategies; security; autonomy; alliance; non-alignment; power; influence; diplomatic recognition; the functions of diplomats; international negotiations; propaganda; economic rewards and coercion; military sales and transfers; clandestine actions and military intervention; deterrence strategies; arms control and disarmament; international law; international public opinion; ethics in international relations; conflict and crisis; conflict resolution; United Nations, regional organizations; international co-operation; technological change; and globalization.
Related Links
Department of Public and Social Administration
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