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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

313922 v.1 International Relations Double Degree Major (S&E)


Major/Stream Overview

This major/stream is part of a larger course. Information is specific to the major/stream, please refer to the course for more information.


This International Relations double degree major introduces students to the study of politics as the way in which decisions are made by governments, and how attempts are made by groups or individuals to influence or to control those decisions. It also focuses upon the relations between governments, and upon the national and international issues involved. Particular emphasis is given to the political systems of Australia and the neighbouring region.



Major/Stream Organisation

Major/Stream Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the social and political sciences; the ability to apply a political and international perspective to the study of social life

2. demonstrate the ability to think and analyse critically, creatively and reflectively within politics and international relations and across disciplinary boundaries

3. demonstrate the ability to locate relevant evidence from a wide range of sources and to make informed decisions about the significance of this information in the development of a political and international relations analysis of social life

4. demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively through a variety of written, oral and other formats to diverse audiences in ways appropriate in international relations

5. demonstrate the ability to use a variety of technologies and the ability to decide on their applications appropriately

6. show sustained intellectual curiosity by taking responsibility for one’s own learning and intellectual development through the recognition of a range of learning strategies

7. demonstrate the capacity to understand socio-economic and political life in a range of local and global contexts through the recognition of international practices in political and international affairs

8. embrace the importance of cultural diversity and of human rights in the making of knowledge in the social and political sciences

9. provide both accountable and ethical prescriptions/solutions to the major issues and challenges involved in national, regional and world affairs


Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
312575 v.3   Legacies of Empire 111 3.0 25.0
311922 v.2   Academic and Professional Communications 100 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 1 Semester 2
312578 v.3   Australia and Asia Transformed 112 3.0 25.0
311926 v.3   Communicating with Asia: Languages and Societies 100 3.0 25.0
  OR  
311925 v.3   Senses of Place 100 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 2 Semester 1
312581 v.3   International Relations: Theory and Practice 211 3.0 25.0
  25.0
Year 2 Semester 2
312583 v.3   Foreign Policy Analysis 212 3.0 25.0
  25.0
Year 3 Semester 1
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  50.0
Year 3 Semester 2
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  50.0
Year 4 Semester 1
312596 v.4   Conflict and Strategy 321 3.0 25.0
314783 v.1   Doing Research in International Relations 311 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 4 Semester 2
314784 v.1   Strategic Forecasting 312 3.0 25.0
312587 v.4   International Political Economy 322 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Optional Units (No Year Level Specified) Hrs/Wk Credit
312596 v.4   Conflict and Strategy 321 3.0 25.0
312595 v.4   Religion War and Terror 223 3.0 25.0
312572 v.4   Conflict and Diplomacy in the Asia Pacific 221 3.0 25.0
312577 v.4   Natural Hazards 221 3.5 25.0
312582 v.3   Human Rights and Social Justice 223 3.0 25.0
312599 v.4   Australians at War 322 3.0 25.0
312587 v.4   International Political Economy 322 3.0 25.0




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