This course examines the nature and place of international organisations in world politics. It explores why governments create international organisations, how the latter operate, and what role they play in contemporary international affairs. The course begins with a survey of different theoretical approaches to understanding and explaining international organisations. We then investigate a series of institutional groupings such as the United Nations system, economic organisations, security, development, and the environment. Throughout, the course considers how new configurations of global power are changing the landscape of international organisations.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- understand different theories of international organisations;
- analyse strengths and weaknesses of different international organisations;
- apply theories of international organisation to specific case studies;
- write critically about research; and
- relate issues and processes to current affairs and present-day issues of significance.
Indicative Assessment
- Two brief memos (approximately 500 words each) (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Policy memorandum (approximately 3000 to 3500 words) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Midterm exam (2 hours) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Final exam (2 hours) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorial and tutorial-like activities; and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading, and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Ian Hurd, International Organizations: Politics, Law, Practice, Third Edition (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018).Assumed Knowledge
Familiarity with basic concepts and theories in international relations.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $3900 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2797 | 22 Feb 2021 | 01 Mar 2021 | 31 Mar 2021 | 28 May 2021 | In Person | View |