This course examines the nature of cooperation in world affairs, asking why international institutions (including but not limited to formal organisations) are formed, how they 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 cooperation and institutions. It then turns to various institutional groupings, exploring 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:

1. demonstrate knowledge of the various forms of cooperation and institutionalisation that exist in global affairs, including the United Nations system and other international organisations;
2. demonstrate understanding of the key theories of international cooperation;
3. apply these theories to historical and current-day issues of significance; and
4. engage critically with scholarly research, evaluating its accuracy and relevance to global affairs.

Additional Course Costs

Besides one required textbook, there are no additional costs associated with this course.

Examination Material or equipment

Details about the material or equipment that is permitted in an examination room will be outlined during the semester and on the course’s Wattle site.

Required Resources

The following textbook is required:

Ian Hurd, International Organizations: Politics, Law, Practice, Third Edition (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018).

Due to copyright issues, the textbook’s chapters will not be uploaded on Wattle. You should purchase your own copy for the best learning experience. Please note that you are required to study the 3rd edition—but neither the 2nd edition nor the 4th edition—because the 3rd edition contains considerable new information that is missing in the 2nd edition while the 4th edition does not add much new information regarding the book chapters you are required to read. The final exam questions will be presented, based upon that requirement. The textbook should be available as a used copy for purchase at Amazon Australia, AbeBooks or eBay. In addition, the ANU has six copies of the 3rd edition of the textbook for students who do not wish to purchase their own copy.

A number of articles and book chapters are also required and can be downloaded from Wattle, along with supplementary recommended readings.

Recommended Resources

There are a number of other texts that may also be of use.

Paul Diehl (ed), The Politics of Global Governance: International Organizations in an Interdependent World, Third Edition (Boulder: Lynne Rienner, 2005).

Margaret Karns and Karen Mingst, International Organizations: The Politics and Processes of Global Governance, Second Edition (Boulder: Lynne Rienner, 2010).

Thomas G. Weiss, David P. Forsythe, Roger A. Coate, and Kelly-Kate Pease, The United Nations and Changing World Politics, Seventh Edition (Boulder: Westview Press, 2013).

Thomas G. Weiss and Rorden Wilkinson (eds), International Organisation and Global Governance (Oxon: Routledge, 2014).

Thomas G. Weiss and Ramesh Thakur, Global Governance and the UN: An Unfinished Journey (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2010).

A large number of journals and periodicals exist that include the cutting-edge developments of the discipline. Being familiar with these sources and surveying at least some of them regularly will assist you in this course.

American Political Science Review

International Studies Perspectives

American Journal of Political Science

International Studies Quarterly

Australian Journal of International Affairs

International Studies Review

Chinese Journal of International Politics

Journal of Conflict Resolution

European Journal of International Relations

Millennium

Foreign Affairs

Review of International Studies

Foreign Policy

Review of International Organizations

Global Governance

Security Studies

International Affairs

Survival

International Organization

Third World Quarterly

International Security

World Politics 

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Tutorials offer immediate feedback on your ideas and your understanding of course materials.
• Tutors are available to provide feedback on your essay plans prior to its due date.
• Your examiners will provide written feedback on your essay on Wattle.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

The information published in this Class Summary may be subject to change, any changes in assessments or other course details will be communicated via Wattle and during the first week of the Semester. Any questions or concerns should be raised with the course convenor/lecturer as soon as possible.

Course Logistics

Due to the Programs and Courses webpage's word limit, the information on Course Logistics cannot be displayed in this Class Summary. For the full information, you must see the Course Outline available in our course Wattle. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Extensions and penalties

Due to the Programs and Courses webpage's word limit, the information on Extensions and Penalties cannot be displayed in this Class Summary. For the full information, you must see the Course Outline available in our course Wattle. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Academic Integrity

Due to the Programs and Courses webpage's word limit, the information on Academic Integrity cannot be displayed in this Class Summary. For the full information, you must see the Course Outline available in our course Wattle. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Referencing requirements

Due to the Programs and Courses webpage's word limit, the information on Referencing Requirements cannot be displayed in this Class Summary. For the full information, you must see the Course Outline available in our course Wattle. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

COURSE OUTLINE

Due to the Programs and Courses webpage's word limit, not all the information on Course Outline we wish to offer for you can be displayed in this Class Summary. For the full information on the required and recommending readings and the key dates to remember for our course, you must see the Course Outline available in our course Wattle. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction and Course Overview
2	Neoliberal Institutionalist Approach to International Organisations
3	The United Nations System
4	NO LECTURE – PUBLIC HOLIDAY
5	Realist Approach to International Organisations
6	The United Nations and International Peace and Security	March 24: Theoretical Memos Due by 11:00am at Wattle Turnitin
7	Constructivist Approach to International Organisations	April 14: Memo results and feedback returned via Wattle Turnitin
8	The Bretton Woods Institutions (Public Holiday but Online Lecture via Wattle)
9	The United Nations and Climate Change
10	The International Criminal Court	May 5: Research Papers Due by 11:00am at Wattle Turnitin
11	The United Nations and Development
12	Conclusion and Exam Review	May 26: Paper results and feedback returned via Wattle TurnitinTake-home final examination during the examination periodMay 29: Take-home essay exam paper to be released at 2:00pm via WattleJune 5: Take-home essays due by 2:00pm at Wattle Turnitin

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Discussion Participation	10 %	*	*	1,2,3,4
Theoretical Memo	15 %	24/03/2025	14/04/2025	1,2,3,4
Research Paper	35 %	05/05/2025	26/05/2025	1,2,3,4
Final Examination	40 %	05/06/2025	*	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

The final details will be conveyed in Week 1 lecture and on Wattle.

Examination(s)

A take-home final essay exam will be administered during the examination period.

Start date: Thursday 29 May 2025, 2:00pm. A take-home essay exam will be administered during the examination period. Specifically, the take-home essay exam paper will be released to you via Wattle at 2:00pm, 29 May 2025. Please note that the start time of the final exam reflects the ANU Examinations Office’s instruction that the final examination should start at either 9:00 am or 2:00 pm.

Due date: Thursday 5 June 2025, 2:00pm. Your course convener will not use Proctorio to administer the final exam. More details of the final exam will be announced during the semester.

Assessment Task 1

Discussion Participation

Value: 10%

The final details will be conveyed in Week 1 lecture and on Wattle.

Assessment Task 2

Theoretical Memo

Due date: Monday 24 March 2025, 11:00am sharp. Value: 15%.

Details of task: Due to the Programs and Courses webpage's word limit, not all the information on Course Outline we wish to offer for you can be displayed in this Class Summary. For the full details on the Theoretical Memo assessment task, you must see the Course Outline available in our course Wattle. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Assessment Task 3

Research Paper

Due date: Monday 5 May 2025, 11:00am sharp. Value: 35%.

Details of task: Due to the Programs and Courses webpage's word limit, not all the information on Course Outline we wish to offer for you can be displayed in this Class Summary. For the full details on the Research Paper assessment task, you must see the Course Outline available in our course Wattle. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Assessment Task 4

Final Examination

Start date: Thursday 29 May 2025, 2:00pm. A take-home essay exam will be administered during the examination period. Specifically, the take-home essay exam paper will be released to you via Wattle at 2:00pm, 29 May 2025. Please note that the start time of the final exam reflects the ANU Examinations Office’s instruction that the final examination should start at either 9:00 am or 2:00 pm.

 

Due date: Thursday 5 June 2025, 2:00pm. Your course convener will not use Proctorio to administer the final exam. More details of the final exam will be announced during the semester.

 

Value: 40% of the final course grade.

 

Grading Criteria:

(1) Your mastery of the course materials, including key theories and concepts;

(2) The quality of your writing; and

(3) The quality of your argument.

 

It is the College policy that all exams are blind marked and they are not returned to the students, nor are comments provided. You may contact the conveners within 30 working days of the release of results to learn your specific exam mark, or to request an appeal. The structure of the final exam will be discussed during lecture.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) a submission must be through Turnitin. Assignments are submitted using Turnitin in the course Wattle site. You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment will be accepted with the following penalty per the ANU’s Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.

 

Per the ANU’s Policy: Student assessment (coursework), "Late submission of take home examinations is not permitted."

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Assignments will be returned through the course Wattle site.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Students may resubmit their assignments on Turnitin once before the due date if they are not happy with their text-matching report. Turnitin allows only one resubmission per 24 hours. There are no other conditions under which assignments may be resubmitted.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students