This course will apply foundational international relations theories encompassing realist, liberal-internationalist and constructivist perspectives to ongoing and emerging political dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region. It complements comparative political perspectives on regional governance by applying state-centric and key sub-state based perspectives on understanding how the region ‘matters’ in a global context. Various perspectives on international political economics, foreign policy analysis, international security and regional/international institutions will supplement the theoretical perspectives that underwrite the subject’s conceptual approach.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand the cultural, social, economic, political, gender, environmental, and strategic factors shaping the Asia-Pacific;
- Engage with foundational international relations theories and appreciate how they apply to the politics of the Asia-Pacific;
- Identify the key concepts, issues, and challenges that shape both interstate and non-state interactions in the Asia-Pacific;
- Apply historical and conceptual knowledge of the politics of the Asia-Pacific to the foreign policy formulation of key Asia-Pacific states; and
- Demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills for analysing and debating the international relations of the Asia-Pacific (as developed through written assessments, in-class discussions and tutorial-based activities).
Indicative Assessment
- Course Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Tutorial Task 1 (equivalent to 750 word count) (15) [LO 2,4,5]
- Tutorial Task 2 (equivalent to 750 word count) (15) [LO 1,2,3,5]
- Tutorial Task 3 (equivalent to 500 word count) (10) [LO 2,3,5]
- Essay (2500 words) (50) [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
Total contact 35 hours, total workload is 130 hours including time spent in scheduled classes and independent study.
A 2-hour lecture session per week for 12 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week for 11 weeks of the semester.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Reading material provided via Wattle
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 |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6360 |
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.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8278 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |