Unit rationale, description and aim
Why do war, international terrorism, and other forms of political violence occur? Why are global environmental problems so difficult to solve? How does the modern global economy generate both prosperity and inequality? Although international politics is often described in terms of “state behaviour,” outcomes are produced by people and organisations—political leaders, firms, international organisations, interest groups, and social movements—pursuing goals under constraints.
In this unit, students will learn foundational concepts and theories in International Relations, while applying an actor-centred approach to explaining international politics. The focus is on developing analytical skills to identify key actors, map their interests and incentives, assess the constraints they face, and explain how their decisions shape real-world global outcomes. Through inclusive teaching strategies that support diverse learners, students will learn to use foundational concepts and theories in International Relations while also developing responsible use of AI as a tool for research, interpretation, and critical evaluation.
The aim of this unit is to equip students with a clear framework for understanding global political challenges by focusing on the actors and decisions that drive them, enabling more precise explanation and critical evaluation of contemporary world events.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Demonstrate foundational knowledge of key concepts...
Learning Outcome 01
Apply introductory International Relations concept...
Learning Outcome 02
Analyse global political challenges by identifying...
Learning Outcome 03
Present clear, evidence-based arguments about glob...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Geopolitical Rivalry
- International Terrorism and Counterterrorism
- Global Markets, Trade Wars, and Critical Supply Chains
- Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and Communication in International Context
- Global Environmental Crises
- Pandemics and International Public Health Emergencies
- International Migration Politics
Assessment strategy and rationale
Assessment in this unit is designed to develop students’ ability to analyse global political challenges by applying an actor-centred framework to real-world cases. Tasks emphasise explanation, comparison, and clear communication rather than rote learning or abstract theory.
Assessment consists of three core components. First, an exam tests understanding of key concepts, including rational choice and actor-centred analysis, ensuring students can independently demonstrate foundational knowledge. Second, a research portfolio requires students to apply these concepts to a contemporary global issue, with guidance on the appropriate use of digital tools and source evaluation. Third, an in-person oral assessment (group presentation or debate) develops students’ ability to articulate and defend arguments collaboratively in real time.
This strategy is used across all delivery modes. Recorded lectures provide common conceptual foundations, while tutorials (in-person or online) support discussion and formative feedback that prepares students for assessment tasks.
The approach is appropriate for a first-year unit because it balances conceptual understanding with applied analysis while maintaining academic integrity. It ensures students develop independent reasoning, effective use of technology including Gen AI, and clear communication skills.
Overview of assessments
A timed quiz testing students’ understanding of k...
A timed quiz testing students’ understanding of key concepts, theories, and approaches in International Relations. The task requires students to demonstrate foundational knowledge of core concepts and theories as they relate to global political challenges.
15%
Assessment Task 1: Examination A timed examinati...
Assessment Task 1: Examination
A timed examination testing students’ understanding of key concepts, theories, and approaches in International Relations. The task requires students to demonstrate foundational knowledge, explain core ideas clearly, and apply introductory concepts to examples of global political challenges.
15%
Assessment Task 2: Research Portfolio and Analysi...
Assessment Task 2: Research Portfolio and Analysis
Students will develop a portfolio of materials relating to a major global political challenge and use it as the basis for a short analysis. The task introduces students to foundational skills in data collection, source selection, classification, and interpretation. It requires students to identify relevant actors, claims, interests, and evidence, and to use these materials to explain how a global issue is represented, contested, and understood. This assessment supports applied learning while helping students develop information literacy, analytical judgement, and evidence-based writing.
50%
Assessment Task 3: Oral Presentation Students w...
Assessment Task 3: Oral Presentation
Students will complete an oral assessment during tutorials, either individually or as part of a group presentation or debate. The task requires students to communicate ideas clearly, engage with relevant unit concepts and evidence, and respond to questions or discussion. It develops confidence in spoken communication, collaborative learning, and the presentation of informed arguments about global political challenges.
20%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit is delivered through lectures, tutorials, and supporting online materials. Lectures and online resources introduce core concepts and provide structured explanations of key global challenges, presenting complex ideas in a clear and accessible format that students can engage with at their own pace. This supports diverse learners by ensuring consistency of content delivery while allowing students to revisit material as needed.
Tutorials are designed to consolidate learning through active engagement. Using case studies, students work through real-world examples to identify key actors, analyse interests and constraints, and explain outcomes. These sessions emphasise discussion, problem-solving, and short presentations, developing students’ ability to articulate arguments clearly and respond to competing perspectives in a dynamic setting. Students will also be guided in the ethical and responsible use of GenAI, including its appropriate role in preparation, learning support, and academic integrity.
This strategy is appropriate for a first-year unit because it balances guided instruction with applied learning. It reduces reliance on abstract theory while building transferable analytical skills, enabling students to interpret complex global issues with clarity and confidence.
Representative texts and references
Cook, Steven A. The End of Ambition: America’s Past, Present, and Future in the Middle East. New York: Oxford University Press, 2023.
De Mesquita, Bruce Bueno, and Randolph M. Siverson. "War and the survival of political leaders: A comparative study of regime types and political accountability." American Political Science Review 89, no. 4 (1995): 841-855.
Doshi, Rush. The Long Game: China's Grand Strategy to Displace American Order. Oxford University Press, 2021.
Farrell, Henry, and Abraham L. Newman. "Chained to globalization." Foreign Affairs 99, no. 1 (2020): 70-80.
Flournoy, Michele A. "AI is already at war: How artificial intelligence will transform the military." Foreign Affairs. 102 (2023): 56.
Klein, Matthew C., and Michael Pettis. Trade Wars Are Class Wars: How Rising Inequality Distorts the Global Economy and Threatens International Peace. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2020.
Robinson, Glenn E. "The Four Waves of Global Jihad, 1979-2017." Middle East Policy 24, no. 3 (2017).
Niarchos, Nicolas. The Elements of Power: A Story of War, Technology, and the Dirtiest Supply Chain on Earth. HarperColins (2026).
Rodrik, Dani. "Why does globalization fuel populism? Economics, culture, and the rise of right-wing populism." Annual Review of Economics 13 (2021): 133-170.
Yang, Dali L. Wuhan: How the COVID-19 Outbreak in China Spiraled Out of Control. New York: Oxford University Press, 2024.