Outline

Overview

Why do states behave the way they do? Using a historical perspective, this unit explores the ways in which the different theories of international relations account for what shapes the international system - who are its main actors, what are its determining forces and structures. It examines both how these theories have vied with one another within inter-paradigm debates and how they developed in relation to specific historical events. These theories include realism, idealism, neorealism, neoliberal institutionalism, Marxism, the English school, constructivism, poststructuralism, feminism, post-colonial approaches. While no prior study of international relations is required, a willingness to engage with theoretical thinking and grapple with complex questions of ontology and epistemology is essential.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Government and International Relations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	David Blunt, david.blunt@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Interactive oral	Viva voce Respond to extemporaneous questions drawn from your research essay	25%	Formal exam period	10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Tutorial participation Participation in tutorials	10%	Ongoing	In class throughout the semester	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Essay Proposal and Research Agenda An essay proposal with detailed research agenda for the research essay	25%	Week 05 Due date: 27 Mar 2026 at 23:59	1,500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research Essay Critical comparative essay	40%	Week 12 Due date: 22 May 2026 at 23:59	2,500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Essay Proposal and Research Agenda

The first assessment is 1,500 words in length. It must be submitted online via the Canvas site for this unit. It is designed to fulfil the following requirements:

To test your ability to think analytically and critically about the theoretical approaches.
To test your ability to design a plausible research essay.
To select relevant and academic appropriate research material.

2nd Essay

The research essay is 2,500 words in length. It is designed to fulfil the following requirements:

To test your ability to think analytically and critically about the major theoretical issues and perspectives studied throughout the unit.
To test your ability to research around a chosen topic and pursue new arguments, identify new material, and provide evidence as a result of research in the library and elsewhere.

Viva Voce

This is a secured Q&A from questions drawn from your research essay that will last 10 minutes and will be scheduled during the exam period.

To test your knowledge of your research without the mediation of AI.
Your analytical and critical skills in responding to challenging questions.

Tutorial Participation

You will be allotted a participation mark, worth ten percent of the overall assessment. The key to a good tutorial is informed debate and discussion – not only discussion between the tutor and students, but above all between students themselves. Fruitful discussion cannot occur if everyone is not adequately prepared and willing to engage in conversation. Because tutorial participation is such a fundamental part of the learning process (and indeed of university experience more generally), it is part of the overall assessment.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard. Below 50 is a fail.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work of exceptional standard Demonstrates high level of initiative in research and reading; sophisticated critical analysis of evidence; high level engagement with theoretical issues, innovative use of reading/research material and impressive command of underlying debates and assumptions; properly documented and written with style, originality and precision.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of superior standard Demonstrates initiative in research and wide, appropriate reading; complex understanding of question and ability to critically review material, in relation to underlying assumptions and values; analyses material in relation to empirical and theoretical contexts; properly documented; clear, well-developed structure and argument with some signs of literary style.
Credit	65 - 74	Highly competent work demonstrating potential for higher study Evidences broader understanding than pass level; offers synthesis together with some critical evaluation of material; coherent argument using range of relevant evidence; some evidence of independent thought, good referencing. A high credit (70-74) shows some ability to problematise and think conceptually.
Pass	50 - 64	Work of acceptable standard. Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading/research; relevant material but tendency to descriptive summary rather than critical argument; makes a reasonable attempt to avoid paraphrasing; reasonably coherent structure; often has weaknesses in particular areas, especially in terms of narrow or underdeveloped treatment of question; acceptable documentation.
Fail	0 - 49	Work not of acceptable standard. Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: Unacceptable paraphrasing; irrelevance of content; poor spelling, poor presentation, grammar, and/or structure such that it cannot be understood; failure to demonstrate understanding of content; insufficient or excessive word length; absence of referencing; late submission without explanation.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction: A Divided Discipline?	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Tutorial 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Realism: Power and Anarchy	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Tutorial 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Liberalism: Cooperation and Order	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Tutorial 3	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Marxism: Historical Materialism and Class War	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Tutorial 4	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	The English School: Anarchy and Society	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Tutorial 5	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Constructivism: Norms and Identity	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Tutorial 6	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Feminism: Gender and Liberation	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Tutorial 7	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Post-Structuralism: Power and Discipline	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Tutorial 8	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Postcolonialism: Orientalism and Emancipation	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Tutorial 9	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Indigenous Perspectives: Voice and Sovereignty	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Tutorial 10	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Normative Theory: Ethics and Justice	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Tutorial 11	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Green Theory: Growth and Harmony	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Tutorial 12	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Global IR Theory: Emergence and Perspective	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Tutorial 13	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
Lecture recording: Lectures will be recorded and made available to students on Canvas. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend at least three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Textbooks

Devetak, R., & McCarthy, D. (Eds.). (2024). An introduction to international relations (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Baylis, J., Smith, S., & Owens, P. (Eds.). (2020). The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Dunne, T., Kurki, M., & Smith, S. (Eds.). (2024). International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity (6th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Additional readings

Additional readings will be assigned each week. These are available from the library and via a link on the Canvas site.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate a sound basis of knowledge of the different theoretical approaches that define the field of International Relations (IR) and of their founding concepts; with a view to being able to subsequently apply these to its other issue-areas.
LO2. Demonstrate the ability to understand contemporary international issues through theoretical lenses and to understand, discuss, and explore the relations between theory and practice in the study of international relations.
LO3. Engage in critical analysis of the contending approaches through which international issues are understood in order to differentiate between academic and polemical writing/reporting.
LO4. Demonstrate a capacity for critical reflection so that the assumptions underpinning the study of IR can be effectively scrutinized.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The adjustments to this outline have been implemented in response to prior student feedback.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Textbooks

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

GOVT6147: Foundations of International Relations

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Textbooks

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links