Outline

Overview

This unit introduces the international as an arena accessed largely by a privileged global population, in which certain knowledges and language skills are taken for granted. It explores how different academic disciplines understand the international, both conceptually and through interrogation of social, historical, and political practices. The unit challenges students to always consider the impact of global ideas and policies on local communities as they develop their knowledge and skills as internationally focused thinkers and actors.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Government and International Relations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	GOVT1601 or INGS1003
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
Written exam	Final exam 1500-word equivalent, pen-and-paper exam	30%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task Multiple-choice quiz on the unit structure and content	0%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 23:59	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Bibliographic Review and Essay Plan Refer to 'assessment summary' section below	20%	Week 07 Due date: 17 Apr 2026 at 23:59	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Major Essay Refer to 'assessment summary' section below	40%	Week 12 Due date: 22 May 2026 at 23:59	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Tutorial Participation Active participation in tutorials	10%	Weekly	In class	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

EFT Quiz: a short quiz on the content, requirements, and structure of the unit.
Bibliographic Review and Essay Plan: a written assessment identifying your essay question, providing a bibliographic review of relevant literature, and an outline of your major essay. The length is 1000 words +/- 10%.
Major Essay: a written essay addressing the question identified in the bibliographic review. The length is 2000 words +/- 10%.
Final Exam: a 1.5-hour exam held during the official exam period. It will require 1500 words of writing.
Participation: your assessment will be based on your participation and demonstration of preparation for the tutorial and your contribution to class learning. This involves reading, summarising and thinking about the reading material for each week’s tutorial in order to participate in the tutorials. It also includes adherence to your tutorial's 'constitution'.

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.

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	Introducing International Studies	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introducing International Studies	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	What are Politics and International Relations?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	What are Politics and International Relations?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	What is Global Ethics?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	What is Global Ethics?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	What are International History and International Law?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	What are International History and International Law?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	What are Anthropology and International Political Economy?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	What are Anthropology and International Political Economy?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	What is Area Studies?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	What is Area Studies?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Key Text 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Key Text 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Key Text 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Key Text 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Key Text 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Key Text 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Key Text 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Key Text 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Key Text 3	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Key Text 3	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Key Text 3	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Key Text 3	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: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience. Students should note that lecture-based discussions may be subject to the Chatham House Rule and as such will not be recorded in accordance with the University's policy on recording students and consent.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately 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

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library’s reading list system Leganto, available on Canvas.

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. Gain an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of international studies by engaging with different disciplinary and methodological conceptions of the international.
LO2. Develop critical and analytic reading skills through engagement with foundational texts in international studies.
LO3. Develop critical and analytical writing skills through oral and written assessments.
LO4. Develop digital literacy and research skills through oral and written assessment, as well as lecture and seminar preparation.
LO5. Develop awareness of cognitive bias and epistemic privilege within ourselves and the academic literature.
LO6. Develop a collegial and supportive scholarly community in which ideas are free to be expressed and challenged.
LO7. Develop an understanding of the interconnectedness of global ideas and local communities.

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.

Student feedback informed considerations, especially on secured assessment.

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

Early feedback task

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

INTS1001: What is International Studies?

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links