Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This Capstone unit for Political Science & International Relations major integrates the main knowledge, skills, issues and methods identified in the study of the various units. It is focused on a learning approach seeking to solve real world problems and prepare students for future careers in a competitive job market. Students will learn to evaluate the complexity in the shaping, connection and negotiation of government policies in domestic and international spheres. For that purpose, the unit will bring in policy practitioners (such as diplomats, politicians, officials, and NGO activists), current and former, as guest lecturers to speak to the class on their career experiences. Students will also engage in simulation exercises, representing different countries to discuss and negotiate major contemporary issues in an international setting such as the United Nations, or representing different Australian government agencies/interest groups to debate other political issues. Further, students will design their own research project built around a real world challenge, writing up a policy position paper to analyse its complexity and suggest a policy for solution.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 option in the Political Science and International Relations; Philosophy, Politics and Economics; International Cybersecurity; International Relations major sequences
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) apply the knowledge, skills and methods acquired through the major to critically analyse real-world social and political challenges; (2) evaluate and suggest policy responses to these challenges; (3) design and complete a research project in a timely fashion; (4) display career-relevant skills in political and diplomatic negotiation and team-work; and (5) demonstrate advanced skills in public speech.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) analytical assessment and (2) research essay. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Kelly Gerard
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
any one level 1 Political Science (POLS) units and any three level 2 Political Science (POLS)
or Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics (PPHE) units
Incompatibility
PARL3339,
and WILG3001
Contact hours
Workshops: 3 hours per week for 10 weeks
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.