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School of Politics and International Relations · ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
This course examines the nature of cooperation in world affairs, asking why international institutions (including but not limited to formal organisations) are formed, how they operate, and what role they play in contemporary international affairs. The course begins with a survey of different theoretical approaches to understanding and explaining international cooperation and institutions. It then turns to various institutional groupings, exploring the United Nations system, economic organisations, security, development, and the environment. Throughout, the course considers how new configurations of global power are changing the landscape of international organisations.
Typical assessment may include, but is not restricted to: exams, assignments, quizzes, presentations, participation and other assessment as appropriate. See class summary for final details for 2025.
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4
130 hours of total student learning time made up from: a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorial and tutorial-like activities; and b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading, and writing.
Ian Hurd, International Organizations: Politics, Law, Practice, Third Edition (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018).