GEN2002 Understanding Global Politics – Common Core Curriculum Office (CCCO)

Department

Social Science

Semester

AY2011/12 Sem 1, AY2011/12 Sem 2, AY2012/13 Sem 1, AY2012/13 Sem 2, AY2013/14 Sem 1, AY2013/14 Sem 2, AY2014/15 Sem 1, AY2014/15 Sem 2, AY2015/16 Sem 1, AY2015/16 Sem 2, AY2016/17 Sem 1, AY2016/17 Sem 2, AY2017/18 Sem 2, AY2018/19 Summer Sem, AY2019/20 Sem 2, AY2021/22 Sem 2, AY2022/23 Sem 1, AY2022/23 Sem 2, AY2022/23 Summer Sem, AY2024/25 Sem 1

Method

Lecture 3 hours

Cluster

2 (Social Sciences)

Prerequisite

GEN1000 Perspectives on General Education

Exclusion

PPE3004 Global Politics

Module Description

This module is designed to enable students to identify, interpret and examine global politics from a general perspective. It is hoped that exposure to various theoretical approaches to the study of international relations imparts skills to the students which are useful in examining the major contemporary trends of global order. Topics such as great power relations, war and peace, global political economy, and human right issues are discussed throughout the semester.

Module Intended Learning Outcomes (MILO)

Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:
a. describe the major characteristics of the global political system and basic concepts that shape the study of international relations;
b. demonstrate excellent knowledge of the origins and evolution of the global political system, including contemporary changes rooted by the forces of globalization;
c. identify and explain various interpretations of global political events and issues; and
d. critically apply knowledge in cases of international relations.

Module Content

1. Introduction and Basic Concepts

1.1 The study of global politics: states and globalization
1.2 Historical contexts I (Until World War II)
1.3 Historical contexts II (The Cold War)

2 International security

2.1 Theory I: Power & Realism
2.2 War & Terrorism
2.3 International Organizations: Liberalism & Collective Security
2.4 International Law & Human Rights

3 International Security

3.1 Traditional understanding, terrorism, causes of arm conflicts
3.2 Theory II: Marxism and post-colonial / decolonial approaches

4 Global challenges

4.1 Refugees & Forced Migration
4.2 Environmental problems and enforcement of environmental regimes
4.3 Emerging Issues (COVID-19 & Nationalism)

5 Human Security

5.1 Human right and humanitarian intervention
5.2 Environmental problems and enforcement of environmental regimes

Assessment Methods

1. Tests (40%)
2. Group project (written & presentation) (30%)
3. Individual essay (20%)
4. Participation / In-class activities (10%)

Texts & References

1. Baylis, J. (2020). The Globalization of World Politics: an Introduction to International Relations (8th edition). OUP
2. Nye, J. & Welsh, D. (2017) Understanding Global Conflict and Cooperation: An Introduction to Theory and History. (9th Edition). Pearson.
3. Bova, R. (2012). How the world works: a brief survey of international relations (second edition). Boston: Pearson
4. Scott, J., Carter, R., Cooper Drury, A. (2016) IR (second edition). Boston: Cengage Learning