University of the Sunshine Coast

Bachelor of Arts (International Studies)

For a major in International Studies, students must successfully complete 8 courses:

Introduction to International Relations: An Australian Perspective

This course is an introduction to international relations from an Australian and a global perspective. It focuses on the political system and institutions of Australia and their importance in the development of Australian foreign policy and its relations across the globe. It examines a number of key challenges facing the future of world politics.

Global Environmental Politics

This course examines global environmental politics by focusing on the institutions, policy frameworks, and forms of global governance related to the environment in world politics. A number of global environmental issues will be studied including climate change, biodiversity, oceans, forests, and ecosystems.

International Justice and Human Rights

International Justice and Human Rights examines the nature of human rights and the enshrining of those rights in law, both domestically and internationally. You will be introduced to the sources of human rights in Australia and examine those derived from the Commonwealth Constitution, enunciated in case law and articulated in international declarations and covenants.

Politics of the USA

The United States of America, as the world's only superpower, plays a dominant role in international politics. Its system of government, constitution, and democratic model have provided examples for many states including Australia. This course will examine the development of the major political institutions of the United States and consider some important contemporary political issues.

Forces of Change in International Politics

This course acquaints you with the forces that have influenced change in international relations and world orders, particularly in the twentieth century. It incorporates elements of political theory so that you acquire basic analytical tools for understanding the development of international relations.

International Security

This course is designed to engage students in the practical and theoretical processes which underpin decision making in international security. Is peace possible? Is war inevitable? It will examine the traditional and non-traditional concepts of security including military, WMD, terrorism, environmental security, human rights, amongst other.

International Relations Theory and Practice

Theory is crucial to how we understand and make meaning of global politics. In this course, you will be exposed to the evolution of theories and philosophies concerning international relations and how they apply to and explain a range of practices in world politics.

Politics and the Media

Politics and the media are closely entwined. In this course, you will be introduced to the way politicians seek to influence the media and you will evaluate the power the media has over populations. The impact of political advertising, media ownership, social media, surveillance, media law, and popular culture are investigated across international politics.