Political Science and International Relations

100-level

POLS102
Politics: An Introduction
Description
This course introduces the basic tools and techniques used in political science, including research techniques, formulation of hypotheses, and methods of analysis. It also introduces students to a selection of key theories and frameworks. The course covers topics such as nationalism and ethnicity, democracy, authoritarianism, people's power, conflict, globalisation, and the future of global politics. This course will be of great benefit to Political Science majors of all levels and to students who desire a broad-based introduction to the field.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Semester One 2024 (Distance)
Summer Nov 2024 (Distance)
Points
15 points
POLS103
Introduction to New Zealand Politics and Policy
Description
How are decisions made in New Zealand? Who has how much power in this process? How can citizens, businesses, iwi, and a diverse range of groups have a say? This course is an introduction to New Zealand politics and public policy. The course examines the core features of New Zealand’s political landscape: The constitution, how MMP works, the roles of leaders, cabinet and parliament, and then explores issues that matter to the public, and asks how citizens can participate in politics, what role powerful groups including the media play in decision making and how new, diverse voices can be heard, including your own. The course includes a field day working in local communities learning about leadership and public attitudes.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
POLS104
Introduction to International Relations
Description
This course provides a broad introduction to the core issues and theories related to the study of international relations. Students will be introduced to the discipline through a study of key historical events, prominent theories of international relations, and a variety of practical examples.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Semester Two 2024 (Distance)
Points
15 points
POLS105
Comparing the Politics of Nations: A Global Introduction
Description
This course serves as an introduction to the basics of comparative political studies. It is designed to provide the student with a broad comparative overview of the world’s political systems. The main objective is to give students the necessary tools to assess and understand the differences in political culture, political organizations, governmental structures, and political behaviour.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
POLS106
Plato to Nato: Introduction to Political Thought
Description
What’s the right thing for a group of people to do? How does a society know it is well governed? How do you know you are doing the right thing for your country, or your fellow citizens, or how that will impact on your family and friends? Who matters more, your family or your fellow citizens? The best way to answer these questions has been debated for more than over 2000 years. This course is an introduction to the thinkers that have suggested answers to these questions and influenced everyone from Plato to Trump and you. In this course, you will study the evolution of the ideas that form the building blocks of the political and social sciences. The course traverses the political ideas that arose in the Greek and Roman civilisations, the Renaissance, the birth of America, the death of the English and French despotic monarchies, and the great traumas of socialism, Marxism and the political upheavals that followed the wars of the 20th century. We will trace the changes in the fundamental political concepts such as freedom, equality, rights, justice, government, the state, markets, and domination.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Semester Two 2024 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Restrictions
PHIL145

Not Offered Courses in 2024

Political Science and International Relations

100-level

POLS137
Computers, Artificial Intelligence, and the Information Society
Description
Our art, culture, politics, society, and economy are powered by computing machines. This course will provide a history of computing from the 1930s to the present day, offering students an introduction to the fundamentals of computing technology, the corporations who sell us our devices and software, and moral and ethical issues at the heart of the information society. The course also examines Artificial Intelligence. What is AI and can it be achieved? How could you tell whether a computer has a mind? Is the human brain in fact a computer?
Occurrences
Not offered 2024
For further information see POLS137 course details
Points
15 points