Courses - Faculty of Arts
Politics and International Relations
Stage I
Global Politics
An introduction to the study of international relations. The focus is on how international organisations, states and non-state actors raise and address global challenges such as security and human insecurity, humanitarian intervention, global trade and finance, development and poverty, environmental degradation, warfare, and respect for human rights. The course is informed by and introduces a range of international relations theories.
New Zealand Politics
An introduction to understanding who governs New Zealand and in whose interests. Topics include national identity, institutions of government, leadership, voting and elections, the place of Māori within the political system, parties and political participation. The course draws on current research in NZ politics and provides knowledge that can be applied to a variety of careers, including law, business and public service.
Foundations of Western Politics and Law
An examination, via the works of selected major European thinkers from Ancient Greece to nineteenth-century Britain, of ideas central to the western tradition of political thought: justice, law, liberty, power, rights, citizenship, the rights of women, and the right to resist governments. Thinkers studied include Plato, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Wollstonecraft, Mill and Marx.
Stage II
Globalisation and International Organisations
Examines the relationship between globalisation and international relations. Investigates recent developments of globalisation in view of the rise and fall of great powers, placing globalisation against the backdrop of the school of liberalism in international relations theory, and studies the role played by international organisations. Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Politics and International Relations or Employment Relations and Organisational Studies or POLITICS 106 and 30 points in either Global Politics and Human Rights or International Relations and Business Restriction: POLITICS 348
Democrats and Dictators
Introduces the study of institutional change in non-democratic and emergent and established democratic states. Develops an understanding of democratic transition and consolidation (or a lack of them), and the breadth of institutional types in global politics.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Politics and International Relations, and 30 points from BA courses or 30 points in Global Studies
Special Topic
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Politics and International Relations
Media, Conflict and Peace
Explores the role of media in cases of modern conflict, genocide, and peace processes. Through case studies, the course examines media structure, content, framing and psychological responses during times of conflict and peace-making, and how media informs audiences and either foments or quells conflict.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Communication, Media and Screen Studies or Politics and International Relations
Modern Political Thought
What should the state do and what should it keep out of? Focussing on key debates in modern political theory, topics will vary year from year and may include political authority and the rule of law; freedom, coercion, and manipulation; indigenous rights and the welfare state; paternalism; the ethics of war, global justice and feminism.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Politics and International Relations and 30 points in the BA
Special Topic
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Politics and International Relations
Politics of China
An introduction to China's domestic politics, emphasising changes since 1978. The course explores topics such as political succession; the cadre system and political decision-making at the central, provincial, and local levels; economic development; popular religion and the state; NGOs and the non-state sector; nationalism and ethnic diversity; the role and relevance of ideological legacies; and institutional innovation and authoritarian survival.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Politics and International Relations, or POLITICS 106 and ASIAN 100, or CHINESE 130 and ASIAN 100
Special Topic
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I inPolitics and International Relations
American Politics and Public Policy
Explores American politics and policy. Analyses the US political system and its governance, including the ideas of federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances. Examines the country’s development, its legal and policy-making system, the dynamics between the various actors, and the struggle for power and policy. Covers political parties, participation, interest groups, social movements, media, campaigns and elections.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Politics and International Relations, or POLITICS 106 and 30 points in Global Politics and Human Rights
Restriction: POLITICS 347
Public Policy: Actors, Processes and Politics
Government policy choices determine the taxes we pay, the resources we consume and the wars we fight. This course provides an introduction to policy studies together with a conceptual tool-kit for understanding and evaluating public policies. It poses questions about the relevance of different actors and instruments in a series of important substantive policy areas: health and food, the environment, foreign relations, (un)employment, crime and the economy.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Politics and International Relations or Māori Studies or MĀORI 130, or 30 points at Stage I in Social Science for Public Health, or 30 points at Stage I in BC courses
Mana Māori Motuhake / Māori Politics and Public Policy
An introduction to Māori politics. Topics include the Treaty of Waitangi, the politicisation of identity, sovereignty and self-determination, representation, globalisation and the Māori economy, Māori development and Māori media. Some contemporary and comparative indigenous policy issues will be discussed.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Politics and International Relations or Māori Studies, or any 60 points
Politics, Media and Public Sphere
Critics voice disquiet about the future of journalism and political deliberation, and the lack of a unified public space where citizens can engage seriously with matters of collective concern. The course surveys the changing public sphere over time, from its early-modern emergence to the challenges of tabloid news and online fragmentation in contemporary media culture.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Politics and International Relations, or COMMS 100 and MEDIA 101, or 30 points at Stage I in Communication
Special Topic: Aotearoa New Zealand Compared
Introducing comparative politics as a method and a subject of study, with Aotearoa serving as the primary comparative case. Analyses major features of politics and government, and engages with the key theories, concepts, methods, and debates within comparative politics. Equips students with a “comparative mindset”, and challenges assumptions about Aotearoa’s politics.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Politics and International Relations
China and the World
A comprehensive investigation of China's engagement with the world. Focuses on China's relations with its neighbouring countries and other parts of the world. Examines China's involvement in international institutions such as the United Nations, the world trade system, the environment and human rights.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Politics and International Relations, or Asian Studies or History, or CHINESE 130 and ASIAN 100, or POLITICS 106 and 30 points in Global Politics and Human Rights
Restriction: POLITICS 354
Critical Security Studies
Investigates recent developments in the theory and practice of international security from a critical perspective. Provides an overview of the main concepts, theories, methodological approaches, and empirical objects in the field. Develops the skills and knowledge necessary to understand a core subject within International Relations.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Politics and International Relations, or POLITICS 106 and 30 points in International Relations and Business
Stage III
Toleration and Censorship
An exploration of the ideas and practical dilemmas, past and present, of toleration and intolerance, and the relationship between freedom of expression and attempts to censor and control the public communication of political, religious and moral thought. Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Politics and International Relations, or 15 points at Stage II in Politics and International Relations and 15 points at Stage II in History or Philosophy
War and Political Violence
An advanced introduction to violence and war, paying particular attention to why conflicts begin, how they escalate and what can be done to build a sustainable peace. Students explore the main theories of political violence, as well as key themes such as post-conflict reconstruction, sexual violence, reconciliation, humanitarian intervention and terrorism.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Politics and International Relations or POLITICS 106 and 30 points at Stage II in Global Politics and Human Rights
Gender and Global Politics
Advanced investigation of feminist and gender theory as applied to key issues in International Relations. Presents feminist approaches to key contemporary issues including digital politics, women and militarism, global health, sexual violence in war, migration and population displacement, and queer politics. Students will develop a sophisticated understanding of the roles of gender in global politics.
Prerequisite: 30 points in Gender Studies or Global Studies or 15 points at Stage II in Politics and International Relations
Governing Planet Earth
Environmental problems play an increasingly important role in contemporary politics. This course examines the role of ideologies and institutions in shaping environmental governance challenges from climate change and land-use conflicts to air and water pollution. Drawing from examples in New Zealand and around the globe, topics include limits to growth, sustainable development, ecological modernisation, ecolocalism and environmental justice.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Politics and International Relations, or POLITICS 106 and 30 points at Stage II in Global Environment and Sustainable Development, or 30 points at Stage II in BC courses
Restriction: POLITICS 205
Democracy in Theory and Practice
Examines the theory and practice of democratic politics. Specific questions include how democracies try to reconcile freedom and equality, and the relations between democratic nationalism and citizenship. Practical topics include judicial review and the rule of law, referendums and the ‘tyranny of the majority’, and issues in political representation, including Māori representation. Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Politics and International Relations, or 15 points at Stage II in Politics and International Relations and 15 points at Stage II in Economics or History or Philosophy or Māori Studies or Sociology, or POLITICS 106 and 30 points at Stage II in Global Politics and Human Rights
Restriction: POLITICS 214
The Practice of Politics
Explores the skills and knowledge needed for students to practice politics effectively, considering the range of jobs available in the political arena, the professional skills needed to succeed in political positions, lessons that can be learnt from political science literature about how to practice politics both effectively and ethically, and individual development of employability attributes.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Politics and International Relations
Capitalism and its Critics
An account of the main variants of capitalism, criticisms of capitalism, and some alternatives. Topics include: markets in theory and practice; the value of efficiency and capitalism's growth imperative; consumer sovereignty; alienation; unemployment; meaningful work; planned economies and market socialism; incentives and the profit motive; democracy at work; labour market regulation; inequality and poverty. Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Politics and International Relations, or 15 points at Stage II in Politics and International Relations and 15 points at Stage II in Philosophy, or POLITICS 106 and 30 points at Stage II in International Relations and Business
Social Justice
Examines contemporary theories of justice focusing on the relationships between justice, equality and liberty. Students explore a range of topics that may include the distribution of resources both globally and domestically, and the rights of cultural minorities, gender groups, animals and future generations.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Politics and International Relations or Philosophy, or POLITICS 106 and 30 points at Stage II in Global Politics and Human Rights
Political Marketing
Studies how and why political organisations such as political parties use business techniques and concepts.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Politics and International Relations, or 30 points at Stage II in Communication, or 30 points at Stage II in Global Studies
Terrorism
Terrorism is a major issue of global concern. In this course, students will learn the definition, history, causes and dynamics of terrorism. They will examine why terrorist organisations emerge, their goals and the causes of their demise. Students also examine the causes of radicalisation of individual terrorists and how governments can counter violent extremism.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Politics and International Relations, or POLITICS 106 and 30 points at Stage II in Global Politics and Human Rights
American Politics and Public Policy
Explores American politics and policy. Analyses the US political system and its governance, including the ideas of federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances. Examines the country’s development, its legal and policy-making system, the dynamics between the various actors, and the struggle for power and policy. Covers political parties, participation, interest groups, social movements, media, campaigns and elections.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Politics and International Relations, or 60 points in Global Politics and Human Rights
Restriction: POLITICS 218
Ethno-Political Violence: Hate Crimes to Genocide
Examines the causes and prevention of ethno-political violence. Forms of violence examined include: hate crimes; ethnic and religious conflict; revolution, insurgency and civil war; mass killings and genocide. Students will become familiar with the main theories and explanations of this violence, numerous case studies and policies for their prevention.
Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Politics and International Relations, or POLITICS 106 and 30 points at Stage II in Global Politics and Human Rights
Postgraduate 700 Level Courses
Research Design in Empirical Political Inquiry
Explores a range of tools and approaches commonly used by political and other social scientists in the course of conducting empirical research. The course is designed to assist postgraduate students in Politics and International Relations, as well as cognate disciplines, in developing their own research projects.
Transitional Justice: From Retribution to Reconciliation
Explores the politics of transitional justice in post-war, post-conflict, and post-colonial states. Students examine political responses to atrocity in the context of conflicting demands that include the rule of law, peace, retribution, and human rights. Specific topics include trials, truth commissions and hybrid courts, the use of amnesty and the practice of apology, democratisation, development and reconciliation.
Political Management in Government
Explores how politicians and their staff use management tools to help them achieve their goals within the constraints and challenges of the governing environment. It explores the nature of government, and the potential and limitations of branding, PR, market research, public engagement, strategy, government advertising, crisis management, media management and delivery management within the political environment.
International Relations in Asia
A theoretical perspective based on empirical analyses that draws on Western theories to examine burgeoning perspectives from the rising East. The empirical analyses cover North Korea's nuclear crisis, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, relations across the Taiwan Strait, as well as regional trade, investment, and finance.
Theorising International Relations
An advanced examination of contemporary international relations theory. Students will explore key concepts, such as war, anarchy and the state, along with a range of different theoretical perspectives, from realism and liberalism through to feminism, poststructuralism and postcolonialism.
Restriction: POLITICS 318
Political Extremism
Considers the political context behind a range of forms of modern extremism, including fascism and other forms of dictatorship, genocide, the persecution of minorities, far-right white nationalism, and religious and political terrorism. Investigate cases such as the Nazi regime; Stalin’s Soviet Union; the Cambodian, Indonesian and other genocides; al Qaeda; Islamic State / ISIS; and neo-Nazis so as to identify common pathways to extremism.
The Security-Development Nexus
The security-development nexus has become the leading paradigm for international interventions since the end of the Cold War, especially since the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks. This course engages with the advanced theoretical, normative and operational underpinnings of the ‘nexus’. The theoretical learning will then allow students to critically analyse the political economy and operational outcomes of international interventions.
Bodies in/at War
War is a profoundly embodied experience, but the body is often erased in the dominant accounts. This course places the body at the centre of critical thinking on war. Examines how bodies are prepared for war, how different bodies experience war, and what happens to these bodies in the aftermath of war.
Identity and the Politics of Multiculturalism
Explores the theoretical implications of identity politics based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality. Considers the effects of these claims on liberty, justice, equal citizenship, political representation and participation. Readings cover liberalism, feminism, communitarianism and deliberative democracy.
The Engendering of Global Conflict
Explores feminist theory and methodology in the study of war and conflict, including feminist interventions on how to prevent war and conflict. Topics include women’s roles in war and the gendering of militarism; sexual and environmental offences, race and human rights violations; colonial legacies, feminist resistance to war, and the UN’s Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda.
Directed Research
Supervised research on an approved topic or topics.
To complete this course students must enrol in POLITICS 737 A and B, or POLITICS 737
Revolutions, Ideas and Media
Revolutions are politics writ large, moments when political reality and political aspirations collide and erupt in often epochal transformations. This course explores the idea, and the realities, of historical and modern revolutions as sources of insight into politics and societal change, with particular attention to the key role of 'the people', public opinion and the media.
Ethics and Health Policy
Considers the intersection between theory, policy, and problems in health. Topics include: defining health and its value; the role of government and markets in providing health care; allocating resources in a government health system; justice, inequalities, and health; coercion to control the spread of disease, whether caused by pathogens (e.g., pandemic influenza) or lifestyle.
International Relations and Human Rights
An analysis of how governments adopt and implement human rights norms, negotiate human rights treaties with other governments, interact with United Nations human rights institutions, and set up courts to try human rights violations. Includes domestic politics as they bear on international human rights issues.
New Zealand Government
An examination of the composition, functions and powers of New Zealand's political institutions under MMP. Analyses the extent to which factors such as political leadership, policy, electoral and parliamentary tactics, and relations between the major and minor parties contribute to a government's success.
Comparative Public Policy
A comparative examination of policy actors, processes and outcomes. Engaging with a range of conceptual and methodological approaches, the course considers how we might explain and understand cross-national similarities and differences in policy-making and policy outcomes. The course focuses on the relative importance of interests, institutions and ideas at the national level, as well as international contexts and actors that facilitate diffusion and transfer of policy across countries.
Ethnic Conflict and Civil War
Students examine the comparative literature on civil war, mass killings and conflict prevention, and apply this scholarship to past and contemporary cases of violent conflict. In doing so, they learn to carry out two policy-relevant tasks: identify common causes of violence and assess which policies of prevention work best in different contexts.
Politics-Policy Internship
Prerequisite: Programme Coordinator approval
Restriction: POLICY 737
Media and Politics in an Age of Globalisation
Explores the relationship between media and politics, domestically and internationally, within a changing global context. Students will critically engage with key theories in political communication scholarship, such as agenda-setting, priming, framing, silencing and informational effects within the new media dynamics, which includes multiple new media outlets (such as state and private media), platforms, technologies and faster delivery.
Politics of Terrorism and Counterterrorism
Provides students with a critical understanding of terrorism and counter-terrorism politics, policy and practice in a globalised world. The course examines theories, causes, typologies and case studies of terrorism, as well as counterterrorism responses by states and the international community. It also engages with moral, ethical and political questions posed by the discursive battleground of terrorism and counterterrorism.
Research Project - Level 9
To complete this course students must enrol in POLITICS 780 A and B, or POLITICS 780
Dissertation in International Relations and Human Rights - Level 9
To complete this course students must enrol in POLITICS 789 A and B, or POLITICS 789
Dissertation
To complete this course students must enrol in POLITICS 792 A and B, or POLITICS 792
Dissertation - Level 9
To complete this course students must enrol in POLITICS 793 A and B, or POLITICS 793
Thesis - Level 9
To complete this course students must enrol in POLITICS 794 A and B