400 Level Papers

Normally, no POLS 400-level paper can be taken until 72 POLS 300-level points have been completed successfully. Exceptions possible with the approval of the lecturer responsible for the paper.

POLS405 Political Campaigning

Dr Edwards (24pts 2nd semester)

Examines how politicians and political parties market themselves, and the impact of this marketing on voting behaviour.

This paper is 100% internally assessed.

POLS409 Russian Foreign Policy

Dr Headley (24 pts1st semester)

This course analyses the development of Russian foreign policy since the Cold War. The legacy of Soviet foreign policy theory and practice is assessed, and the evolution of foreign policy under Yeltsin, Putin, and Medvedev is considered in terms of national interest and identity, foreign policy process, and regions and issues of particular importance to Russia.

This paper is 100% internally assessed.

POLS414 The Levant

Prof Harris (24 pts 1st semester)

The comparative politics and international relations of the Levant states. Focuses on Syria, Lebanon, and Arab-Israeli affairs.

POLS430 Special Topic: Islamic Militancy in World Politics

Dr Lafraie (24pts 2nd semester)

The Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979 reintroduced religion in world politics, dismissed until then as insignificant. The subsequent rise of Islamic militancy in different parts of the Muslim world, with its effects felt in various European and American cities, has made it an important factor in international relations. After examining the role of religion in IR in general, the paper will study this new phenomenon and how it affects world politics.

POLS431 Special Topic: Political Talk

Dr Craig (24pts 1st semester)

This paper examines the communicative structures and political effects of different forms of political discourse. It will consider the contemporary contexts of political talk, spanning more traditional forms of political oratory through to the demands of a sound-bite culture. The paper investigates questions of rationality, persuasion and performance in political communication. Weekly topics will explore a range of media forums for political talk such as news media interviews, leaders’ debates, and talkback radio. Examples of political talk will be drawn from New Zealand, Australia, Britain, and the United States.

This paper is 100% internally assessed.

POLS432 ST Sex/Gender in Western Political Thought

Dr Lam (24 pts 1st semester)

This course highlights key thinkers and themes in the history of Western political thought emphasizing representations of women and men’s roles and power in the state and society.

POLS433 Special Topic: International Relations and the Developing World

Dr Tan (24pts 2nd semester)

This course examines the material factors, social relations and theories which shaped the ‘third world’ by historicizing its relationship with other states during the age of imperialism, twentieth century decolonization, the Cold War, and the post-Cold War period. In addition to focusing on how the developing world fits into the international system and how it has been constituted, this course will also interrogate the way in which it has been theorized in the discipline of International Relations.

This paper is 100% internally assessed.

POLS490/491 Research Dissertation

Co-ordinators Drs Hayward and Headley (48pts Full year)

POLS491 due Friday 4th June
POLS490 due Friday 15th October;

The research dissertation is either a piece of original research on a specified research question, or a more wide-ranging discussion of a topic which gives a critical account of existing literature and knowledge. Maximum of 15,000 words (excluding footnotes, bibliography, and appendices).

For more information on POLS 490/491 see ‘Honours and the PGDipArts’