Overview
Critical examination of depictions and theorisation of the Global South in theories of international relations and general concepts of world politics.
States in the Global South are usually depicted as minor players on a world stage dominated by great powers or as being in need of development and rescuing due to poverty, tyrannical leaders and other dire consequences of state failure in international relations (IR). Drawing on critical, theoretical approaches in IR, this paper casts a sceptical eye on these depictions and examines the material factors, ideas, identities, social relations and knowledge practices that have shaped and continue to shape the Global South, as well as North-South relations in world politics. Areas to be examined include colonialism and colonial discourses, race, gender, nation- and state-building, development, security, migration, the environment and the rise of emerging powers.
About this paper
| Paper title | International Relations and the Global South |
|---|---|
| Subject | Politics |
| EFTS | 0.25 |
| Points | 30 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $2,090.50 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Limited to
- MPols
- Notes
- May not be credited with POLS433 passed in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 or 2014.
- Contact
- politics@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View more information on the Department of Politics' website
- Teaching staff
- Dr Lena Tan
- Textbooks
Textbooks are not required for this paper.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the paper, students will:
- Develop a deep understanding of how the discipline of international relations constructs knowledge about the world and especially the Global South through the dominant theoretical perspectives that have been developed.
- Analyse various theories, perspectives and representations of the Global South in international relations and challenge dominant and conventional perspectives logically.
- Develop a critical understanding of how material and social relations have constituted the Global South through topics on poverty, human rights, failed states, the Cold War.
- Present ideas and arguments logically, clearly and effectively both orally and on paper.
- Develop a good research question, locate relevant literature and use it effectively to address the question.
- Work independently to complete a major research project.
- Assessment details
This paper is internally assessed:
- One critical literature review essay
- Leading seminar discussion
- Contribution to seminar discussions
- Final research essay.