Waikato Home
IRSST301-23B (HAM)
International Relations: The Context, Theory and Practice of New Zealand Foreign Policy
15 Points
Staff
Convenor(s)
|
Reuben Steff
9325
J.2.14
reuben.steff@waikato.ac.nz
|
|
Administrator(s)
Librarian(s)
You can contact staff by:
- Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
-
Extensions starting with 4, 5, 9 or 3 can also be direct dialled:
- For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
- For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
- For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
- For extensions starting with 3: dial +64 7 2620 + the last 3 digits of the extension e.g. 3123 = +64 7 262 0123.
What this paper is about
The Context of NZ Foreign Policy: This course canvasses Aotearoa New Zealand's foreign policy from the beginning of the 20th century through to the present day. We look at the major shifts – as well as elements of continuity – that have defined New Zealand’s approach to foreign engagement.
The Theory of NZ Foreign Policy: Major International Relations theories are utilised to frame and interpret the different ways NZ governments (predominantly led by the Labour and National Parties) have understood the international environment and calibrated NZ's foreign policy to navigate it.
The Practice of NZ Foreign Policy: The course also considers the role government departments (the people on the front-lines) play in the creation and implementation of policy. To gain these insights, the course features a number of guest speakers from government.
How this paper will be taught
Workshops: This paper involves face-to-face workshops on campus. Students are encouraged to engage and ask questions throughout. It is essential you do the weekly required readings (see readings document on Moodle) so you can engage and interact with the teacher and your fellow students.
Guest speakers: Every year a number of working professionals come to Waikato campus to talk to this class. In some instances they choose to Zoom. These include personnel from the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs Trade (MFAT), NZ Defence Force (NZDF), NZ Ministry of Defence (MOD), and the National Assessment Bureau (NAB). These talks offer 'real world' insight into NZ foreign policy and help us connect theory to practice. Additionally, they contain invaluable information explaining what it is like to work in government and what governmental organisations look for from job applicants (that could be you!). Note: We have to be flexible to accommodate the guest lecturers' schedules - the dates in the lecture schedule outline could change slightly as a result, and will be confirmed in the first two weeks of the semester.
Note: There are no required readings for the student-led group presentation workshops. Instead, we will use any extra time to discuss the presentations.
Moodle is used for the following:
- To provide updates on course related matters.
- For students to submit assignments via TurnItIn.
- Instructions and advice guides for the essays, briefing paper and group presentations.
- Studiosity (a tool students can use to vet draft essays)
Required Readings
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:
Assessments
How you will be assessed
Assessment instructions and advice guides can be found on Moodle. It is very important you read these before starting any assessment.
All assessments should be submitted online (via TurnItIn on Moodle) as word documents (do not submit PDFs)
Internal assessment/examination ratio: 1:0
The breakdown of assessments as a percentage of the final mark is as follows:
1. Policy Process – Briefing Paper (3000-3500 words) – 30% (Due date: Friday, 11th August)
2. Essay (3000-3500 words) – 30% (Due date: Friday, 13th October)
3. Group Presentation – 30% (Dates: dates in the lecture schedule for the group presentations and only placeholders - we need to be flexible to accommodate guest presenters. The dates for the group presentations will be finalised in the first two weeks of the semester)
Workshop attendance and participation – 10%
Essays: Each student is required to write one essay, which should be approximately 3000-3500 words in length.
Policy Process assessment: This assessment should be approximately 3000-3500 words in length.
Workshop attendance: Each student is expected to attend the workshops each week. This represents 10% of your final mark. Attendance = 5% of this and participation the other 5%. Participation involves answering questions, adding to the discussion and engaging others’ views.
Group Presentation: In groups you will need to put together a 30 minute presentation on New Zealand’s relations with one country. Each member of the group is required to present during the presentation and should aim to present for roughly an equal amount of time as one another.
Templates and demonstrations of the policy process assessment are available on Moodle.
The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0. There is no final exam.