Introduction to Global Politics
Undergraduate
MAQ-POIX1080 2024Previously MAQ-POIX108
Course information for 2024 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Gain a global perspective on issues like poverty, climate change and terrorism. Broaden your understanding of the history of global politics. Identify the challenges facing international governing bodies. Ask what you can do to change the world.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Global Politics
About this subject
On successful completion of this subject, you will be able to:
- Understand and evaluate the role of historical events and the meanings that have been attributed to them in world politics.
- Apply and develop further independent research skills required to discover relevant evidence to support academic arguments.
- Understand and apply the academic skills required to write cogently and to structure arguments in a logical order.
- Critically engage with and analyse the key issues and challenges that are the current focus of world politics.
- Understand, explain and apply the key concepts, theories, methods, and issues relevant to the study of International Relations at an introductory level.
- Identify and understand the defining debates in the field of Global Politics.
- An introduction to the study of Global Politics
- Historical Context: Political Systems in World History
- Historical Context: International Relations in the Twentieth Century
- Theories of International Relations
- Security and Insecurity in Global Politics
- The Global Governance Challenge
- Essay Writing and Research Skills
- International Political Economy
- Religion, culture and Global Politics
- Great Power Competition
- Globalisation and Study of World Politics
- Agency in World Politics: what can we do to change the world?
This subject was previously known as POIX108 Introduction to Global Politics.
Globalisation has had dramatic implications for the structure and conduct of global politics, now defined by the multiplication of actors and networks. Contemporary crises can no longer be contained within state borders and global problems such as climate change, poverty, health insecurities, and violent conflicts call for global solutions. This unit equips students with the tools to understand the forces that shape the world we live in by introducing them to the key issues, institutions, ideas, and actors involved in global politics. It first outlines the historical context, key theories and concepts, and fundamental institutions of contemporary global politics. Students will then explore important global issues including the changing nature of war, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and autonomous weapons, climate change, poverty, and refugee ‘crises’. Overall, the unit provides students with foundational knowledge about the complexity of global politics, problems and solutions.
- Online Discussion Board Participation (10%)
- quiz (5%)
- Short Essay (35%)
- Research Essay (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie University.
Explore Macquarie courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 10
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 10
Entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MAQ-PLT120 (Not currently available)
MAQ-POIX108 (Not currently available)
Others
If you have no prior university experience, you should complete BAR100 Academic Learning Skills or COM10006 Academic Literacies: Learning and Communication Practice before starting this subject.
NCCW (pre-2020 units) PLT120, POL108, POL168, POIX108
NCCW (2020 and onwards)
POIR1080 Introduction to Global Politics
Additional requirements
- Other requirements - Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Undergraduate
MAQ-ART-DEGSingle subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.