Students
PICT837 – Terrorist Support Networks and Operations
2014 – S2 External
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Lise Waldek
Contact via lise.waldek@mq.edu.au
Administration
Carlos Dominguez
Julian Droogan
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MPICT or PGDipPICT or PGCertPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or PGDipIntSecStud or PGCertIntSecStud or PGCertIntell
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
PICT837 - Evening
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| Unit description |
Unit description
The unit will examine a multiplicity of terrorist support structures including operational details and processes used for such activity. Each session will examine key support activities as undertaken by several terrorist groups, developing an understanding of trends and patterns commonly used for such activity. The sessions will use actual case studies with court transcripts of prosecutions which provide operational details of support activity.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- 1. Identify and explain the range of supporting activities relevant to sustaining terrorist groups.
- 2. Analyse the support required by terrorist and criminal groups to sustain operational level activities.
- 3. Critique contemporary literature relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and organisations.
- 4. Evaluate selected case studies relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and operations in order to synthesise hypothesis relating to general trends and patterns.
- 5. Formulate sustained and persuasive written arguments through research and analysis of critical texts, concepts and theories in relation to contemporary terrorist and criminal support networks and relevant operational issues.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Essay | 30% | Week 3 |
| Essential Issues Briefs | 20% | Weeks 2 - 6 |
| Extended Essay | 50% | Week 12 |
Introductory Essay
Due: Week 3
Weighting: 30%
For details on this assignment please refer to the unit iLearn site.
A detailed marking matrix for this assignment is available to enrolled students on the unit iLearn site. Marking criteria in the marking matrix includes evaluation of topic comprehension, argument/analysis, written expression and grammar, referencing, essay structure and organization.
The 1500 word limit can be plus or minus 10%. The word count does not include footnotes or bibliography. Marks may be deducted if the number of words in the assignment exceeds 10% of the designated word length. Font size should be 12 point with 1.5 line spacing. Oxford/Harvard referencing is required. All written work will be checked through Turnitin text matching software.
This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:
1. Identify and explain the range of supporting activities relevant to sustaining terrorist groups.
2. Analyse the support required by terrorist and criminal groups to sustain operational level activities.
3. Critique contemporary literature relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and organisations.
4. Evaluate selected case studies relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and operations in order to synthesise hypothesis relating to general trends and patterns.
5. Formulate sustained and persuasive written arguments through research and analysis of critical texts, concepts and theories in relation to contemporary terrorist and criminal support networks and relevant operational issues.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 1. Identify and explain the range of supporting activities relevant to sustaining terrorist groups.
- 2. Analyse the support required by terrorist and criminal groups to sustain operational level activities.
- 3. Critique contemporary literature relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and organisations.
- 4. Evaluate selected case studies relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and operations in order to synthesise hypothesis relating to general trends and patterns.
- 5. Formulate sustained and persuasive written arguments through research and analysis of critical texts, concepts and theories in relation to contemporary terrorist and criminal support networks and relevant operational issues.
Essential Issues Briefs
Due: Weeks 2 - 6
Weighting: 20%
For details on this assignment please refer to the Unit iLearn site.
The Essential Issues Briefs will be submitted prior to the scheduled seminar discussions each week commencing in Week 2 and ending in Week 6.
A detailed marking matrix and guidelines for this exercise will be available to all enrolled students on the ilearn site. Marking criteria in the marking matrix includes evaluation of topic comprehension, argument/analysis, written expression and grammar, referencing, structure and organization.
The 200 word limit per brief can be plus or minus 10%. The word count does not include footnotes or bibliography. Marks may be deducted if the number of words in the assignment exceeds 10% of the designated word length.
Font size should be 12 point with 1.5 line spacing. Oxford/Harvard referencing is required.
This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:
1. Identify and explain the range of supporting activities relevant to sustaining terrorist groups.
2. Analyse the support required by terrorist and criminal groups to sustain operational level activities.
3. Formulate sustained and persuasive written arguments through research and analysis of critical texts, concepts and theories in relation to contemporary terrorist and criminal support networks and relevant operational issues.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 1. Identify and explain the range of supporting activities relevant to sustaining terrorist groups.
- 2. Analyse the support required by terrorist and criminal groups to sustain operational level activities.
- 5. Formulate sustained and persuasive written arguments through research and analysis of critical texts, concepts and theories in relation to contemporary terrorist and criminal support networks and relevant operational issues.
Extended Essay
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 50%
For details on this assignment please refer to the unit iLearn site.
A detailed marking matrix and guidelines for this exercise will be available to all enrolled students on the iLearn site. Marking criteria in the marking matrix includes evaluation of topic comprehension, argument/analysis, written expression and grammar, referencing, essay structure and organization
The completion of a 3000 word research essay is intended to encourage and enable students to develop core disciplinary knowledge, enhance research skills, show effective communication (academic writing) skills and demonstrate originality and critical thinking. The essay needs to demonstrate wide reading, critical analysis and objectivity, and should move logically from introduction to evidence to conclusion.
The 3000 word limit can be plus or minus 10%, and does not include footnotes or bibliography. Font size should be 12 point with 1.5 line spacing. Oxford/Harvard Referencing is required. All essays will be checked through Turnitin text matching software.
This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:
1. Identify and explain the range of supporting activities relevant to sustaining terrorist groups.
2. Analyse the support required by terrorist and criminal groups to sustain operational level activities.
3. Critique contemporary literature relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and organisations.
4. Evaluate selected case studies relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and operations in order to synthesise hypothesis relating to general trends and patterns.
5. Formulate sustained and persuasive written arguments through research and analysis of critical texts, concepts and theories in relation to contemporary terrorist and criminal support networks and relevant operational issues.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- 1. Identify and explain the range of supporting activities relevant to sustaining terrorist groups.
- 2. Analyse the support required by terrorist and criminal groups to sustain operational level activities.
- 3. Critique contemporary literature relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and organisations.
- 4. Evaluate selected case studies relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and operations in order to synthesise hypothesis relating to general trends and patterns.
- 5. Formulate sustained and persuasive written arguments through research and analysis of critical texts, concepts and theories in relation to contemporary terrorist and criminal support networks and relevant operational issues.
Delivery and Resources
UNIT REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS
- You should spend an average of at least 12 hours per week on this unit. This includes listening to pre-recorded lectures prior to seminar discussions and reading weekly required readings detailed in iLearn.
- Internal students are expected to attend all seminar sessions and external students are expected to contribute to on-line discussions.
REQUIRED READINGS
- The citations for all the required readings for this unit are available to enrolled students students through the unit iLearn site and at Macquarie University's Library EReserve site. Electronic copies of required readings may be accessed at the EReserve site.
RECOMMENDED READINGS
- Recommended readings will be posted to the unit iLearn site as Session 2 progresses.
- Students may consider obtaining a copy of the following book as an interesting high-level oversight into the components that support and facilitate terrorists networks, M. Sageman, Understanding Terror Networks, University of Pennsylvania Press, 2004. Students have previously found downloading an electronic version on to an E-Book to be an effective means by which the book can be acquired.
TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED
- Personal PC and internet access are essential for this unit. Basic computer skills and skills in word processing are also a requirement.
- The unit can only be accessed by enrolled students online through http://ilearn.mq.edu.au
SUBMITTING ASSESSMENT TASKS
- All assessment tasks are to be submitted, marked and returned electronically. This will only happen through the unit iLearn site.
- Assessment tasks must be submitted either as a PDF or MS word document by the due date.
- All assessment tasks will be subject to a 'TurnitIn' review as an automatic part of the submission process.
- A plagiarism declaration is automatically completed when work is submitted through "turnitin". This removes the need to submit a coversheet declaration.
- The granting of extensions of up to one week are at the discretion of the unit convener. Any requests for extensions must be made in writing before the due date for the submission of the assessment task. Extensions beyond one week are subject to the university’s Disruptions Policy (http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html#purpose).
LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS
- If an assignment is submitted late, 5% of the available mark will be deducted for each day (including weekends) the paper is late.
- For example, if a paper is worth 20 marks, 1 mark will be deducted from the grade given for each day that it is late (i.e. a student given 15/20 who submitted 4 days late will lose 4 marks = 11/20).
- The same principle applies if an extension is granted and the assignment is submitted later than the amended date.
WORD LIMITS FOR ASSESSMENT TASKS
- Stated word limits do not include references, bibliography, or title page.
- Word limits can generally deviate by 10% either over or under the stated figure.
- If the number of words exceeds the limit by more than 10%, then penalties will apply. These penalties are 5% of he awarded mark for every 100 words over the word limit. If a paper is 300 words over, for instance, it will lose 3 x 5% = 15% of the total mark awarded for the assignment. This percentage is taken off the total mark, i.e. if a paper was graded at a credit (65%) and was 300 words over, it would be reduced by 15 marks to a pass (50%).
- The application of this penalty is at the discretion of the course convener.
Unit Schedule
Weekly schedule:
|
Week 1 |
Overview of Networks |
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Week 2 |
The Study of Networks – Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches |
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Week 3 |
Network Resilience |
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Week 4 |
Anti-Social networks: Managing Deviance in the Network Society |
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Week 5 |
Supporting Structures: Ideology and Legitimacy |
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Week 6 |
Supporting Structures: Local, Domestic, International and Global |
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Week 7 |
Supporting Structures: Communications |
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Week 8 |
The Funding of Terrorist Organisations and their Operations |
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Week 9 |
Arming the Networks: Weapons, Logistics and Operations |
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Week 10 |
Illegal and Legal Hubs and Networks: A Case Study of Southern China |
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Week 11 |
Cryptomarkets and Online Drug Distribution Networks |
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Week 12 |
Approaches to Network Dissolution |
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Week 13 |
Conclusions: Lone Rangers |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 1. Identify and explain the range of supporting activities relevant to sustaining terrorist groups.
- 2. Analyse the support required by terrorist and criminal groups to sustain operational level activities.
- 3. Critique contemporary literature relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and organisations.
- 4. Evaluate selected case studies relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and operations in order to synthesise hypothesis relating to general trends and patterns.
- 5. Formulate sustained and persuasive written arguments through research and analysis of critical texts, concepts and theories in relation to contemporary terrorist and criminal support networks and relevant operational issues.
Assessment tasks
- Introductory Essay
- Essential Issues Briefs
- Extended Essay
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 1. Identify and explain the range of supporting activities relevant to sustaining terrorist groups.
- 2. Analyse the support required by terrorist and criminal groups to sustain operational level activities.
- 3. Critique contemporary literature relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and organisations.
- 4. Evaluate selected case studies relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and operations in order to synthesise hypothesis relating to general trends and patterns.
- 5. Formulate sustained and persuasive written arguments through research and analysis of critical texts, concepts and theories in relation to contemporary terrorist and criminal support networks and relevant operational issues.
Assessment tasks
- Introductory Essay
- Essential Issues Briefs
- Extended Essay
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 1. Identify and explain the range of supporting activities relevant to sustaining terrorist groups.
- 2. Analyse the support required by terrorist and criminal groups to sustain operational level activities.
- 3. Critique contemporary literature relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and organisations.
- 4. Evaluate selected case studies relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and operations in order to synthesise hypothesis relating to general trends and patterns.
- 5. Formulate sustained and persuasive written arguments through research and analysis of critical texts, concepts and theories in relation to contemporary terrorist and criminal support networks and relevant operational issues.
Assessment tasks
- Introductory Essay
- Extended Essay
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 1. Identify and explain the range of supporting activities relevant to sustaining terrorist groups.
- 2. Analyse the support required by terrorist and criminal groups to sustain operational level activities.
- 3. Critique contemporary literature relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and organisations.
- 4. Evaluate selected case studies relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and operations in order to synthesise hypothesis relating to general trends and patterns.
- 5. Formulate sustained and persuasive written arguments through research and analysis of critical texts, concepts and theories in relation to contemporary terrorist and criminal support networks and relevant operational issues.
Assessment tasks
- Introductory Essay
- Essential Issues Briefs
- Extended Essay
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 3. Critique contemporary literature relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and organisations.
- 5. Formulate sustained and persuasive written arguments through research and analysis of critical texts, concepts and theories in relation to contemporary terrorist and criminal support networks and relevant operational issues.
Assessment tasks
- Introductory Essay
- Extended Essay
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- 1. Identify and explain the range of supporting activities relevant to sustaining terrorist groups.
- 2. Analyse the support required by terrorist and criminal groups to sustain operational level activities.
- 3. Critique contemporary literature relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and organisations.
- 4. Evaluate selected case studies relating to terrorist and criminal support networks and operations in order to synthesise hypothesis relating to general trends and patterns.
- 5. Formulate sustained and persuasive written arguments through research and analysis of critical texts, concepts and theories in relation to contemporary terrorist and criminal support networks and relevant operational issues.
Assessment tasks
- Introductory Essay
- Essential Issues Briefs
- Extended Essay
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 06/07/2014 | Addition of Carlos to the teaching staff for administrative purposes |