Students

PICT845 – Practice of Modern Intelligence

2014 – S1 Evening

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Rebecca Vogel
Contact via rebecca.vogel@mq.edu.au
PICT offices
Business hours Monday-Wednesday
Tutor
Claudia Horne
Contact via claudia.horne@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MPICT or PGDipPICT or PGCertPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or PGDipIntSecStud or PGCertIntSecStud or PGCertIntell
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit exposes students to the diverse areas of intelligence and to intelligence process methodologies in a variety of contexts. It discusses the essential characteristics of intelligence systems and examines how the intelligence function fits within a dynamic national security context, situating the intelligence function within the Law Enforcement, Foreign, National Security and Military domains. The unit examines the Australian and selected international intelligence communities.

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:

  • Critique contemporary literature relating to the concepts of intelligence
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
  • Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
  • Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context
  • Explore a case study requiring critical analysis/assessment.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Written Exercise 30% Week 3
Quiz 20% End of Weeks 2-11
Research Paper 50% Week 11

Written Exercise

Due: Week 3
Weighting: 30%

 

For details see ilearn. 

A detailed marking matrix is available to all enrolled students on the unit iLearn site.

Marking criteria in the marking matrix includes evaluation of topic comprehension, argument, written expression, referencing, essay structure and organization.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critique contemporary literature relating to the concepts of intelligence
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
  • Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
  • Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context

Quiz

Due: End of Weeks 2-11
Weighting: 20%

For details see ilearn.

Quizzes will assess the student's understanding of the topics covered in the weekly pre-recorded lectures and the Required Readings for that week. 

 




On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critique contemporary literature relating to the concepts of intelligence
  • Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
  • Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context

Research Paper

Due: Week 11
Weighting: 50%

For details see ilearn. 

A detailed marking matrix is available to all enrolled students on the unit iLearn site.

Marking criteria in the marking matrix includes evaluation of topic comprehension, argument, written expression, referencing, essay structure and organization.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critique contemporary literature relating to the concepts of intelligence
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
  • Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
  • Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context
  • Explore a case study requiring critical analysis/assessment.

Delivery and Resources

 

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.

§  Students are required to submit assessment tasks 1 and 3 in order to pass the unit.

REQUIRED READINGS

§  The citations for all the required readings for this unit are available to enrolled students students through the unit iLearn site, the CD reading list 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.

§  While there is no prescribed textbook for this unit students may consider obtaining a copy of Collins, A. (ed) Contemporary Security Studies, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 3rd Edition, 2013 

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.

§  Assessment tasks must be submitted with as assessment coversheet incorporating a plagiarism declaration.  A copy of the coversheet can be downloaded at: www.arts.mq.edu.au/current_students/postgraduate_coursework.

§  The granting of extensions of up to one week are at the discretion of the unit convenor.  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 special consideration.  The policy for this is detailed under Policy and Procedures.

LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS

There is a penalty for the the late submission of assessment tasks.  If an assignment is submitted late it will initially be marked as if it had been submitted on time.  However, 5%of the weighting allocated for the assignment will then be deducted from the mark the student initially achieves in the assessment task for each day it is late. For example if the assessment task's weighting is 20, 1.00 mark per day will be deducted from the initial mark given per day it is late ie a task initially given 15/20 but which is submitted four days late will lose 4 x 1.00 marks.  That means 15/20-4marks=11/20.  It is this second mark which will be recorded in gradebook.   

The same principle applies if a student seeks and is granted an extension and the assessment task is submitted later than the amended submission date.

 

Unit Schedule

Module 1:  Course introduction, learning approach, assessment

Module 2:  Theories of intelligence

Module 3:  Challenges of a dynamic security environment

Module 4:  Information collection & collation

Module 5:  Information analysis

Module 6:  Intelligence reporting and dissemination

Module 7:  Criminal intelligence

Module 8:  Foreign intelligence

Module 9:  Security intelligence

Module 10:  Military intelligence

Module 11:  Intelligence Successes

Module 12:  Intelligence Failures

Module 13:  Cyber intelligence

 

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

  • Critique contemporary literature relating to the concepts of intelligence
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
  • Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
  • Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context
  • Explore a case study requiring critical analysis/assessment.

Assessment tasks

  • Written Exercise
  • Quiz
  • Research Paper

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

  • Critique contemporary literature relating to the concepts of intelligence
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
  • Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
  • Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context
  • Explore a case study requiring critical analysis/assessment.

Assessment tasks

  • Written Exercise
  • Quiz
  • Research Paper

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

  • Critique contemporary literature relating to the concepts of intelligence
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
  • Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
  • Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context
  • Explore a case study requiring critical analysis/assessment.

Assessment tasks

  • Written Exercise
  • Research Paper

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

  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
  • Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
  • Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context
  • Explore a case study requiring critical analysis/assessment.

Assessment tasks

  • Written Exercise
  • Quiz
  • Research Paper

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

  • Critique contemporary literature relating to the concepts of intelligence
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
  • Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
  • Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context
  • Explore a case study requiring critical analysis/assessment.

Assessment tasks

  • Written Exercise
  • Quiz
  • Research Paper

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

  • Critique contemporary literature relating to the concepts of intelligence
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
  • Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present finding logically, rationally and lucidly
  • Evaluate how the intelligence function fits within the dynamic national security context
  • Explore a case study requiring critical analysis/assessment.

Assessment tasks

  • Written Exercise
  • Quiz
  • Research Paper