Students

PICT818 – National Security and Counter Terrorism Issues

2014 – S2 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Clive Williams
Contact via clive.williams@mq.edu.au
Tutor
Sylvia Yong
Contact via sylvia.yong@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
Course is identical to PICT818 - National Security and Counter Terrorism Issues S2 External
Unit description Unit description
This unit examines the structure and components of national security, including the roles of the intelligence and law enforcement communities, and considers which areas of the public and private sectors need to play a part in maintaining national security. The unit examines different homeland security models and what comprises an effective counter-terrorism strategy. Please note: this unit will be offered as block sessions in Sydney.

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:

  • Demonstrate a higher level understanding of the concept of national security and counter terrorism
  • Display engagement with the fields of national security and counter terrorism through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories relating to the field.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary national security and counter terrorism literature.
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained and persuasive arguments cogently and coherently.
  • Model research skills, particularly the ability to select appropriately and integrate knowledge from diverse sources to evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present findings, rationally and lucidly.
  • Demonstrate higher level skills in critical analysis.

General Assessment Information

A marking template (provided for student information on iLearn) will be used as a general marking guideline. A completed template will be provided to each student after the assignment has been marked. Students are expected to complete assignments on time unless there are compelling extenuating circumstances that must be notified to the convenor before the assignment's due date. A penalty of 5% of the student's mark will be deducted for each complete day the assignment is overdue.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
PowerPoint briefing 30% 31 August 2014
Reading critique 20% 21 September 2014
Research essay 50% 19 October 2014

PowerPoint briefing

Due: 31 August 2014
Weighting: 30%

See 818 Unit Guide on iLearn


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a higher level understanding of the concept of national security and counter terrorism
  • Display engagement with the fields of national security and counter terrorism through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories relating to the field.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary national security and counter terrorism literature.
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained and persuasive arguments cogently and coherently.
  • Model research skills, particularly the ability to select appropriately and integrate knowledge from diverse sources to evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present findings, rationally and lucidly.
  • Demonstrate higher level skills in critical analysis.

Reading critique

Due: 21 September 2014
Weighting: 20%

See 818 Unit Guide on iLearn


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a higher level understanding of the concept of national security and counter terrorism
  • Display engagement with the fields of national security and counter terrorism through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories relating to the field.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary national security and counter terrorism literature.
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained and persuasive arguments cogently and coherently.
  • Model research skills, particularly the ability to select appropriately and integrate knowledge from diverse sources to evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present findings, rationally and lucidly.
  • Demonstrate higher level skills in critical analysis.

Research essay

Due: 19 October 2014
Weighting: 50%

See 818 Unit Guide on iLearn


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a higher level understanding of the concept of national security and counter terrorism
  • Display engagement with the fields of national security and counter terrorism through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories relating to the field.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary national security and counter terrorism literature.
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained and persuasive arguments cogently and coherently.
  • Model research skills, particularly the ability to select appropriately and integrate knowledge from diverse sources to evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present findings, rationally and lucidly.
  • Demonstrate higher level skills in critical analysis.

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 all major assessment tasks in order to pass the unit.

 

 

REQUIRED READINGS

  • The citations for all the required readings for this unit are available to enrolled 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.

 

 

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

 

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.
  • Most assessment tasks will be subject to a 'TurnitIn' review as an automatic part of the submission process.
  • 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.

 

REASSESSMENT OF ASSIGNMENTS DURING THE SEMESTER

  • Macquarie University operates a Grade Appeal Policy in cases where students feel their work was graded inappropriately (http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html). This process involves all assignments submitted for that unit being reassessed. However, in exceptional cases students may request that a single piece of work is reassessed. The Department process for the reassessment of assignments for marking during the semester is as follows:
  • You must consult with the unit convenor - A reassessment will only be granted if you have sought and received feedback about your performance on the assessment from the convenor.
  • Apply to PICT’s Director of Learning and Teaching (or delegated authority) for a reassessment - no more than 7 days after the unit convenor or class tutor has returned the assessment to you. You must make a sound academic case, which demonstrates that you have consulted the unit convenor and as a result of this there is evidence that either the marking criteria were not provided, or there is insufficient feedback to justify the mark given.
  • If appropriate, the Head of Department (or delegated authority) will organise the reassessment of work.
  • The mark determined after reassessment will be the final mark in that assessment task, and this mark can be lower than the original.

 

Unit Schedule

See 818 Unit Guide on iLearn

Learning and Teaching Activities

See 818 Unit Guide on iLearn

See 818 Unit Guide on iLearn

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

  • Demonstrate a higher level understanding of the concept of national security and counter terrorism
  • Display engagement with the fields of national security and counter terrorism through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories relating to the field.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary national security and counter terrorism literature.
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained and persuasive arguments cogently and coherently.
  • Model research skills, particularly the ability to select appropriately and integrate knowledge from diverse sources to evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present findings, rationally and lucidly.
  • Demonstrate higher level skills in critical analysis.

Assessment tasks

  • PowerPoint briefing
  • Reading critique
  • Research 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

  • Demonstrate a higher level understanding of the concept of national security and counter terrorism
  • Display engagement with the fields of national security and counter terrorism through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories relating to the field.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary national security and counter terrorism literature.
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained and persuasive arguments cogently and coherently.
  • Model research skills, particularly the ability to select appropriately and integrate knowledge from diverse sources to evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present findings, rationally and lucidly.
  • Demonstrate higher level skills in critical analysis.

Assessment tasks

  • PowerPoint briefing
  • Reading critique
  • Research 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

  • Demonstrate a higher level understanding of the concept of national security and counter terrorism
  • Display engagement with the fields of national security and counter terrorism through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories relating to the field.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary national security and counter terrorism literature.
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained and persuasive arguments cogently and coherently.
  • Model research skills, particularly the ability to select appropriately and integrate knowledge from diverse sources to evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present findings, rationally and lucidly.
  • Demonstrate higher level skills in critical analysis.

Assessment tasks

  • PowerPoint briefing
  • Reading critique
  • Research 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

  • Demonstrate a higher level understanding of the concept of national security and counter terrorism
  • Display engagement with the fields of national security and counter terrorism through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories relating to the field.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary national security and counter terrorism literature.
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained and persuasive arguments cogently and coherently.
  • Model research skills, particularly the ability to select appropriately and integrate knowledge from diverse sources to evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present findings, rationally and lucidly.
  • Demonstrate higher level skills in critical analysis.

Assessment tasks

  • PowerPoint briefing
  • Reading critique
  • Research 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

  • Display engagement with the fields of national security and counter terrorism through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories relating to the field.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary national security and counter terrorism literature.
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained and persuasive arguments cogently and coherently.
  • Model research skills, particularly the ability to select appropriately and integrate knowledge from diverse sources to evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present findings, rationally and lucidly.
  • Demonstrate higher level skills in critical analysis.

Assessment tasks

  • PowerPoint briefing
  • Reading critique
  • Research 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

  • Demonstrate a higher level understanding of the concept of national security and counter terrorism
  • Display engagement with the fields of national security and counter terrorism through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories relating to the field.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary national security and counter terrorism literature.
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained and persuasive arguments cogently and coherently.
  • Model research skills, particularly the ability to select appropriately and integrate knowledge from diverse sources to evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present findings, rationally and lucidly.
  • Demonstrate higher level skills in critical analysis.

Assessment tasks

  • PowerPoint briefing
  • Reading critique
  • Research essay