Students
IRPG831 – International Security
2015 – S2 External
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer: Department of Modern History, Politics and International Relations
Lavina Lee
Contact via 9850 8872
431 W6A
Monday 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MIntRel or PGDipIntRel or GradDipIntRel or PGCertIntRel or MIntCommMIntRel or MIntBusMIntRel or MIntRelMIntTrdeComLaw or MTransInterMIntRel or MDevCult or PGDipDevCult or PGCertResPrep(Arts) or GradCertIntRel
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit introduces students to traditional security studies as well as non-traditional approaches which have sought to deepen and broaden our understanding of what 'security' means. We consider threats to the state including attempts to control the spread of nuclear weapons, the adequacy of strategic concepts such as deterrence to the new security threats posed by international terrorism and rogue states, and the challenge of irregular warfare. We then consider broader conceptions of security, including the idea of societal security (ethno-national conflicts, UN peacekeeping and peace-building) and human security (resource scarcity, climate change, and pandemics such as HIV/AIDs).
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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:
- The ability to explain and differentiate between both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- The ability to independently analyse and critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments and concepts that underlie both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- The capacity to apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
- The capacity to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
- An ability to communicate effectively in written work. This involves being able to identify and and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.
- The ability to work collaboratively with ones peers on common projects.
General Assessment Information
Plagiarism
Plagiarism has become an increasing problem in universities. The convenor of this course finds plagiarism in all its forms offensive and will pursue any plagiarism committed by students in this course and will apply appropriate penalties. Plagiarism is essentially a form of cheating, which provides those students with an unfair advantage to the rest of the student body, and devalues the MIR degree. The Department and the Faculty take plagiarism very seriously, with penalties escalating from mark deductions, zero grades for particular assignments, zero grades for the course as a whole, and in serious cases, expulsion from the degree and the university.
Both the research essay and final examination paper will be automatically screened through Turnitin (anti-plagiarism software).
Extensions
Any student seeking an extension of time to submit their research paper must, except in extraordinary circumstances, submit to the Convenor (or have submitted on their behalf) a request in writing and supportive documentary evidence prior to the due date. Extensions will not be given other than in exceptional cases of illness. In such cases, a certificate signed by a medical practitioner must be submitted as supportive documentary evidence.
In extraordinary circumstances where a written request for an extension cannot be submitted, an application for an extension can be sought verbally. However, in such cases, any extension granted will be subject to the student subsequently submitting such documentary evidence as is deemed appropriate by the Convenor. If an extension is sought due to the death of a family member, proof must be provided in the form of a death certificate.
Extensions beyond one week are subject to special consideration. The policy for this is detailed under Policy and Procedures under 'Disruption to Studies Policy'.
Whilst we do understand that many or most students support themselves through paid employment, extensions cannot be granted on this basis alone. Students must manage their time and workloads accordingly. Essay topics will be given to students by the second week of semester leaving ample time for essay preparation. Meeting deadlines for assignments is an important skill, and is expected in most jobs. Accordingly, the penalties for late submission are high.
Penalties for Late Submission
Any research paper that is submitted after the due date and without having obtained an extension will be penalized at a rate of 3% per day. For example:
- a 9% penalty will be applied to an assignment that is 3 days late. If the paper receives an original mark of 70/100, after a 9% penalty is applied, the final mark for the essay would be 64/100
Any paper that is submitted 10 days after the due date will not be marked and the student submitting such a paper will be deemed not to have completed and submitted the paper.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Discussion Board Participation | 10% | Ongoing |
| Role Plays | 10% | Weeks 6 & 9 |
| Research Essay | 40% | 22 September 2014 |
| Final Examination | 40% | Set by the Registrar |
Discussion Board Participation
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%
A discussion board will be set up on ilearn as a forum to facilitate online discussion of the course material, week by week. Students should prepare to participate on the discussion board by listening to lecture recordings and reading the required readings. These will be listed on the IRPG831 iLearn site. Discussion will focus on questions that will be uploaded by the Convenor on a weekly basis. To encourage regular participation, contributions made to a particular discussion thread will not be assessed unless they are made within a two-week period after the relevant lecture.
Students will be assessed on the quality of their contributions rather than the quantity of these contributions, however students are required post a minimum of four times over the course of the semester (in addition to the role plays). Students will be specifically assigned two required readings by the Convenor on which they must post an up to 500 word analysis of the following:
1. The main points put forward by the author
2. Why these points are important in the context of the course generally; and
3. Whether the article and argument is persuasive.
The quality of your contributions will be significantly enhanced by the amount of preparation you do each week. It is also important that your contributions acknowledge other students' points of view and provide constructive follow-on comments. That is, there should be an attempt to respond to the comments previously made on a topic. Participants should avoid making unconnected statements, unless they wish to start a new thread (raise a new issue).
Posts made after week 13 will not be assessed.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- The ability to explain and differentiate between both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- The ability to independently analyse and critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments and concepts that underlie both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- The capacity to apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
- The capacity to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
- An ability to communicate effectively in written work. This involves being able to identify and and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.
- The ability to work collaboratively with ones peers on common projects.
Role Plays
Due: Weeks 6 & 9
Weighting: 10%
In week 2, students will be allocated roles in two case studies for which they will need to do additional research. Students are required to construct a policy position from the point of view of the 'actor' they represent in a particular case study and to negotiate this policy with the other 'actors' in their allocated week.
The role plays will take place online on the discussion board in the week the topic is discussed in lectures. It is therefore essential that students contribute to the discussion board in the allocated week. Each student will post a one page statement (equivalent to one page of a Word doc. in 12 point font or 350 words) of their position and then negotiations will be opened to the group as whole in the online discussion forum. Further details on the role play scenarios will be provided in week 2.
Assessment criteria
Your tutor will assess your contribution to the role play using the following criteria:
- level of preparation (evidence of research and understanding of the likely position of the 'actor' represented based on their interests)
- written expression (clarity of explanation)
- ability to keep within the word limit (in relation to the one page position statement - this does not apply to the negotiation phase)
- ability of the student to analyse and respond appropriately (given the interests of the actor they are representing) to the policy positions of other actors.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- The capacity to apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
- The capacity to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
- An ability to communicate effectively in written work. This involves being able to identify and and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.
- The ability to work collaboratively with ones peers on common projects.
Research Essay
Due: 22 September 2014
Weighting: 40%
This 2750 word (excluding footnotes and bibliography) research essay is intended to develop students' core disciplinary knowledge, enhance independent resarch skills, written (academic) communication skills and demonstrate students' ability to develop original, critical thinking. In the essay students will provide evidence of active engagement with, and critical analyis of, the relevant academic literature, comply with academic essay writing conventions and reference thoroughly. In general, essay topics will require students to address opposing points of view on the question and to come to their own conclusion about the merits of these arguments.
Essay questions will be posted in Week 2 on ilearn.
The essay must be submitted electronically via the IRPG831 iLearn site no later than Tuesday 22 September 2015 by 5pm. Marks will be returned electronically via the iLearn site.
Please read the University's guidelines on Academic Honesty. All assessment submissions through iLearn will be automatically processed through Turnitin.
The essay will be marked in accordance with the MIR's 'Grading Criteria and Rubric' document which will be uploaded on ilearn.
Essay format: please ensure that your essay is written using font 12, with at least 1.5 line spacing and a 2.5 cm margin.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- The ability to explain and differentiate between both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- The ability to independently analyse and critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments and concepts that underlie both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- The capacity to apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
- An ability to communicate effectively in written work. This involves being able to identify and and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.
Final Examination
Due: Set by the Registrar
Weighting: 40%
All internal and external students will complete an online, open book test assessing students' knowledge of the content covered from weeks 1-11. It will be a 3.5 hour paper. As this course covers a broad range of topics it is advisable that students attempt to keep up to date with their readings throughout the semester.
The test will be made available to students through the IRPG831 iLearn site. It will be held on the same date as the exam taken by internal students, but will be released in the evening at 6 pm. The exam date will fall during the official exam period and will be set by The Registrar. The exam timetable is usually released by the university after the mid-semester break.
Detailed information about this assessment item will be available on the iLearn site for this subject after the mid-semester break.
All students are responsibility for ensuring their availability to take the exam on this date.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- The ability to explain and differentiate between both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- The ability to independently analyse and critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments and concepts that underlie both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- The capacity to apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
- An ability to communicate effectively in written work. This involves being able to identify and and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.
Delivery and Resources
Unit Requirements and Expectations
- You should spend an average of at least 12 hours per week on this unit. This includes attendance at lectures and tutorials and reading weekly required readings detailed in iLearn.
- Internal students are expected to attend at least 80% of tutorials and external students are expected to contribute to on-line discussions.
Required readings
- Required readings will be posted to the unit iLearn site as Session 2 progresses.
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.
- 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 on ilearn.
- In addition, students are required to submit their research essays and examination papers to the Centre of Open Education as an email attachment to coeassign@mq.edu.au.
- Assessment tasks must be submitted with as assessment coversheet incorporating a plagiarism declaration. This can be done online in the process of submitting written work online on the ilearn site.
Unit Schedule
WEEK 1 (29 July) :Introduction: the widening and deepening of security studies; Realism
No tutorials in week 1
WEEK 2 (5 August): Liberalism, Constructivism and the study of Security
WEEK 3 (12 August): Nuclear Proliferation
WEEK 4 (19 August): Counter-Proliferation and Deterrence
WEEK 5 (26 August): Irregular Warfare and Counter-Insurgency
WEEK 6 (2 September): Terrorism - Role Play 1: Counter-terrorism and ISIS
WEEK 7 (9 September): Reading Week - No lectures or tutorials
Mid-Semester Break - 14 September to 25 September
Research Essay due Tuesday 22 September 2015
WEEK 8 (30 September): Regime Security
WEEK 9 (7 October): Societal Security - Role Play 2: Regime and Societal Security in Myanmar
WEEK 10 (14 October): Health and Security
WEEK 11 (21 October): Great-power competition and Energy Security
WEEK 12 (28 October): No lecture, Revision Tutorial
WEEK 13 (4 November): Study week - no lectures or classes
Final examination to be held in the official exam period on a date set by the university Registrar.
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/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
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 - 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
- The ability to independently analyse and critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments and concepts that underlie both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- The capacity to apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
- The capacity to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
Assessment tasks
- Role Plays
- Research Essay
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
- The ability to explain and differentiate between both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- The capacity to apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
- The capacity to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
- An ability to communicate effectively in written work. This involves being able to identify and and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.
Assessment tasks
- Discussion Board Participation
- Role Plays
- Research Essay
- Final Examination
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
- The ability to explain and differentiate between both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- The ability to independently analyse and critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments and concepts that underlie both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- The capacity to apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
- The capacity to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
- An ability to communicate effectively in written work. This involves being able to identify and and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.
Assessment tasks
- Discussion Board Participation
- Role Plays
- Research Essay
- Final Examination
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
- The ability to explain and differentiate between both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- The ability to independently analyse and critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments and concepts that underlie both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- The capacity to apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
- The capacity to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
- An ability to communicate effectively in written work. This involves being able to identify and and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.
Assessment tasks
- Discussion Board Participation
- Role Plays
- Research Essay
- Final Examination
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
- The capacity to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
- An ability to communicate effectively in written work. This involves being able to identify and and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.
- The ability to work collaboratively with ones peers on common projects.
Assessment tasks
- Discussion Board Participation
- Role Plays
- Research Essay
- Final Examination
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
- The capacity to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
- The ability to work collaboratively with ones peers on common projects.
Assessment task
- Role Plays
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 05/08/2015 | Examination date was incorrect |