Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor Aleksandar Pavkovic aleksandar.pavkovic@mq.edu.au Contact via aleksandar.pavkovic@mq.edu.au W6A 433 from April 28 Lavina Lee lavina.lee@mq.edu.au
Credit points	Credit points 4
Prerequisites	Prerequisites Admission to MIntRel or PGDipIntRel or PGCertIntRel or MIntCommMIntRel or MIntBusMIntRel or MIntRelMIntTrdeComLaw or MTransInterMIntRel or MA in (History or Modern History) or PGDipArts in Modern History or PGCertArts in Modern History or GradCertIntRel or GradDipIntRel
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status IRPG 854 S1 Day IRPG 854 S1 Evening
Unit description	Unit description In spite of the rapid spread of globalisation and the cross-border interaction of non-governmental actors, international relations are still dominated by states. The states are military organisations structurally geared to resolve conflicts by the use of organised violence, ie their military. Apart from states, other groups – both clandestine terrorist groups and mass political movements – use organised violence in the international arena. This unit will address the question: what conflicts in the international area are most likely to lead to violence? In other words, what is so attractive about violence as a means of conflict-resolution? In an attempt to answer these questions, the unit will examine theoretical approaches to the problem of violence in international conflicts as well as different case studies of interstate warfare (World War II, Iran-Iraq war), international terrorism (Al-Qaeda, PLO) military and humanitarian intervention in civil wars and secessionist conflict (Kosovo, Rwanda, Afghanistan).

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:

an understanding of important recent cases of use of violence in war
an understanding of recent theories of war in international relations and a capacity to apply these theories to particular cases
a capacity to critically assess the ends and means of the use of violence in international relations
an ability to undertake independent research in this field
a capacity to communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and organise knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments
an ability to work collaboratively with one’s peers on common projects in this field

General Assessment Information

STUDENTS HAVE TO PASS ALL FOUR ASSESSMENTS IN ORDER TO PASS THE UNIT.

Research essay is the most challenging assessment in the unit and those students who have inadquate essay writing skills should seek support for their writing skills. The University offers a wide variety of academic writing workshops both for undergraduates and postgraduates as well as other types of support in this area (see under Student Support, Policies and Procedures below). You are strongly recommended to take those workshops, in particular if you are not a native speaker of English.

Students who have inadequate writing skills in English are likely to fail in this unit.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Due
Short paper	10%	27 March
Online discussion	10%	throughout the semester
Research essay	40%	11 May 2013
Examination	40%	to be set by the Registrar

Short paper

Due: 27 March
Weighting: 10%

The paper, not exceeding 900 words (3 typed pages), will discuss one of the three set questions which will be posted on the unit web page 3 weeks before the due date. These questions will deal with the issues discussed in lectures and readings in the first four weeks of the unit. The aim of this paper is to test the comprehension of external students and their engagement with the unit. It should also provide students with some feedback on their work and thus enable them to improve their performance in the research essay.

A student would have to pass this assassment task in order to proceed with the unit.

Students should upload the paper via the Turntin facility on the unit webpage on due date.

On successful completion you will be able to:

an understanding of important recent cases of use of violence in war
an understanding of recent theories of war in international relations and a capacity to apply these theories to particular cases
a capacity to critically assess the ends and means of the use of violence in international relations
an ability to undertake independent research in this field
a capacity to communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and organise knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments

Online discussion

Due: throughout the semester
Weighting: 10%

The online dicussion should to some extent replace the tutorial dicussions.
The unit convenor will post one question per week on the weekly external students discussion board (separate from the
general discussion board). All external students are expected to answer at least four of these
questions by posting their answers. The answers should be based on readings and/or lectures.
Each answer is worth 2.5 points. The students can get the total of 10 points (marks) for the four
answers the provide.
Students are encourged to post more than 4 required answers. They are also encouraged to engage in
dicussion on these topics in the weekly discussion board. But no more than 10 points can be gained
through the only discussion.

On successful completion you will be able to:

an understanding of recent theories of war in international relations and a capacity to apply these theories to particular cases
an ability to work collaboratively with one’s peers on common projects in this field

Research essay

Due: 11 May 2013
Weighting: 40%

The research essay needs to be written in reply to ONE of the essay questions which will be posted on the unit web page.

Length: 2500 words (excluding footnotes and bibliographies). The essay should be based on research using secondary and/or primary sources. For this purpose it is highly recommended that you read beyond that required within the required readings and the recommended text.

The essay has to follow the essay writing guide posted on the unit webpage. In addition, you shoudl make use of any writing workshops and resources available through the University Student support.

The essay will be marked according to the Marking Criteria posted on the Unit webpage.

The essay needs to be uploaded by due date using the Turnitin facility on the unit web page.

On successful completion you will be able to:

an understanding of important recent cases of use of violence in war
an understanding of recent theories of war in international relations and a capacity to apply these theories to particular cases
a capacity to critically assess the ends and means of the use of violence in international relations
an ability to undertake independent research in this field
a capacity to communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and organise knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments

Examination

Due: to be set by the Registrar
Weighting: 40%

The examination will cover all the topics covered in this unit. The answers will be given in the form of short essays. The aim is to test comprehension of the principal topics and the student’s ability to apply the concepts introduced in the course to the issues discussed in the course. The examination aims to test not the ability to memorize dates and events (only a limited memory of those is needed) but the ability to offer a coherent account of theoretical approaches and relevant case-studies. The questions will be based on the readings and lectures only.

For external students: A take-home examination will be made available on the unit website on the day of the formal examination for internal students. The take home examination will have to be completed and posted using the Turntin facility within 24 hours of the original posting of the take home examination (time allowance will be made for students taking the exam overseas to compensate for different time zones).

On successful completion you will be able to:

an understanding of important recent cases of use of violence in war
a capacity to critically assess the ends and means of the use of violence in international relations
a capacity to communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and organise knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments

Delivery and Resources

There is a two hour lecture and one hour tutorial in this unit. Online discussion replaces to some extent tutorials for external students.

The lecture powepoints will be available on the unit’s webpage a day before the lecture.

Lectures are taped and are accessible via iLearn to both internal and external students. Three lectures: week 2, 11 and 12 are flipped - you will watch pre-recorded videos and discuss their content online (internal students discuss these in class).

Each weekly topic will have a required reading. The list of readings will be posted on the unit webpage. The readings will be available at the Reserve or E-reserve of the Library.

There is no single textbook. The book that is used most often is in the required readings is:

Leashing the Dogs of War: Conflict Management in the Divided World.Edited by Chester A. Crocker, Fen Osler Hampson and Pamella Aall. United States Institute of Peace Press, 2008.

A separate list of sources for the research essay will be posted on the unit webpage.

Unit Schedule

Here is a list of weekly topics. Each of those topics has required readings which will be posted on the unit web page. You are asked to read the required texts before the class.

Classes in week 2, 11 and 12 will be flipped: this means that you will watch videos at home and read the required material (including the written lecture in week 11) and then we shall have an online discussion regarding what you have seen and read.

Week 1	War as a form of collective political violence
Week 2	How to analyse wars: levels of analyis (flipped)
Week 3	Intra-state conflict: civil wars (Sri Lanka, Kosovo, Islamic State)
Week 4	Contest over territory. Case studies: World War II, Iraq-Iran war (1980)
Week 5	War over territory: theoretical approaches
Week 6	State rivalry as a cause of war: World War I and Korean War
Week 7	*Causes of inter-state wars: theoretical approaches*
Week 8	To change a regime: recent wars in Iraq and Afganistan
Week 9	*Reading week: no classes . Preparing for* *submission of the research essa*y
Week 10	Causes of inter-state war: making states and failing states
Week 11	“Humanitarian wars”: military intervention for humanitarian causes (flipped class, written lecture, videos)
Week 12	New technologies of warfare: Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) (flipped; lecture plus interview on video)
Week 13	Reading week: no lectures

Learning and Teaching Activities

Flipped classroom

Flipped classes are those where the lectures are replaced with pre-recorded videos or written lectures. These are then discussed online or in class. The videos include clips of documentaries which students need to watch and comment on as well as introductory lectures.

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.

For the attention of all!

Students should note that any request for extension or special consideration should go through the Special Consideration procedure outline above and not through the convenor of the unit.

Students should note that all assessments are compulsory and that the failure to complete an assessment would lead to the fail mark for the entire unit.

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

an understanding of important recent cases of use of violence in war
an understanding of recent theories of war in international relations and a capacity to apply these theories to particular cases
a capacity to critically assess the ends and means of the use of violence in international relations
an ability to undertake independent research in this field
a capacity to communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and organise knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments

Assessment tasks

Short paper
Research essay
Examination

Learning and teaching activities

Flipped classes are those where the lectures are replaced with pre-recorded videos or written lectures. These are then discussed online or in class. The videos include clips of documentaries which students need to watch and comment on as well as introductory lectures.

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

an understanding of important recent cases of use of violence in war
an understanding of recent theories of war in international relations and a capacity to apply these theories to particular cases
an ability to undertake independent research in this field

Assessment tasks

Short paper
Online discussion
Research essay
Examination

Learning and teaching activities

Flipped classes are those where the lectures are replaced with pre-recorded videos or written lectures. These are then discussed online or in class. The videos include clips of documentaries which students need to watch and comment on as well as introductory lectures.

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

an understanding of recent theories of war in international relations and a capacity to apply these theories to particular cases
a capacity to critically assess the ends and means of the use of violence in international relations
an ability to undertake independent research in this field

Assessment tasks

Online discussion
Research essay
Examination

Learning and teaching activities

Flipped classes are those where the lectures are replaced with pre-recorded videos or written lectures. These are then discussed online or in class. The videos include clips of documentaries which students need to watch and comment on as well as introductory lectures.

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

an understanding of recent theories of war in international relations and a capacity to apply these theories to particular cases
a capacity to critically assess the ends and means of the use of violence in international relations
an ability to undertake independent research in this field
an ability to work collaboratively with one’s peers on common projects in this field

Assessment tasks

Short paper
Research essay

Learning and teaching activities

Flipped classes are those where the lectures are replaced with pre-recorded videos or written lectures. These are then discussed online or in class. The videos include clips of documentaries which students need to watch and comment on as well as introductory lectures.

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 outcome

a capacity to communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and organise knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments

Assessment tasks

Short paper
Online discussion
Research essay
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

an understanding of important recent cases of use of violence in war
a capacity to critically assess the ends and means of the use of violence in international relations
an ability to work collaboratively with one’s peers on common projects in this field

Assessment task

Research essay

Changes from Previous Offering

Introduction of flipped classrooms and changes in the content of several standard lectures.