Students

PICT851 – Security II

2015 – S2 Evening

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Sheryn Lee
Julian Droogan
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
PICT850 and (admission to MPICT or PGDipPICT or GradDipPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or PGDipIntSecStud or GradDipIntSecStud)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
Since the end of the Cold War the multidisciplinary field of security studies has both broadened in scope and deepened in terms of its engagement with differing theoretical models from the humanities and social sciences. At the same time, socially constructed concepts of human, national and international security have shifted to reflect the new realities of a globalised world in which security challenges have become more complex and at times less amenable to state-centric solutions. Traditional security concerns now interact with non-traditional challenges that demand new solutions. This unit provides the capstone experience for both PICT and MISS Masters degrees, and will provide a framework through with students can critically reflect on their program of study and engage in a major piece of self-directed research into a topic central to their specialisation. In particular, this unit will focus on critically engaging with new and emerging fields of study and theories within security studies, while providing students with the knowledge, skills and training necessary to excel as independent researchers.

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. Demonstrate specialized knowledge and cognitive skills in their chosen field of study by mastering key concepts and theories, and aligning them with key scholars and dominant paradigms.
  • 2. Demonstrate high levels of independent and advanced research skills to critically evaluate the key concepts, ideas and debates in the field of Security Studies.
  • 3. Produce sophisticated academic written research of both a theoretical and empirical nature, towards making an original contribution to the students’ chosen field of study.
  • 4. Demonstrate the ability to analyze critically, reflect on, and synthesize complex information relating to their field of study, and apply it to practical problems in a contemporary setting.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Review Essay Two 25% TBA - Close to Week 9
Review Essay One 25% TBA Close to Week 5
Review Essay Three 25% TBA - Close to Week 13
In-Class Participation 25% Throughout

Review Essay Two

Due: TBA - Close to Week 9
Weighting: 25%

A key aim of the course is to critically engage with the key literature in the field. Review essays are a very good method to do so. Students’ research for review should go well beyond the texts themselves and include between 10-15 additional sources. Each book review should:

  1. Indicate the puzzle, problem, or debate that the authors address. You are expected to read the required reading and any relevant book reviews from peer-reviewed journals.
  2. Identify what you see as the strengths and weaknesses of the authors’ arguments (contributions as well as the shortcomings in the work).
  3. Suggest one or more contemporary empirical problems or policy debates to which the authors’ work is relevant and its usefulness.

In this regard, each book review should place the author in their specific context, the broader context of the debate and how the text made an impact on the field of study, demonstrate understanding of the methods and values behind each text, and evaluate the key arguments made and why it has continuing relevance to the field. In this regard, the reviews should reflect that the student has completed the readings, but they should not be summaries of the readings.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Demonstrate specialized knowledge and cognitive skills in their chosen field of study by mastering key concepts and theories, and aligning them with key scholars and dominant paradigms.
  • 2. Demonstrate high levels of independent and advanced research skills to critically evaluate the key concepts, ideas and debates in the field of Security Studies.
  • 3. Produce sophisticated academic written research of both a theoretical and empirical nature, towards making an original contribution to the students’ chosen field of study.
  • 4. Demonstrate the ability to analyze critically, reflect on, and synthesize complex information relating to their field of study, and apply it to practical problems in a contemporary setting.

Review Essay One

Due: TBA Close to Week 5
Weighting: 25%

A key aim of the course is to critically engage with the key literature in the field. Review essays are a very good method to do so. Students’ research for review should go well beyond the texts themselves and include between 10-15 additional sources. Each book review should:

  1. Indicate the puzzle, problem, or debate that the authors address. You are expected to read the required reading and any relevant book reviews from peer-reviewed journals.
  2. Identify what you see as the strengths and weaknesses of the authors’ arguments (contributions as well as the shortcomings in the work).
  3. Suggest one or more contemporary empirical problems or policy debates to which the authors’ work is relevant and its usefulness.

In this regard, each book review should place the author in their specific context, the broader context of the debate and how the text made an impact on the field of study, demonstrate understanding of the methods and values behind each text, and evaluate the key arguments made and why it has continuing relevance to the field. In this regard, the reviews should reflect that the student has completed the readings, but they should not be summaries of the readings.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Demonstrate specialized knowledge and cognitive skills in their chosen field of study by mastering key concepts and theories, and aligning them with key scholars and dominant paradigms.
  • 2. Demonstrate high levels of independent and advanced research skills to critically evaluate the key concepts, ideas and debates in the field of Security Studies.
  • 3. Produce sophisticated academic written research of both a theoretical and empirical nature, towards making an original contribution to the students’ chosen field of study.
  • 4. Demonstrate the ability to analyze critically, reflect on, and synthesize complex information relating to their field of study, and apply it to practical problems in a contemporary setting.

Review Essay Three

Due: TBA - Close to Week 13
Weighting: 25%

A key aim of the course is to critically engage with the key literature in the field. Review essays are a very good method to do so. Students’ research for review should go well beyond the texts themselves and include between 10-15 additional sources. Each book review should:

  1. Indicate the puzzle, problem, or debate that the authors address. You are expected to read the required reading and any relevant book reviews from peer-reviewed journals.
  2. Identify what you see as the strengths and weaknesses of the authors’ arguments (contributions as well as the shortcomings in the work).
  3. Suggest one or more contemporary empirical problems or policy debates to which the authors’ work is relevant and its usefulness.

In this regard, each book review should place the author in their specific context, the broader context of the debate and how the text made an impact on the field of study, demonstrate understanding of the methods and values behind each text, and evaluate the key arguments made and why it has continuing relevance to the field. In this regard, the reviews should reflect that the student has completed the readings, but they should not be summaries of the readings.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Demonstrate specialized knowledge and cognitive skills in their chosen field of study by mastering key concepts and theories, and aligning them with key scholars and dominant paradigms.
  • 2. Demonstrate high levels of independent and advanced research skills to critically evaluate the key concepts, ideas and debates in the field of Security Studies.
  • 3. Produce sophisticated academic written research of both a theoretical and empirical nature, towards making an original contribution to the students’ chosen field of study.
  • 4. Demonstrate the ability to analyze critically, reflect on, and synthesize complex information relating to their field of study, and apply it to practical problems in a contemporary setting.

In-Class Participation

Due: Throughout
Weighting: 25%

The course is an exercise in critical thinking and is highly reading- and discussion-intensive. Students will be expected to read the assigned materials in advance of each module and participate actively in discussion, either in-class or online.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Demonstrate specialized knowledge and cognitive skills in their chosen field of study by mastering key concepts and theories, and aligning them with key scholars and dominant paradigms.
  • 4. Demonstrate the ability to analyze critically, reflect on, and synthesize complex information relating to their field of study, and apply it to practical problems in a contemporary setting.

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

  • Personal PC and internet access are essential for this unit. Basic computer skills and skills in word processing are also a requirement.
  • This unit has an online presence. Login is via: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/
  • Students are required to have regular access to a computer and the internet. Mobile devices alone are not sufficient.
  • For technical support go to: http://mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/informatics/help
  • For student quick guides on the use of iLearn go to: http://mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/guides.htm

 

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.

Unit Schedule

 

 

ISS

Policing

Intelligence

Counter Terrorism

 

Week 1

 

  • Introduction

Module 1

Week 2

Kenneth Waltz, Man, State and War

Michel Foucault, Security, Territory and Population

Mark M. Lowenthal, Intelligence: From Secrets to Policy

Mao Tse-Tung, On Guerilla Warfare

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Module 2

Week 6

Barry Buzan, People, States & Fear: An Agenda for International Security Studies in the Post-Cold War Era

John Avery, Police Force Police Service

 

Phillip Knightley, The Second Oldest Profession: The Spy as Bureaucrat, Patriot, Fantasist and Whore

David Galula, Counterinsurgency Warfare: Theory and Practice

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Module 3

Week 10

Michael Howard, The Causes of Wars

Paul Brodeur, The Policing Web

Jeffrey T. Richelson, Spying on the Bomb: American Nuclear Intelligence from Nazi Germany to Iran and North Korea

Bruce Hoffman, Inside Terrorism

Week 11

Week 12

Week 13

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 outcome

  • 4. Demonstrate the ability to analyze critically, reflect on, and synthesize complex information relating to their field of study, and apply it to practical problems in a contemporary setting.

Assessment tasks

  • Review Essay Two
  • Review Essay One
  • Review Essay Three
  • In-Class Participation

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. Demonstrate specialized knowledge and cognitive skills in their chosen field of study by mastering key concepts and theories, and aligning them with key scholars and dominant paradigms.
  • 2. Demonstrate high levels of independent and advanced research skills to critically evaluate the key concepts, ideas and debates in the field of Security Studies.
  • 3. Produce sophisticated academic written research of both a theoretical and empirical nature, towards making an original contribution to the students’ chosen field of study.

Assessment tasks

  • Review Essay Two
  • Review Essay One
  • Review Essay Three

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. Demonstrate specialized knowledge and cognitive skills in their chosen field of study by mastering key concepts and theories, and aligning them with key scholars and dominant paradigms.
  • 2. Demonstrate high levels of independent and advanced research skills to critically evaluate the key concepts, ideas and debates in the field of Security Studies.
  • 3. Produce sophisticated academic written research of both a theoretical and empirical nature, towards making an original contribution to the students’ chosen field of study.

Assessment tasks

  • Review Essay Two
  • Review Essay One
  • Review Essay Three
  • In-Class Participation

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. Demonstrate specialized knowledge and cognitive skills in their chosen field of study by mastering key concepts and theories, and aligning them with key scholars and dominant paradigms.
  • 2. Demonstrate high levels of independent and advanced research skills to critically evaluate the key concepts, ideas and debates in the field of Security Studies.
  • 3. Produce sophisticated academic written research of both a theoretical and empirical nature, towards making an original contribution to the students’ chosen field of study.

Assessment tasks

  • Review Essay Two
  • Review Essay One
  • Review Essay Three

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. Demonstrate specialized knowledge and cognitive skills in their chosen field of study by mastering key concepts and theories, and aligning them with key scholars and dominant paradigms.
  • 2. Demonstrate high levels of independent and advanced research skills to critically evaluate the key concepts, ideas and debates in the field of Security Studies.
  • 3. Produce sophisticated academic written research of both a theoretical and empirical nature, towards making an original contribution to the students’ chosen field of study.
  • 4. Demonstrate the ability to analyze critically, reflect on, and synthesize complex information relating to their field of study, and apply it to practical problems in a contemporary setting.

Assessment tasks

  • Review Essay Two
  • Review Essay One
  • Review Essay Three
  • In-Class Participation

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 outcome

  • 4. Demonstrate the ability to analyze critically, reflect on, and synthesize complex information relating to their field of study, and apply it to practical problems in a contemporary setting.

Assessment tasks

  • Review Essay Two
  • Review Essay One
  • Review Essay Three
  • In-Class Participation