Students

PICT802 – Terrorism Issues

2015 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Clive Williams
Julian Droogan
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MPICT or PGDipPICT or GradDipPICT or PGCertPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or PGDipIntSecStud or GradDipIntSecStud or PGCertIntSecStud
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit explores the evolution of terrorism and politically motivated violence, considers the motivations of terrorists and terrorist groups and assesses trends in terrorist methodology. Contemporary and evolving case studies are employed to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of the contemporary practitioners of terrorism and politically motivated violence.

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 terrorism and politically motivated violence
  • Display engagement with the field of terrorism and politically motivated violence through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary terrorism and politically motivated violence 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

Name Weighting Due
PowerPoint Briefing 30% 29 March 2015
Reading Critique 20% 26 April 2015
Research Paper 50% 31 May 2015

PowerPoint Briefing

Due: 29 March 2015
Weighting: 30%

Details on the requirement are available to enrolled students through the unit iLearn site.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a higher level understanding of the concept of terrorism and politically motivated violence
  • Display engagement with the field of terrorism and politically motivated violence through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary terrorism and politically motivated violence 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: 26 April 2015
Weighting: 20%

Details on the requirement are available to enrolled students through the unit iLearn site.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a higher level understanding of the concept of terrorism and politically motivated violence
  • Display engagement with the field of terrorism and politically motivated violence through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary terrorism and politically motivated violence 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 Paper

Due: 31 May 2015
Weighting: 50%

Details on the requirement are available to enrolled students through the unit iLearn site.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a higher level understanding of the concept of terrorism and politically motivated violence
  • Display engagement with the field of terrorism and politically motivated violence through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary terrorism and politically motivated violence 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

UNIT REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS

Although PICT 802 is presented as a block course, you should spend an average of at least 12 hours per week of the semester on this unit. This includes listening to recorded lectures, reading the required/recommended readings for each session detailed in iLearn, and completing the assignments.

Internal students are expected to attend all block course seminar sessions, while external students are expected to contribute to on-line discussions as required.

Students are required to submit all three assessment tasks in order to pass the unit.

REQUIRED/RECOMMENDED READINGS

The citations for all the required readings for this unit are available to enrolled students students through the 802 iLearn site under "Readings" where you will find hotlinks to all of the readings. The readings are continually being updated.

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

Personal laptop and internet access are essential for this unit. Computer skills in word processing and PowerPoint 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 through the unit iLearn site. They are NOT to be sent direct to the convenor or tutor.

Assessment tasks must be submitted as a Microsoft word document (NOT a pdf) 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 an 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 require special consideration by PICT. 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% will be deducted for each day it was late. For example if the assessment task's weighting is 20 (20% of the total course mark), 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 15/20-4 marks = 11/20. It is this second mark that 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

The block course for internal students will be held from 9-13 March 2015 inclusive at PICT, Building Y3A on campus. The course runs 0845-1700 each day. ALL sessions must be attended. Failure to attend all sessions will result in you being transferred to the external student list.

External students can do the course in their own time but need to be aware of assignment submission deadlines which are the same for both internal and external students. The course lectures are recorded as they are given and will be posted on iLearn during the block course.

For more detail click on the Unit Guide tab on iLearn PICT 802 cover page, top left.

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

  • Demonstrate a higher level understanding of the concept of terrorism and politically motivated violence
  • Display engagement with the field of terrorism and politically motivated violence through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary terrorism and politically motivated violence 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 Paper

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 terrorism and politically motivated violence
  • Display engagement with the field of terrorism and politically motivated violence through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary terrorism and politically motivated violence 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 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

  • Demonstrate a higher level understanding of the concept of terrorism and politically motivated violence
  • Display engagement with the field of terrorism and politically motivated violence through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary terrorism and politically motivated violence 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 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

  • Demonstrate a higher level understanding of the concept of terrorism and politically motivated violence
  • Display engagement with the field of terrorism and politically motivated violence through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary terrorism and politically motivated violence 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 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 a higher level understanding of the concept of terrorism and politically motivated violence
  • Display engagement with the field of terrorism and politically motivated violence through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary terrorism and politically motivated violence 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 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

  • Demonstrate a higher level understanding of the concept of terrorism and politically motivated violence
  • Display engagement with the field of terrorism and politically motivated violence through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
  • Investigate a substantial body of contemporary terrorism and politically motivated violence 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 Paper

About this Unit

Unit description

This unit explores the evolution of terrorism and politically motivated violence, considers the motivations of terrorists and terrorist groups, and assesses trends in terrorism. The unit includes studies of terrorist and politically-motivated groups, including al-Qaeda and its affiliates, and the more recent threat posed by Islamic State, in order to enhance students' knowledge and understanding of the practitioners of terrorism and politically motivated violence. Please note: this unit will be offered as a one-week intensive block course.