Students

PICT913 – Asia-Pacific Security

2015 – S2 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Julian Droogan
Contact via julian.droogan@mq.edu.au
Room 234, PICT Offices, Level 2, Building Y3A
By appointment
Glenn Diesen
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MPICT or PGDipPICT or GradDipPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or PGDipIntSecStud or GradDipIntSecStud or PGCertIntSecStud or GradCertIntSecStud
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
The Asia-Pacific has become a prime focus of security studies with the rise of dynamic regional economies and the increasing strategic competition between China and the USA. Regional security organisations are grappling with ways to contain this competition within a rules-based framework and it remains an open question as to whether shared security challenges will be confronted cooperatively or competitively. This unit focuses first on the dynamics involved in the relationships between the Great Powers and likely grounds for conflict or cooperation between them. Second, key regional security challenges and specific flashpoints are examined in the context of terrorism, failing and rogue states and the rise of new forms of nationalism. Third, territorial conflicts in the region are analysed. .

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:

  • Critique literature relating to the current issues in Asia Pacific security
  • Demonstrate familiarity with key current security concepts, issues and events in the Asia Pacific
  • Evaluate the role of small, medium and major powers, as well as regional organizations, in the shifting balance of power in Asia
  • Formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Impact Brief 25% TBC
Research Essay 50% TBC
Online Exam 25% TBC

Impact Brief

Due: TBC
Weighting: 25%

A detailed marking matrix is available to all enrolled students on the unit iLearn site.

Marking criteria in the marking matrix includes evaluation of topic comprehension, argument, written expression, referencing, structure and organization.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critique literature relating to the current issues in Asia Pacific security
  • Demonstrate familiarity with key current security concepts, issues and events in the Asia Pacific
  • Evaluate the role of small, medium and major powers, as well as regional organizations, in the shifting balance of power in Asia
  • Formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments

Research Essay

Due: TBC
Weighting: 50%

A detailed marking matrix is available to all enrolled students on the unit iLearn site.

Marking criteria in the marking matrix includes evaluation of topic comprehension, argument, written expression, referencing, essay structure and organization.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critique literature relating to the current issues in Asia Pacific security
  • Demonstrate familiarity with key current security concepts, issues and events in the Asia Pacific
  • Evaluate the role of small, medium and major powers, as well as regional organizations, in the shifting balance of power in Asia
  • Formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments

Online Exam

Due: TBC
Weighting: 25%

 A detailed marking matrix is available to all enrolled students on the unit iLearn site.

Marking criteria, in this case, comprises of the automated evaluation of multiple choice questions.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate familiarity with key current security concepts, issues and events in the Asia Pacific
  • Evaluate the role of small, medium and major powers, as well as regional organizations, in the shifting balance of power in Asia

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

Week 1

 

Introduction and Overview

 

Week 2

 

The United States

 

Week 3

 

China

 

Week 4

 

Japan

 

Week 5

 

Maritime Disputes

 

Week 6

 

North Korea

 

Week 7

 

India

 

Week 8

 

Afghanistan

 

Week 9

 

East Timor and the Solomon Islands

 

Week 10

 

Russia in Asia

 

Week 11

 

Regional Organisations

 

Week 12

 

Australia in Asia?

 

Week 13

 

Review and Conclusion

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

  • Critique literature relating to the current issues in Asia Pacific security
  • Demonstrate familiarity with key current security concepts, issues and events in the Asia Pacific
  • Evaluate the role of small, medium and major powers, as well as regional organizations, in the shifting balance of power in Asia
  • Formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments

Assessment tasks

  • Impact Brief
  • Research Essay
  • Online Exam

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

  • Critique literature relating to the current issues in Asia Pacific security
  • Demonstrate familiarity with key current security concepts, issues and events in the Asia Pacific
  • Evaluate the role of small, medium and major powers, as well as regional organizations, in the shifting balance of power in Asia
  • Formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments

Assessment tasks

  • Impact Brief
  • Research Essay
  • Online Exam

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

  • Critique literature relating to the current issues in Asia Pacific security
  • Demonstrate familiarity with key current security concepts, issues and events in the Asia Pacific
  • Evaluate the role of small, medium and major powers, as well as regional organizations, in the shifting balance of power in Asia
  • Formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments

Assessment tasks

  • Impact Brief
  • Research Essay
  • Online Exam

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

  • Critique literature relating to the current issues in Asia Pacific security
  • Demonstrate familiarity with key current security concepts, issues and events in the Asia Pacific
  • Evaluate the role of small, medium and major powers, as well as regional organizations, in the shifting balance of power in Asia

Assessment tasks

  • Impact Brief
  • Research Essay
  • Online Exam

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

  • Critique literature relating to the current issues in Asia Pacific security
  • Demonstrate familiarity with key current security concepts, issues and events in the Asia Pacific
  • Evaluate the role of small, medium and major powers, as well as regional organizations, in the shifting balance of power in Asia
  • Formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments

Assessment tasks

  • Impact Brief
  • 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

  • Critique literature relating to the current issues in Asia Pacific security
  • Formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments

Assessment task

  • Impact Brief