Students
PICT818 – National Security and Counter Terrorism Issues
2015 – S2 Day
General Information
Download as PDF
| 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 GradCertPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or PGDipIntSecStud or GradDipIntSecStud or PGCertIntSecStud or PGCertIntell
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit examines the structure and components of national security, including the departments and agencies that make up Australia’s national security community, and considers which areas of the private sector have a role in maintaining national security. The unit examines different homeland security models, appropriate resource allocation and what comprises an effective counter-terrorism strategy.
|
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 concepts of counter terrorism and national security
- Display engagement with the field of counter terrorism and national security through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
- Investigate a substantial body of contemporary counter terrorism and national security 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% | 30 August 2015 |
| Reading Critique | 20% | 20 September 2015 |
| Research Essay | 50% | 18 October 2015 |
PowerPoint Briefing
Due: 30 August 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 concepts of counter terrorism and national security
- Display engagement with the field of counter terrorism and national security through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
- Investigate a substantial body of contemporary counter terrorism and national security 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: 20 September 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 concepts of counter terrorism and national security
- Display engagement with the field of counter terrorism and national security through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
- Investigate a substantial body of contemporary counter terrorism and national security 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 Essay
Due: 18 October 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 concepts of counter terrorism and national security
- Display engagement with the field of counter terrorism and national security through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
- Investigate a substantial body of contemporary counter terrorism and national security 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 818 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 required 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.
TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED
- Personal PC and internet access are essential for this unit. Basic computer skills and skills in word processing and PowerPoint 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
REQUIRED/RECOMMENDED READINGS
- The citations for all the required readings for this unit are available to enrolled students through the 818 iLearn site under "Readings" where you will find hotlinks to all of the readings. The readings are continually being updated.
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.
- 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 is 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
The block course for internal students will be held from 17-21 August 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 818 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 concepts of counter terrorism and national security
- Display engagement with the field of counter terrorism and national security through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
- Investigate a substantial body of contemporary counter terrorism and national security 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 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
- Demonstrate a higher level understanding of the concepts of counter terrorism and national security
- Display engagement with the field of counter terrorism and national security through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
- Investigate a substantial body of contemporary counter terrorism and national security 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 Essay
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 concepts of counter terrorism and national security
- Display engagement with the field of counter terrorism and national security through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
- Investigate a substantial body of contemporary counter terrorism and national security 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 Essay
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 concepts of counter terrorism and national security
- Display engagement with the field of counter terrorism and national security through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
- Investigate a substantial body of contemporary counter terrorism and national security 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 Essay
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 concepts of counter terrorism and national security
- Display engagement with the field of counter terrorism and national security through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
- Investigate a substantial body of contemporary counter terrorism and national security 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 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
- Demonstrate a higher level understanding of the concepts of counter terrorism and national security
- Display engagement with the field of counter terrorism and national security through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
- Investigate a substantial body of contemporary counter terrorism and national security 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 Essay