Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Diana Perche diana.perche@mq.edu.au Steve Wood steve.wood@mq.edu.au
Credit points	Credit points 4
Prerequisites	Prerequisites Admission to MPP or MIntRel or MPICTMIntSecSt or MPICT or MIntSecStud or GradDipIntSecStud or MIntPubDip or MIntCommMIntRel or MIntBusMIntRel or MTransInterMIntRel
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description This unit examines general aspects of academic research including purpose/aims, questions and 'problems', organisation and design, the philosophy of science and associated debates, as well as specific methods and materials applied to pursue a research project including archives, interviews, surveys, quantitative, and discourse analysis.

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 aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
knowledge of some different methods/methodologies in Politics and International Relations and related assumptions
practical experience in designing a research proposal
knowledge of concepts and terminologies applied in politics and International Relations research

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Due
Test on material to Week 6	20%	after Week 6
Research project proposal	40%	Week 12
participation	20%	Weeks 6 and 9 / all
end of semester test	20%	(Week 13 or 14)

Test on material to Week 6

Due: after Week 6
Weighting: 20%

A test on topics discussed in lectures and readings to that point (up to Week 6), e.g. concepts, terminologies, philosophy of science, and other relevant issues and themes. The precise date and delivery format will be announced in advance.

On successful completion you will be able to:

an understanding of aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
knowledge of some different methods/methodologies in Politics and International Relations and related assumptions
knowledge of concepts and terminologies applied in politics and International Relations research

Research project proposal

Due: Week 12
Weighting: 40%

This assessment task presumes that all enrolled students are intending to progress on to undertake a major research project or are currently doing so. The task entails writing up a detailed, professional research proposal of 6 to 8 pages. Write concisely and with clarity. The individual items include:

-The identifying of a problem and/or a central research question that the project will pursue

-Aims (what the project strives to discover/establish/refute) contextualized against a background

-The method/s to be used and justification why it/they are appropriate

-Organization of the project (e.g. what will be done where, chapter outline, etc)

-Review of relevant literature and identifying of a lacuna that your project will fill – originality aspect

-Logistical and/or budgetary issues (e.g. travel requirements, special equipment, translation costs)

-A schedule/plan

-A bibliography of works cited

On successful completion you will be able to:

an understanding of aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
knowledge of some different methods/methodologies in Politics and International Relations and related assumptions
practical experience in designing a research proposal
knowledge of concepts and terminologies applied in politics and International Relations research

participation

Due: Weeks 6 and 9 / all
Weighting: 20%

Participation in the archives exercise, the interview exercise, and other contributions to tutorial discussion

On successful completion you will be able to:

an understanding of aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
knowledge of some different methods/methodologies in Politics and International Relations and related assumptions
knowledge of concepts and terminologies applied in politics and International Relations research

end of semester test

Due: (Week 13 or 14)
Weighting: 20%

A test of themes and material across the entire unit. The format may incorporate short answers, puzzles, micro-essays or multiple choice responses.

The test will probably have a time limit of 24 hours within which it must be completed and submitted. Any sources used should be referenced.

More precise details to be announced.

On successful completion you will be able to:

an understanding of aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
knowledge of some different methods/methodologies in Politics and International Relations and related assumptions
knowledge of concepts and terminologies applied in politics and International Relations research

Delivery and Resources

2015 is the inaugural delivery of this unit. Lectures will be delivered employing power point and other technology (including audio via Echo) as required (hopefully this will all be available). Seminars will follow lectures. Power point slides will be placed on the unit iLearn site thereafter. 1 or 2 practice-oriented excursions will be incorporated in the unit if scheduling and other factors permit.

Unit Schedule

Lectures and seminars begin on 25 February

Lectures are on Wednesdays 15:00 to 16.30. Seminars follow from 16:30 to 18:00. The room for both is: E8A 386

If enrolments require it, lectures and seminars will be repeated on Thursdays from 18:00 to 21:00. The room for both is E7B 200

More will be outlined in the 'detailed unit guide' on iLearn soon

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

an understanding of aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
practical experience in designing a research proposal

Assessment tasks

Test on material to Week 6
Research project proposal
participation
end of semester test

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 aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
knowledge of some different methods/methodologies in Politics and International Relations and related assumptions
practical experience in designing a research proposal
knowledge of concepts and terminologies applied in politics and International Relations research

Assessment tasks

Test on material to Week 6
Research project proposal
participation
end of semester test

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 aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
knowledge of some different methods/methodologies in Politics and International Relations and related assumptions
practical experience in designing a research proposal
knowledge of concepts and terminologies applied in politics and International Relations research

Assessment tasks

Test on material to Week 6
Research project proposal
participation
end of semester test

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 aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
knowledge of some different methods/methodologies in Politics and International Relations and related assumptions
practical experience in designing a research proposal

Assessment tasks

Research project proposal
participation
end of semester test

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

an understanding of aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research
knowledge of some different methods/methodologies in Politics and International Relations and related assumptions
practical experience in designing a research proposal
knowledge of concepts and terminologies applied in politics and International Relations research

Assessment tasks

Test on material to Week 6
Research project proposal
participation
end of semester test

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

an understanding of aims and philosophical considerations underpinning academic research

Assessment task

participation

Main text and other information

This guide is an early version composed under time constraints. A more detailed guide will be available on the unit iLearn site in due course.

Main Text (available in the Coop bookshop):

Lisa Harrison and Theresa Callan Key Research Concepts in Politics and International Relations (London: Sage 2013)

Before the lecture/seminar in Week 1 (starting 23 Feb) please read the following excerpts:

introduction viii-ix

concepts 21-24

methods 80-84

methodology 85-89

theory 144-148

Other readings for later in the unit will be indicated in the ‘Detailed Unit Guide’ and placed on iLearn

It is hoped that one or more practice-oriented excursions can be incorporated in the unit.