Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Jonathan Symons
Contact via jonathan.symons@mq.edu.au
Rm 425, Building W6A
TBA - see ilearn.
|
---|---|
Credit points |
Credit points
4
|
Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MIntRel or PGDipIntRel or GradDipIntRel or PGCertIntRel or MIntCommMIntRel or MIntBusMIntRel or MIntRelMIntTrdeComLaw or MTransInterMIntRel or PGCertResPrep(Arts) or MIntPubDip or GradCertIntRel
|
Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
Unit description |
Unit description
This unit examines why international law and institutions have increasingly become instruments of choice for states in solving common problems and expressing common values. We focus first on the nature of international law and institutions, the historical and political context in they have developed and major theoretical approaches. We then look at substantive issue areas including the use of force and the UN collective security system; terrorism; international crimes; international trade; and international environmental institutions. Finally, we examine the impact of unequal power relations in international law and institutions as well as issues of legitimacy and global governance.
|
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Name | Weighting | Due |
---|---|---|
Task 1 - Online Participation | 15% | Ongoing |
Task 2 - Mid-Semester Test | 15% | Tuesday 12 April 2016 |
Task 2 - Long Paper | 40% | Tuesday 26 April 2016 |
Task 4 - Final Exam | 30% | Saturday 11 June 2016 |
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 15%
A discussion board has been set up on ilearn as a forum to facilitate on-line discussion of the course material. Discussion will centre on specific questions which will be uploaded onto the board from week to week. There will also be role plays, a debate and some case studies that will require prior preparation. Roles will be allocated by the second week of semester. At the end of session, students will be assessed on their contributions to the discussion board throughout the semester.
To encourage regular participation, contributions to the discussion board made on a particular topic will not be assessed unless it is made within a two week period after the relevant lecture. For example, contributions related to the topic discussed in week 2 should be made by the date of the lecture in week 4 at the latest. As a minimum, you should make at least 6 contributions to the discussion board throughout the semester – however, more frequent participation is encouraged. Further, at least three contributions must be made to a topic in weeks 1-7, and three for a topic in weeks 9-12.
Assessment of participation in the discussion board is based on the quality of your contributions rather than the quantity of contributions. The quality of your contributions will be significantly enhanced by the amount of preparation you do each week. It is also important that the contributions made by students acknowledge previous points of view and provide constructive follow-on comments. That is, there should be an attempt to respond to the comments previously made on a topic. Participants should avoid making unconnected statements unless they wish to start a new thread (raise a new issue).
Remember also to be courteous to other participants – if you would not make particular comments to another participant face to face, then you should refrain from making them online.
Contributions to the discussion board made after week 13 will not be assessed.
Due: Tuesday 12 April 2016
Weighting: 15%
The mid-semester test will be a 1 hour online examination administered through ilearn. It will be released at 7.30 pm and is due for submission at 8.30 pm. It will consist of a mixture of multiple choice and short-answer questions on the material covered in weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the course.
Due: Tuesday 26 April 2016
Weighting: 40%
Students are required to submit a research paper of 2,500 words in length. Essays which are 10% or more over this word limit will be penalised. A list of essay questions will be posted on ilearn in week 1.
Due: Saturday 11 June 2016
Weighting: 30%
This is 1 day open book examination. The final examination paper will be released onto ilearn on Saturday 11 June 2016 at 9.00 am and is due for submission by 9.30 am on Sunday 12 June 2015. Students are responsible for ensuring that they have access to ilearn to download the paper and to re-submit it. The paper will cover material discussed in weeks 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.
Technologies Used
This unit has an online presence in in ilearn. Students will require access to reliable broadband and a computer.
Tutoring Staff
TBA
Week 1
Introduction to course; Evolution of International Law
Wednesday 2 March – Lecture 1 (but no seminar/tutorial)
See ilearn materials
Week 2
The Nature of International Law; Sources of International Law
Wednesday 9 March - First seminar/tutorial
Week 3
Sources of International Law; Theoretical Approaches Part 1
Wednesday 16 March
Week 4
Theoretical Approaches Part 2
Wednesday 23 March
Week 5
The Use of Force
Wednesday 30 March
Week 6
Terrorism
Wednesday 6 April
MID SEMESTER BREAK
Monday 11 April to Friday 22 April
Mid Semester Test – Tuesday 12 April 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm
Week 7
Reading Week – no lectures or tutorials
Research Essay due Tuesday 26 April 2015
Week 8
International Humanitarian Law
Wednesday 4 May
Week 9
International Crimes and the ICC
Wednesday 11 May
Week 10
International Trade and the WTO
Wednesday 18 May
Week 11
The Environment
Wednesday 25 May
Week 12
Law and Power in an Evolving World Order
Wednesday 1 June
Week 13
No lectures or tutorials
Final Examination – one day take home paper
Released on ilearn at 9.30 am on Saturday 11 June and due for submission on Sunday 12 June at 9.30 am
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
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.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.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
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.
Essays will be failed for the following reasons
1. Plagiarism – for example, where sentences or paragraphs are taken word-for-word or nearly word-for-word from another source and presented as original expression. See the University's Academic Honesty Policy for an in depth explanation of what constitutes plagiarism. Plagiarism is taken very seriously by the Convenor and the Department generally. A plagiarised essay will get zero marks and the student will receive a fail grade. In addition it is Faculty policy that a note of the offence is placed on the student’s academic record. If this is a second offence the penalties may escalate to failure of the course, and expulsion from the degree.
2. Excessive use of direct quotes may result in a fail grade. As a general rule no more than 10% of your overall word length should appear in direct quotes. You must try to express your ideas and arguments in your own words as much as possible. This demonstrates true understanding.
3. Identical or nearly identical essays will all fail – regardless of the original authorship.
4. Work that is significantly below the required word length.
5. Essays written with poor English grammar and expression may be failed if the marker is unable to understand the argument(s) raised.
Examination
The only exception to sitting an examination at the designated time (above) is because of documented illness or unavoidable disruption. In these circumstances you may wish to consider applying for 'disruption of studies'. Consult the Disruption of Studies Policy (above) for further information.
If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Disruption of Studies process, the examination will be scheduled after the conclusion of the official examination period.
You are advised that it is Macquarie University policy not to set early examinations for individuals or groups of students. All students are expected to ensure that they are available until the end of the teaching semester, that is the final day of the official examination period.
Extensions and Penalties
The following policies will apply in relation to the short paper and major research paper.
EXTENSIONS
Any student seeking an extension of time to submit their research paper must, except in extraordinary circumstances, submit to the Convenor (or have submitted on their behalf) a request in writing and supportive documentary evidence before the due date. Extensions will not be given other than in exceptional cases of illness. In such cases, a certificate signed by a medical practitioner must be submitted as supportive documentary evidence. In extraordinary circumstances where a written request for an extension cannot be submitted, an application for an extension can be sought verbally. However, in such cases, any extension granted will be subject to the student subsequently submitting such documentary evidence as is deemed appropriate by the Convenor. If an extension is sought due to the death of a family member, proof must be provided in the form of a death certificate.
Whilst we do understand that many or most students support themselves through paid employment, extensions cannot be granted on this basis alone. Students must manage their time and workloads accordingly. Essay topics will be made available by the end of the first week of semester leaving ample time for essay preparation. Meeting deadlines for assignments is treated very seriously in this course. Accordingly, the penalties for late submission are high.
PENALTIES FOR LATE SUBMISSION
Any research paper that is submitted after the due date and without having obtained an extension will be penalised at a rate of 3% per day. For example:
Any paper that is submitted after the 10th day will not be marked and the student submitting such a paper will be deemed not to have completed and submitted the paper.
Required Reading
We will be using the following textbook: David Armstrong, Theo Farrell and Helene Lambert, International Law and International Relations (Cambridge UK: Cambridge University Press 2012).
In addition from week to week additional journal articles, news articles etc will be set as required reading and posted on ilearn.
Assignment Submission
Hard copy submission of assignments will not be required for this course. All assignments are to be submitted online using the ilearn website for this unit. A turnitin link for submission will be set up there. Comments and grades will also be available online.
Turn-it-in
All written work in this course is also required to be uploaded onto turnitin by students at the time of submission. Work that is not uploaded onto turnitin will not be graded and will receive a mark of zero.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
Date | Description |
---|---|
02/02/2016 | I've corrected on date error. |