Students
POIR903 – International Relations Research Project
2016 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Steve Wood
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
POIR901 and IRPG841 and admission to (MIntRel or MIntCommMIntRel or MIntBusMIntRel or MTransInterMIntRel)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This research-based unit requires the completion of a dissertation of approximately 7500 words in one semester on a topic within the scope of international relations. The research topic is chosen by the student but must be approved by the convenor as suitable for an MIR dissertation and for which supervision is available within the Department.
|
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:
- acquire abilities to plan, design and execute self-directed research for a topic in the field of International Relations
- enhance knowledge and skill in application of relevant concepts, theories and methodologies
- capacity to analyse, evaluate and synthesize plausible scholarly evidence
- ability to effectively communicate academic arguments
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation (research paper) | 100% | 6 June, 12:00 noon |
Dissertation (research paper)
Due: 6 June, 12:00 noon
Weighting: 100%
This unit is principally an exercise in independent research. The main substantive task is to complete a piece of formal academic writing of 5500-6000 words - a research paper or 'dissertation'. It should demonstrate command of the topic, provide some originality in its analysis, and present a coherent and supported scholarly argument.
Your dissertation should include:
- title page
- plagiarism (academic honesty) declaration
- abstract
- table of contents indicating section or chapter headings
- main text
- bibliography
- page numbers
On successful completion you will be able to:
- acquire abilities to plan, design and execute self-directed research for a topic in the field of International Relations
- enhance knowledge and skill in application of relevant concepts, theories and methodologies
- capacity to analyse, evaluate and synthesize plausible scholarly evidence
- ability to effectively communicate academic arguments
Delivery and Resources
There are no timetabled classes for this unit however it is suggested that meetings occur at the dates noted below (a room will be specified) when preliminary stages in the process. External students are welcome to attend these meetings.
DATE – suggested as 9 March
A group discussion and consultation session at which progress on the following tasks should be demonstrated:
• formulation and refining of your general topic area so that it addresses a specific problem.
• defining one or more research questions (max 3) which your project will answer
• a preliminary argument/hypothesis in relation to the problems/issues you intend to address
• some indication of the relevant research literature in your chosen area
• methodology which you intend to use in conducting your research.
These features can be addressed in a written research proposal organised as follows:
- a title
- an abstract (about 100 words)
- justification of research question/s (1/2 paragraphs)
- preliminary source material (as required)
- proposed methodology (1/2 paragraphs)
- early bibliography (at least 10 relevant scholarly sources)
- a work plan
DATE – suggested as 23 March
The next stage is the identification and evaluation of a broader range of relevant scholarly literature. A substantial amount of searching and reading will be required (some will already have occurred). Composing a good literature review will:
- provide a theoretical context for the project
- demonstrate where the research project fits in the existing body scholarship
- identify gaps or areas of dispute in the existing literature
- further assist in justifying the question/s and approach of the project
For this purpose the literature review will be between 600 and 800 words. The literature review may form part of your final essay, subject to revisions, though not all needs to be included.
DATE – suggested as 25 May
A discussion of progress so far
Brief verbal synopsis of each dissertation
Suggestions
Due Date for Submission: 6 June, 12:00 noon
Your dissertation should include:
- title page
- plagiarism (academic honesty) declaration
- abstract
- table of contents indicating section or chapter headings
- main text
- bibliography
- page numbers
Submit two hard copies of the dissertation to the convenor on or before the due date, as well as submitting the dissertation electronically to Turnitin Assignments on the iLearn website by midnight on the due date.
The dissertation has a maximum word limit of 6000 words, not including the bibliography.
A marking rubric and marking criteria are provided on the iLearn site.
Convenor: Steve Wood steve.wood@mq.edu.au
Unit Schedule
see Delivery and Resources section
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
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.
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://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.
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
- acquire abilities to plan, design and execute self-directed research for a topic in the field of International Relations
- enhance knowledge and skill in application of relevant concepts, theories and methodologies
- ability to effectively communicate academic arguments
Assessment task
- Dissertation (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
- acquire abilities to plan, design and execute self-directed research for a topic in the field of International Relations
- enhance knowledge and skill in application of relevant concepts, theories and methodologies
- capacity to analyse, evaluate and synthesize plausible scholarly evidence
- ability to effectively communicate academic arguments
Assessment task
- Dissertation (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
- acquire abilities to plan, design and execute self-directed research for a topic in the field of International Relations
- enhance knowledge and skill in application of relevant concepts, theories and methodologies
- capacity to analyse, evaluate and synthesize plausible scholarly evidence
- ability to effectively communicate academic arguments
Assessment task
- Dissertation (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
- acquire abilities to plan, design and execute self-directed research for a topic in the field of International Relations
- enhance knowledge and skill in application of relevant concepts, theories and methodologies
- capacity to analyse, evaluate and synthesize plausible scholarly evidence
- ability to effectively communicate academic arguments
Assessment task
- Dissertation (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
- acquire abilities to plan, design and execute self-directed research for a topic in the field of International Relations
- enhance knowledge and skill in application of relevant concepts, theories and methodologies
- ability to effectively communicate academic arguments
Assessment task
- Dissertation (research paper)