Students
IRPG846 – International Relations Special Project
2017 – S1 External
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Jonathan Symons
Contact via jonathan.symons@mq.edu.au
W6A 425
Tuesady 4-5pm or by appointment
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| Credit points |
Credit points
8
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
16cp in IRPG units and (GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 or 5.50 out of 7.00) and permission by special approval
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This is research-based unit requires the completion of a dissertation of approximately 15,000 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. The unit is not normally undertaken until at least four units in the MIR program have been completed, and entry is conditional on the achievement of a High Credit or Distinction average in these four units. Applications for enrolment in the unit should be made through the MIR office and are assessed individually.
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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 research skills of an advanced character
- Demonstrate extended ability to write from a research base and to explicate argument
- Demonstrate self-management in complex tasks of research and writing
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 100% | No | 9 June 2017 |
| Supervision | 0% | No | Continuous |
| Participation | 0% | No | not applicable |
Dissertation
Due: 9 June 2017
Weighting: 100%
A thesis of approximately 15 000 words is the final product of this unit which demonstrates a capacity to frame an important question in international relations, an ability to cast a relevant research strategy and implement it to achieve a timely outcome.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate research skills of an advanced character
- Demonstrate extended ability to write from a research base and to explicate argument
- Demonstrate self-management in complex tasks of research and writing
Supervision
Due: Continuous
Weighting: 0%
Attendance as needed in meetings (by phone) or communication via email with supervisor(s): no specific marks are allocated but this component is required for completion of a successful research project.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate research skills of an advanced character
- Demonstrate extended ability to write from a research base and to explicate argument
- Demonstrate self-management in complex tasks of research and writing
Participation
Due: not applicable
Weighting: 0%
Candidates may be required to attend seminars or other events related to their research if agreed with the supervisor as necessary; the idea is to extend the research experience in suitable cases.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate research skills of an advanced character
Delivery and Resources
The department will assist with the choice of supervisor at an early stage, before semester begins in most cases, and candidates will be advised of any special requirements relating to their thesis.
Unit Schedule
A series of meetings will be agreed between supervisor and candidate over the semester. Attendance at work in progress seminars and possibly other occasions for learning may also be agreed.
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_2016.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 (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
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.
General Assessment Information
Plagiarism
Plagiarism has become an increasing problem in universities. The convenor of this course finds plagiarism in all its forms offensive and will pursue any plagiarism committed by students in this course and will apply appropriate penalties. Plagiarism is essentially a form of cheating, which provides those students with an unfair advantage to the rest of the student body, and devalues the MIR degree. The Department and the Faculty take plagiarism very seriously, with penalties escalating from mark deductions, zero grades for particular assignments, zero grades for the course as a whole, and in serious cases, expulsion from the degree and the university.
All theses will be automatically screened through Turnitin (anti-plagiarism software).
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 prior to 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.
Extensions beyond one week are subject to special consideration. The policy for this is detailed under Policy and Procedures under 'Disruption to Studies Policy'.
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. Meeting deadlines for assignments is an important skill, and is expected in most jobs. 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 penalized at a rate of 2% per day. For example:
- a 6% penalty will be applied to an assignment that is 3 days late. If the paper receives an original mark of 70/100, after a 6% penalty is applied, the final mark for the essay would be 66/100
Any thesis that is submitted 10 days after the due date will not be marked and the student submitting such a thesis will be deemed not to have completed and submitted it.
MIR Grade Criteria and Rubric
All theses will be marked using the MIR Grade Criteria and Rubric.
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
- Demonstrate research skills of an advanced character
- Demonstrate extended ability to write from a research base and to explicate argument
- Demonstrate self-management in complex tasks of research and writing
Assessment tasks
- Dissertation
- Supervision
- Participation
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 outcome
- Demonstrate research skills of an advanced character
Assessment task
- Dissertation
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 research skills of an advanced character
- Demonstrate extended ability to write from a research base and to explicate argument
Assessment task
- Dissertation
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 research skills of an advanced character
- Demonstrate extended ability to write from a research base and to explicate argument
- Demonstrate self-management in complex tasks of research and writing
Assessment task
- Dissertation
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 research skills of an advanced character
- Demonstrate extended ability to write from a research base and to explicate argument
Assessment tasks
- Dissertation
- Supervision
- Participation
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 extended ability to write from a research base and to explicate argument
- Demonstrate self-management in complex tasks of research and writing
Assessment tasks
- Dissertation
- Supervision
- Participation
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 27/02/2017 | I failed to save changes to the unit convenor, meaning it was incorrect in previous version. |