Students

POIR980 – International Relations Practice

2017 – S1 External

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)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit draws on knowledge from across the International Relations program, requiring candidates to apply their earlier learning to an urgent and/or controversial theme in international relations – i.e. an international political problem. The participatory exercises are simulations that involve role playing. They require students to acquire (i) some specialist and general theoretical knowledge; (ii) to develop and apply negotiation, communication and practical problem solving abilities; iii) enhance research and writing skills.

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:

  • gain insight into some key concepts and issues in international relations and politics
  • ability to identify and articulate views within a contemporary political debate in written form
  • comprehend relations between elements of domestic and international political systems
  • develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
  • develop negotiation and communication skills
  • enhance research skills

General Assessment Information

Plagiarism – read this very, very carefully

 

Plagiarism is more trouble than it is worth. It is unscholarly, unethical, unfair and illegal. It will waste your tutor’s and/or convenor’s time and ultimately your own. You will achieve far better outcomes by avoiding it. Do not do it. At Master’s level there are no excuses whatsoever. If you plagiarise do not claim after the fact that you did not understand what it was. More info at: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

 

The University encourages and requires good scholarship and accuracy in referencing.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Scenario Paper #1 25% No March 17 12:00 noon
Scenario Paper #2 25% No May 1 12:00 noon
Essay 50% No June 5 12:00 noon

Scenario Paper #1

Due: March 17 12:00 noon
Weighting: 25%

In the internal version of this unit there are three scenarios of current international themes that students engage with in-person simulated "diplomacy sessions".

Because this cannot be replicated for external students, an alternative assessment has been formulated.

(For technical reasons, the Unit Description for the Internal version of the unit cannot be altered in the External version)

The scenarios are:

1) The South China Sea

2) The EU's Refugee/Migrant Challenge

3) Brexit

 

External students are to select 2 (two) out of the three scenarios and write a 1500 word paper on each.

This paper should take the form of a diplomatic position on the issue. You can choose the actor from whose perspective the position paper is written. You cannot choose the same actor for each of the two papers.

In each instance, the paper should articulate the chosen actor's position on the issue. Developments can move fast - be aware of that.

Your papers can draw on official sources (political statements, policy documentation, and other material). It could also refer to scholarly literature, legislation, even media reports. These would need to be skillfully integrated into the text - remember it is a diplomatic position paper, not an essay.

It SHOULD NOT merely copy or paraphrase a media report or a single pronouncement by an official. Rather, it should demonstrate some depth of knowledge and, if possible, a diplomatic sensibility.

 

For each paper, external students should first consider and then decide what actor they want to represent. 

They should adequately inform themselves on that actor and the position/s it is likely to have and propose regarding this scenario.

Skills in negotiation, argumentation and written communication, as well as background knowledge, can then be conveyed in the paper.

 

Include any reference's drawn on, including "quotation marks" where required, in a References section on a separate page at the end of the paper.

It would greatly assist if students can provide print copies of their papers (in addition to exact electronic versions sent to a link on the unit iLearn site)

 

Some background slides from the first internal session (1 March) will be posted on iLearn after that session. You do not have to be overly guided by those slides. They may just give some context to the scenarios and perhaps some ideas. Because this unit has been allocated a room without facilities to do so, that session cannot be recorded and broadcast as a form of 'lecture'.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • gain insight into some key concepts and issues in international relations and politics
  • ability to identify and articulate views within a contemporary political debate in written form
  • comprehend relations between elements of domestic and international political systems
  • develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
  • develop negotiation and communication skills
  • enhance research skills

Scenario Paper #2

Due: May 1 12:00 noon
Weighting: 25%

As for Scenario Paper #1


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • gain insight into some key concepts and issues in international relations and politics
  • ability to identify and articulate views within a contemporary political debate in written form
  • comprehend relations between elements of domestic and international political systems
  • develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
  • develop negotiation and communication skills
  • enhance research skills

Essay

Due: June 5 12:00 noon
Weighting: 50%

Essay (3500 words) on the other of the three scenarios - the one you have not written on in Scenario Paper #1 or #2.

The essay could be a more theoretical or more empirical exploration, it could investigate a negotiation perspective, it could be a policy proposal. If it is the latter, the actor you chose must be different to either of those actors represented in Scenario Papers #1 and #2.

In all instances it should be academic, properly researched and referenced.

For this assignment, whether you have done so for the Scenario Papers or not, please submit a print copy of the essay (direct to the convenor or to the Politics and IR office, 4th Floor, W6A) in addition to submitting an exact electronic copy on the unit iLearn site.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • gain insight into some key concepts and issues in international relations and politics
  • ability to identify and articulate views within a contemporary political debate in written form
  • comprehend relations between elements of domestic and international political systems
  • develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
  • enhance research skills

Delivery and Resources

Seminar setting with live diplomatic role playing simulations.

An introductory lecture and information session will occur on March 1.

The room is 407, 4th Floor, W6A.

There are four sessions in total - introduction and 3 scenarios.

 

Unit Schedule

There will be an introductory session on March 1 from 10am to 12.00pm.

At this session the scenarios and other information will be presented.

The three scenario sessions are on March 15, April 5, and May 3.

Unless there are unforeseen changes, these sessions will be held in Room 407, 4th Floor, W6A from 10-12 (Wednesdays)

The essay is due on June 5.

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.

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

  • gain insight into some key concepts and issues in international relations and politics
  • ability to identify and articulate views within a contemporary political debate in written form
  • develop negotiation and communication skills

Assessment tasks

  • Scenario Paper #1
  • Scenario Paper #2

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

  • gain insight into some key concepts and issues in international relations and politics
  • ability to identify and articulate views within a contemporary political debate in written form
  • comprehend relations between elements of domestic and international political systems
  • develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
  • develop negotiation and communication skills
  • enhance research skills

Assessment tasks

  • Scenario Paper #1
  • Scenario Paper #2
  • 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

  • gain insight into some key concepts and issues in international relations and politics
  • ability to identify and articulate views within a contemporary political debate in written form
  • comprehend relations between elements of domestic and international political systems
  • develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
  • develop negotiation and communication skills
  • enhance research skills

Assessment tasks

  • Scenario Paper #1
  • Scenario Paper #2
  • 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

  • gain insight into some key concepts and issues in international relations and politics
  • ability to identify and articulate views within a contemporary political debate in written form
  • comprehend relations between elements of domestic and international political systems
  • develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
  • develop negotiation and communication skills
  • enhance research skills

Assessment tasks

  • Scenario Paper #1
  • Scenario Paper #2
  • 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

  • ability to identify and articulate views within a contemporary political debate in written form
  • develop negotiation and communication skills

Assessment tasks

  • Scenario Paper #1
  • Scenario Paper #2
  • 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 outcome

  • develop negotiation and communication skills