Students

POIR980 – International Relations Practice

2016 – S2 Block

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Associate Professor
Geoffrey Hawker
Contact via by email or 9850 8885
W6A Rm 428
Wednesday 5-6 pm
Lecturer
Lavina Lee
Contact via by email or (02) 9850 8872
W6A 431
Thursday 10-11 am
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:

  • Identify and articulate views within a contemporary political debate in verbal and written format
  • Gain insight into some key concepts and issues in international relations and politics
  • Comprehend relationships between elements of domestic and international political systems including institutions, historical influences and current context
  • Develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
  • Develop negotiation and communication skills
  • Enhance research skills

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Participation in Scenario 1 25% Week 4 - August 25th, 2016
Participation in Scenario 2 25% Week 7 - September 15th, 2016
Essay Outline & Plan 5% 30 September 2016
Research Essay 45% 11 November 2016

Participation in Scenario 1

Due: Week 4 - August 25th, 2016
Weighting: 25%

Students will be given a role play scenario based on an actual or hypothetical event in international politics and allocated a role - an actor - to play in a live exchange conducted in a seminar setting. 

Through research in the preceding weeks, students have informed themselves on the actor they are to represent and the positions it is likely to have and propose regarding this scenario. Skills in negotiation, argumentation, and communication, as well as background knowledge, are then tested in the role playing forum.

Written notes can be brought to the live exchange.

Details of the role play scenario and grade criteria will be given on the ilearn site for this course. This may include both a written and oral component of assessment. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and articulate views within a contemporary political debate in verbal and written format
  • Gain insight into some key concepts and issues in international relations and politics
  • Comprehend relationships between elements of domestic and international political systems including institutions, historical influences and current context
  • Develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
  • Develop negotiation and communication skills
  • Enhance research skills

Participation in Scenario 2

Due: Week 7 - September 15th, 2016
Weighting: 25%

Students will be given a role play scenario based on an actual or hypothetical event in international politics and allocated a role - an actor - to play in a live exchange conducted in a seminar setting. 

Through research in the preceding weeks, students have informed themselves on the actor they are to represent and the position/s it is likely to have and propose regarding this scenario. Skills in negotiation, argumentation and communication, as well as background knowledge, are then tested in the role playing forum

Written notes can be brought to the live exchange.

Details of the role play scenario and grade criteria will be given on the ilearn site for this course. This may include both a written and oral component of assessment. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and articulate views within a contemporary political debate in verbal and written format
  • Gain insight into some key concepts and issues in international relations and politics
  • Comprehend relationships between elements of domestic and international political systems including institutions, historical influences and current context
  • Develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
  • Develop negotiation and communication skills
  • Enhance research skills

Essay Outline & Plan

Due: 30 September 2016
Weighting: 5%

A 750 word essay outline and plan (including title). The proposal should include:

  • A specific central research question, and sub-questions that need to be answered
  • A preliminary argument/hypothesis in relation to the problems/issues you intend to address (i.e. the anticipated answers to the research questions you have identified above)
  • A justification of the research question: why is this question important or significant?
  • Research Methodology: How do you intend to address the research problem? What kinds of source material will you rely upon? 
  • Sources: Identify at least four sources that appear key to your research and identify why the author's approach/analysis is significant to your research
  • An essay outline, including a few sentences on what you envisage will be included. 
  • A schedule of dates by which components of your research will be completed (based on your chapter outline). You should be working towards having a complete first draft of your thesis at least one week before the due date.
  • Bibliography: A list of at least 8 sources that you intend to rely upon (not included in the word count for this task).

Your chosen topic must be drawn from the themes raised by one or other of the two role play scenarios. Remember that your research essay must be new and original and cannot reproduce work done before. Significant penalties up to and including failure in the unit will result from the resubmission of previous work.

The essay plan/outline should be submitted online using the Turnitin link on the ilearn website for this subject. 

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Gain insight into some key concepts and issues in international relations and politics
  • Comprehend relationships between elements of domestic and international political systems including institutions, historical influences and current context
  • Develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
  • Enhance research skills

Research Essay

Due: 11 November 2016
Weighting: 45%

Essay (3500 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography) on a question drawn from one or other of these scenarios.

Part of the task is the development of a research question by the student themselves. The essay could be a more theoretical or more empirical exploration, it could investigate a negotiation perspective, it could be a policy proposal. In any case, it should be academic, properly researched and referenced.

All essays must be submitted online using the Turnitin link on the ilearn website for this subject.

Essays should be written in 12 point font, with margins of at least 2.5cm. 

 

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Gain insight into some key concepts and issues in international relations and politics
  • Comprehend relationships between elements of domestic and international political systems including institutions, historical influences and current context
  • Develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
  • Enhance research skills

Delivery and Resources

Role Plays will be conducted in a seminar setting. 

Students are advised to contact the convenors prior to submission of the research outline/plan if they have any questions about how to complete this task. 

Unit Schedule

Three main on campus sessions:

Week 2: Suggested date Tuesday 9 August 2016 

Introduction to the course and explanation of assessment tasks.

Week 4: Suggested date Thursday 25 August 2016

Role Play Scenario 1: in a 2 hour seminar setting

Week 7: Suggested date Thursday 15 September 2016

Role Play Scenario 2: in a 2 hour seminar setting 

Dates and times will be confirmed in consultation with the student cohort in week 1. 

Research Essay Plan and Outline Due: 30 September 2016

Final Research Essay Due (3500 words): 11 November 2016

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.

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.

Both the research outline/plan and final research essay will be automatically screened through Turnitin (anti-plagiarism software).

Extensions

Any student seeking an extension of time to submit their dissertation or research proposal 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. Essay topics will be given to students by the second week of semester leaving ample time for essay preparation. 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 penalised at a rate of 3% per day. For example:

  • a 9% penalty will be applied to an assignment that is 3 days late. If the paper receives an original mark of 70/100, after a 9% penalty is applied, the final mark for the essay would be 64/100

Any paper that is submitted 10 days after the due date will not be marked and the student submitting such a paper will be deemed not to have completed and submitted the paper.

 

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

  • Identify and articulate views within a contemporary political debate in verbal and written format
  • Gain insight into some key concepts and issues in international relations and politics
  • Develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
  • Develop negotiation and communication skills
  • Enhance research skills

Assessment tasks

  • Participation in Scenario 1
  • Participation in Scenario 2
  • Essay Outline & Plan
  • Research Essay

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

  • Identify and articulate views within a contemporary political debate in verbal and written format
  • Gain insight into some key concepts and issues in international relations and politics
  • Comprehend relationships between elements of domestic and international political systems including institutions, historical influences and current context
  • Develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
  • Develop negotiation and communication skills
  • Enhance research skills

Assessment tasks

  • Participation in Scenario 1
  • Participation in Scenario 2
  • Essay Outline & Plan
  • Research 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

  • Identify and articulate views within a contemporary political debate in verbal and written format
  • Gain insight into some key concepts and issues in international relations and politics
  • Comprehend relationships between elements of domestic and international political systems including institutions, historical influences and current context
  • Develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
  • Develop negotiation and communication skills
  • Enhance research skills

Assessment tasks

  • Participation in Scenario 1
  • Participation in Scenario 2
  • Essay Outline & Plan
  • Research 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

  • Identify and articulate views within a contemporary political debate in verbal and written format
  • Gain insight into some key concepts and issues in international relations and politics
  • Comprehend relationships between elements of domestic and international political systems including institutions, historical influences and current context
  • Develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
  • Develop negotiation and communication skills
  • Enhance research skills

Assessment tasks

  • Participation in Scenario 1
  • Participation in Scenario 2
  • Essay Outline & Plan
  • Research 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

  • Identify and articulate views within a contemporary political debate in verbal and written format
  • Develop negotiation and communication skills

Assessment tasks

  • Participation in Scenario 1
  • Participation in Scenario 2
  • Essay Outline & Plan
  • Research 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

Changes from Previous Offering

The addition of a research plan/outline as an additional assessable task. This assessment task has been added to assist students to formulate a clear research question and an effective plan to complete the research essay on time.