Students

PICX921 – Australia's Strategic and Defence Policy in a Changing Asia

2017 – S1 OUA

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer
Ben Schreer
By appointment
Tutor
Nicholas Blomfeld
By appointment
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MPICT or MCPICT or PGDipPICT or GradDipPICT or GradDipCPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MCPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or GradDipIntSecStud
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
The rise of China and other regional powers, arms modernisation trends and unresolved territorial disputes in the South China Sea and elsewhere make the Asia Pacific region highly conflict prone. Furthermore, Australia’s major ally, the United States, expects its allies and partners to play a more active role in a more dynamic security environment. Consequently, the debate over Australia’s strategic and defence policy choices has intensified in recent years. The unit provides students with the foundational knowledge of Australia’s strategic and defence policy. It also exposes students to the key strategic and defence policy challenges for Australia as it faces a rapidly changing Asia-Pacific environment.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.open.edu.au/student-admin-and-support/key-dates/

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Construct and appraise knowledge of the historical evolution of Australia’s strategic and defence policy since Federation in 1901.
  • Evaluate Australia’s defence decision-making process and its key actors, including theories of defence decision-making.
  • Critically analyse and judge key defence policy concepts and primary sources, including defence white papers and force posture reviews.
  • Demonstrate a reflective evaluation of the challenges for the force structure of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including capability development and defence economics.
  • Critically analyse the key strategic and defence policy choices facing Australia’s decision-makers. This includes the future of the Australia-US alliance (ANZUS) and the strategic relations with key Asian players such as Indonesia, China and Japan.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Engagement 20% No Ongoing
1,500 word Essay Outline 30% No tbd.
Research Essay 50% No tbd.

Engagement

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 20%

Ongoing assessment. The recordings of the seminars will be posted and engagement through at minimum 11 online forums is required. Engagement involves demonstrating critical thinking and understanding of the required readings, as well as demonstrated ability to address the focus questions with regards to all unit materials (readings, and pre-recorded lectures and seminars).

Engagement in seminar activities must be completed by the end of the week. Participation will not be counted beyond the allocated timeframe. Grades are dependent on such criteria (but not limited to) the quality of the engagement with the text and any supplementary course materials, new lines of inquiry posed, and engagement with peers and the convener.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Construct and appraise knowledge of the historical evolution of Australia’s strategic and defence policy since Federation in 1901.
  • Evaluate Australia’s defence decision-making process and its key actors, including theories of defence decision-making.
  • Critically analyse and judge key defence policy concepts and primary sources, including defence white papers and force posture reviews.
  • Demonstrate a reflective evaluation of the challenges for the force structure of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including capability development and defence economics.
  • Critically analyse the key strategic and defence policy choices facing Australia’s decision-makers. This includes the future of the Australia-US alliance (ANZUS) and the strategic relations with key Asian players such as Indonesia, China and Japan.

1,500 word Essay Outline

Due: tbd.
Weighting: 30%

This 1,500 word essay outline requires students to develop the key questions, rationale, arguments and approach for the major essay. After choosing one major essay question, the outline should: 

  1. Identify the key questions the essay will seek to address in regards to the overall question.
  2. Provide a clear rationale for why the topic chosen is important for the academic and policy field.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding about the different academic perspectives about the research topic and provide a central argument for the paper.
  4. Lay out the approach and structure the major essay is going to take. 

To do well in this assignment, students will need to familiarise themselves with the key debates on the topics. They will also need to reflect critical thinking and apply their own judgement, simply rephrasing existing arguments in the debate is insufficient. The feedback on the assignment will help students to further refine their thinking and approach to the major essay.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critically analyse and judge key defence policy concepts and primary sources, including defence white papers and force posture reviews.
  • Demonstrate a reflective evaluation of the challenges for the force structure of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including capability development and defence economics.
  • Critically analyse the key strategic and defence policy choices facing Australia’s decision-makers. This includes the future of the Australia-US alliance (ANZUS) and the strategic relations with key Asian players such as Indonesia, China and Japan.

Research Essay

Due: tbd.
Weighting: 50%

The completion of a research essay requires students to develop core disciplinary knowledge, demonstrate research skills, display effective communication through academic writing, and demonstrate original and critical thinking. This final assessment is 3000-word essay and students must choose one essay question from a list of five. Questions will be released by Week 4 on the iLearn site.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Evaluate Australia’s defence decision-making process and its key actors, including theories of defence decision-making.
  • Critically analyse and judge key defence policy concepts and primary sources, including defence white papers and force posture reviews.
  • Demonstrate a reflective evaluation of the challenges for the force structure of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including capability development and defence economics.
  • Critically analyse the key strategic and defence policy choices facing Australia’s decision-makers. This includes the future of the Australia-US alliance (ANZUS) and the strategic relations with key Asian players such as Indonesia, China and Japan.

Delivery and Resources

DELIVERY AND RESOURCES

 

UNIT REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS

  • You should spend an average of 12 hours per week on this unit. This includes listening to lectures prior to seminar or tutorial, reading weekly required materials as detailed in iLearn, and preparing assessments.
  • Internal students are expected to attend all seminar or tutorial sessions, and external students are expected to make significant contributions to on-line activities.
  • In most cases students are required to attempt and submit all major assessment tasks in order to pass the unit.

 

REQUIRED READINGS

  • The citations for all the required readings for this unit are available to enrolled students through the unit iLearn site, and at Macquarie University's library site.  Electronic copies of required readings may be accessed through the library or will be made available by other means.

 

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

  • Computer and internet access are essential for this unit. Basic computer skills and skills in word processing are also a requirement.
  • This unit has an online presence. Login is via: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/
  • Students are required to have regular access to a computer and the internet. Mobile devices alone are not sufficient.

 

SUBMITTING ASSESSMENT TASKS

  • All text-based assessment tasks are to be submitted, marked and returned electronically.  This will only happen through the unit iLearn site. 
  • Assessment tasks must be submitted as a MS word document by the due date.
  • Most assessment tasks will be subject to a 'TurnitIn' review as an automatic part of the submission process.
  • The granting of extensions of up to one week are at the discretion of the unit convener or nominated delegate such as a tutor.  Any requests for extensions must be before the due date for the submission of the assessment task.  Extensions beyond one week are subject to the university’s Disruptions Policy

 

LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS

  • If an assignment is submitted late, 5% of the available mark will be deducted for each day (including weekends) the paper is late.
  • For example, if a paper is worth 20 marks, 1 mark will be deducted from the grade given for each day that it is late (i.e. a student given 15/20 who submitted 4 days late will lose 4 marks = 11/20).
  • The same principle applies if an extension is granted and the assignment is submitted later than the amended date.

 

WORD LIMITS FOR ASSESSMENT TASKS

  • Stated word limits include footnotes and footnoted references, but not bibliography, or title page.
  • Word limits can generally deviate by 10% either over or under the stated figure.
  • If the number of words exceeds the limit by more than 10%, then penalties will apply. These penalties are 5% of the awarded mark for every 100 words over the word limit. If a paper is 300 words over, for instance, it will lose 3 x 5% = 15% of the total mark awarded for the assignment. This percentage is taken off the total mark, i.e. if a paper was graded at a credit (65%) and was 300 words over, it would be reduced by 15 marks to a pass (50%).
  • The application of this penalty is at the discretion of the course convener.

 

REASSESSMENT OF ASSIGNMENTS DURING THE SEMESTER

  • Macquarie University operates a Grade Appeal Policy in cases where students feel their work was graded inappropriately.

Unit Schedule

See ILearn site.

Policies and Procedures

Late Submission - applies unless otherwise stated elsewhere in the unit guide

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Extension Request

Special Consideration Policy and Procedure (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration)

The University recognises that students may experience events or conditions that adversely affect their academic performance. If you experience serious and unavoidable difficulties at exam time or when assessment tasks are due, you can consider applying for Special Consideration.

You need to show that the circumstances:

  1. were serious, unexpected and unavoidable
  2. were beyond your control
  3. caused substantial disruption to your academic work
  4. substantially interfered with your otherwise satisfactory fulfilment of the unit requirements
  5. lasted at least three consecutive days or a total of 5 days within the teaching period and prevented completion of an assessment task scheduled for a specific date.

If you feel that your studies have been impacted submit an application as follows:

  1. Visit Ask MQ and use your OneID to log in
  2. Fill in your relevant details
  3. Attach supporting documents by clicking 'Add a reply', click 'Browse' and navigating to the files you want to attach, then click 'Submit Form' to send your notification and supporting documents
  4. Please keep copies of your original documents, as they may be requested in the future as part of the assessment process

Outcome

Once your submission is assessed, an appropriate outcome will be organised.

OUA Specific Policies and Procedures

Withdrawal from a unit after the census date

You can withdraw from your subjects prior to the census date (last day to withdraw). If you successfully withdraw before the census date, you won’t need to apply for Special Circumstances. If you find yourself unable to withdraw from your subjects before the census date - you might be able to apply for Special Circumstances. If you’re eligible, we can refund your fees and overturn your fail grade.

If you’re studying Single Subjects using FEE-HELP or paying up front, you can apply online.

If you’re studying a degree using HECS-HELP, you’ll need to apply directly to Macquarie University.

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

  • Construct and appraise knowledge of the historical evolution of Australia’s strategic and defence policy since Federation in 1901.
  • Evaluate Australia’s defence decision-making process and its key actors, including theories of defence decision-making.
  • Critically analyse and judge key defence policy concepts and primary sources, including defence white papers and force posture reviews.
  • Demonstrate a reflective evaluation of the challenges for the force structure of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including capability development and defence economics.
  • Critically analyse the key strategic and defence policy choices facing Australia’s decision-makers. This includes the future of the Australia-US alliance (ANZUS) and the strategic relations with key Asian players such as Indonesia, China and Japan.

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement
  • 1,500 word Essay Outline
  • 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

  • Construct and appraise knowledge of the historical evolution of Australia’s strategic and defence policy since Federation in 1901.
  • Evaluate Australia’s defence decision-making process and its key actors, including theories of defence decision-making.
  • Critically analyse and judge key defence policy concepts and primary sources, including defence white papers and force posture reviews.
  • Demonstrate a reflective evaluation of the challenges for the force structure of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including capability development and defence economics.
  • Critically analyse the key strategic and defence policy choices facing Australia’s decision-makers. This includes the future of the Australia-US alliance (ANZUS) and the strategic relations with key Asian players such as Indonesia, China and Japan.

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement
  • 1,500 word Essay Outline
  • 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

  • Construct and appraise knowledge of the historical evolution of Australia’s strategic and defence policy since Federation in 1901.
  • Evaluate Australia’s defence decision-making process and its key actors, including theories of defence decision-making.
  • Critically analyse and judge key defence policy concepts and primary sources, including defence white papers and force posture reviews.
  • Demonstrate a reflective evaluation of the challenges for the force structure of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including capability development and defence economics.
  • Critically analyse the key strategic and defence policy choices facing Australia’s decision-makers. This includes the future of the Australia-US alliance (ANZUS) and the strategic relations with key Asian players such as Indonesia, China and Japan.

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement
  • 1,500 word Essay Outline
  • 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

  • Construct and appraise knowledge of the historical evolution of Australia’s strategic and defence policy since Federation in 1901.
  • Evaluate Australia’s defence decision-making process and its key actors, including theories of defence decision-making.
  • Critically analyse and judge key defence policy concepts and primary sources, including defence white papers and force posture reviews.
  • Demonstrate a reflective evaluation of the challenges for the force structure of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including capability development and defence economics.
  • Critically analyse the key strategic and defence policy choices facing Australia’s decision-makers. This includes the future of the Australia-US alliance (ANZUS) and the strategic relations with key Asian players such as Indonesia, China and Japan.

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement
  • 1,500 word Essay Outline
  • 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

  • Construct and appraise knowledge of the historical evolution of Australia’s strategic and defence policy since Federation in 1901.
  • Evaluate Australia’s defence decision-making process and its key actors, including theories of defence decision-making.
  • Critically analyse and judge key defence policy concepts and primary sources, including defence white papers and force posture reviews.
  • Demonstrate a reflective evaluation of the challenges for the force structure of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including capability development and defence economics.
  • Critically analyse the key strategic and defence policy choices facing Australia’s decision-makers. This includes the future of the Australia-US alliance (ANZUS) and the strategic relations with key Asian players such as Indonesia, China and Japan.

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement
  • 1,500 word Essay Outline
  • 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 outcomes

  • Construct and appraise knowledge of the historical evolution of Australia’s strategic and defence policy since Federation in 1901.
  • Evaluate Australia’s defence decision-making process and its key actors, including theories of defence decision-making.
  • Critically analyse and judge key defence policy concepts and primary sources, including defence white papers and force posture reviews.
  • Demonstrate a reflective evaluation of the challenges for the force structure of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including capability development and defence economics.
  • Critically analyse the key strategic and defence policy choices facing Australia’s decision-makers. This includes the future of the Australia-US alliance (ANZUS) and the strategic relations with key Asian players such as Indonesia, China and Japan.

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement
  • 1,500 word Essay Outline
  • Research Essay

Changes since First Published

Date Description
27/01/2017 One assessment task has been changed from "literature review" to "essay outline".