Students

PICT843 – International Policing and Counter Terrorism

2018 – S1 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer and Convenor
Andrew Tan
Tutor
Mathew Seneviratne
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MCrim or MPICT or MCPICT or PGDipPICT or GradDipPICT GradDipCPICT or PGCertPICT or GradCertPICT or GradCertCPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MCPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or GradDipIntSecStud or MSecStrategicStud or MIntell or MCTerrorism or MCyberSec or GradDipSecStudCr or GradCertSecStudCr
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit introduces students to key issues and challenges of the new global terrorism which emerged after the end of the Cold War. The unit begins by exploring the seminal events of 9-11, the nature and challenge of the new global terrorism and the responses of the United States and other key states to it. The unit then examines the definition, causes and tactics of terrorist groups, as well as various terrorism typologies, which illustrate the diversity and complexity of terrorist groups and motivations. The unit also assesses counter-terrorism strategies as well as international counter-terrorism and policing cooperation. This unit utilizes perspectives and knowledge drawn from history, terrorism studies, foreign policy, counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency to examine, in a holistic manner, the phenomenon of contemporary terrorism and how to counter it.

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:

  • Be familiar with and possess the ability to critically evaluate the scholarship on terrorism
  • The development of a strong conceptual and empirical awareness of the complex phenomenon of terrorism
  • Demonstrate independent research skills, critical analysis, and persuasive scholarly writing skills
  • The ability to write a major essay that makes an argument showing an interpretation of a terrorism issue

General Assessment Information

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 is subject to the university’s Special Consideration Policy. Extensions will not be granted by unit conveners or tutors, but must be lodged through Special Consideration: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration

 

 

LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS

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 seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

 

 

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: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
  • In accordance with the Grade Appeal Policy, individual works are not subject to regrading.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Test 5% No Week 4: Sunday 25 March
Minor Essay 15% No Week 5: Sunday 1 April
Annotated Bibliography 15% No Week 8: Sunday 6 May
Major Essay 60% No Week 11: Sunday 27 May
Participation 5% No On-going

Test

Due: Week 4: Sunday 25 March
Weighting: 5%

This online test opens on Monday 19 March 2018. It consists of 10 multiple choice questions which have to be answered online by Sunday 25 March (end of Week 4).


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • The development of a strong conceptual and empirical awareness of the complex phenomenon of terrorism

Minor Essay

Due: Week 5: Sunday 1 April
Weighting: 15%

The minor essay (500 words) is a review of an academic article from either an academic journal or an academic edited book. Details can be found on the ilearn site for this unit / course. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with and possess the ability to critically evaluate the scholarship on terrorism
  • The development of a strong conceptual and empirical awareness of the complex phenomenon of terrorism
  • Demonstrate independent research skills, critical analysis, and persuasive scholarly writing skills

Annotated Bibliography

Due: Week 8: Sunday 6 May
Weighting: 15%

The annotated bibliography (1,000 words) consists of readings which you feel will help you in your Major Essay assignment. Details can be found on the ilearn site for this unit / course. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with and possess the ability to critically evaluate the scholarship on terrorism
  • The development of a strong conceptual and empirical awareness of the complex phenomenon of terrorism
  • Demonstrate independent research skills, critical analysis, and persuasive scholarly writing skills

Major Essay

Due: Week 11: Sunday 27 May
Weighting: 60%

The major essay (2,000 words) is a substantive piece of academic work that answers any of the tutorial questions. Details can be found on the ilearn site for this unit / course. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with and possess the ability to critically evaluate the scholarship on terrorism
  • The development of a strong conceptual and empirical awareness of the complex phenomenon of terrorism
  • Demonstrate independent research skills, critical analysis, and persuasive scholarly writing skills
  • The ability to write a major essay that makes an argument showing an interpretation of a terrorism issue

Participation

Due: On-going
Weighting: 5%

Internal students are required to attend and participate in tutorials. External / OUA students are required to participate every week in the online forum. Details can be found on the ilearn site for this unit / course. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with and possess the ability to critically evaluate the scholarship on terrorism
  • The development of a strong conceptual and empirical awareness of the complex phenomenon of terrorism
  • Demonstrate independent research skills, critical analysis, and persuasive scholarly writing skills

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, participating in Ilearn discussion forums 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.
  • Information about IT used at Macquarie University is available at  http://students.mq.edu.au/it_services/

 

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 is subject to the university’s Special Consideration Policy. Extensions will not be granted by unit conveners or tutors, but must be lodged through Special Consideration: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration

 

 

LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS

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 seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

 

 

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: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
  • In accordance with the Grade Appeal Policy, individual works are not subject to regrading.

 

STAFF AVAILABILITY

  • Department staff will endeavour to answer student enquiries in a timely manner. However, emails or iLearn messages will not usually be answered over the weekend or public holiday period.
  • Students are encouraged to read the Unit Guide and look at instructions posted on the iLearn site before sending email requests to staff.

 

Unit Schedule

Week 1: Introduction and Referencing

Part 1: 9/11 and the US Response

Week 2: 9/11 and the US Response

Week 3: The Failure of the GWOT

Week 4: US Strategy Against Terrorism and Insurgency

Part 2: Terrorism Typologies

Week 5: Definitions, Causes, Tactics and Weapons

Week 6: Ethno-Nationalist and Left / Right Wing Terrorism

Week 7: Religious Terrorism

Week 8: The Islamic State

Part 3: Counter-Terrorism and International Policing

Week 9: Counter-Terrorism Strategies

Week 10: Countering Violent Extremism (CVE)

Week 11: Global Policing and Counter-Terrorism

Week 12: Local Policing and Counter-Terrorism

Week 13: Ending Terrorism

Learning and Teaching Activities

Lectures

Live lectures and pre-recorded lectures are provided as part of this unit / course.

Tutorials and Online Discussion Forums

Face-to-face tutorials (internal students) and online discussion forums (external and OUA students) take place every week

Additional Video Resources

Two videos are provided every week to help students understand the subject matter better

Test

Online test in Week 4 tests students on their initial knowledge and interest in the course / unit.

Additional Readings

A list of supplementary readings are provided for each week / topic to help students further explore in-depth the key issues involved.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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

  • Be familiar with and possess the ability to critically evaluate the scholarship on terrorism
  • Demonstrate independent research skills, critical analysis, and persuasive scholarly writing skills
  • The ability to write a major essay that makes an argument showing an interpretation of a terrorism issue

Assessment tasks

  • Major Essay
  • 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 outcomes

  • Be familiar with and possess the ability to critically evaluate the scholarship on terrorism
  • The development of a strong conceptual and empirical awareness of the complex phenomenon of terrorism
  • The ability to write a major essay that makes an argument showing an interpretation of a terrorism issue

Assessment tasks

  • Test
  • Minor Essay
  • Annotated Bibliography
  • Major Essay
  • Participation

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

  • Be familiar with and possess the ability to critically evaluate the scholarship on terrorism
  • The development of a strong conceptual and empirical awareness of the complex phenomenon of terrorism
  • Demonstrate independent research skills, critical analysis, and persuasive scholarly writing skills
  • The ability to write a major essay that makes an argument showing an interpretation of a terrorism issue

Assessment tasks

  • Minor Essay
  • Annotated Bibliography
  • Major Essay
  • Participation

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

  • Be familiar with and possess the ability to critically evaluate the scholarship on terrorism
  • The development of a strong conceptual and empirical awareness of the complex phenomenon of terrorism
  • Demonstrate independent research skills, critical analysis, and persuasive scholarly writing skills
  • The ability to write a major essay that makes an argument showing an interpretation of a terrorism issue

Assessment tasks

  • Minor Essay
  • Annotated Bibliography
  • Major Essay
  • Participation

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 independent research skills, critical analysis, and persuasive scholarly writing skills
  • The ability to write a major essay that makes an argument showing an interpretation of a terrorism issue

Assessment tasks

  • Minor Essay
  • Annotated Bibliography
  • Major Essay
  • 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

  • Be familiar with and possess the ability to critically evaluate the scholarship on terrorism
  • Demonstrate independent research skills, critical analysis, and persuasive scholarly writing skills
  • The ability to write a major essay that makes an argument showing an interpretation of a terrorism issue

Assessment tasks

  • Major Essay
  • Participation