Students

PICT212 – Modern Warfare

2018 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer
Tom Waldman
Contact via 02 9850 1431
Dept of Security Studies & Criminology, Level 2, Australian Hearing Hub
By appt.
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
12cp at 100 level or above
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit introduces students to the dynamics of modern warfare. Students will learn about the application, the utility and the limitations of the use of military force. The unit introduces students to the origins of war, key approaches to war-fighting, the levels of war, as well as its costs and logistical processes. It teaches students different types of warfare and variation in how conflict is conducted. The unit also covers the impact of technological change on how modern warfare is conducted, and addresses the political and ethical considerations of their use in conflict. The unit concludes with an assessment of the human costs of wars.

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:

  • Understand the enduring intersection of politics and warfare, and explain the role of strategy in connecting the two.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the considerations that inform the planning and conduct of military operations (including logistics, doctrine, tactics, and law) and apply that abstract knowledge to real-world cases.
  • Identify and critically analyse different forms of modern warfare.
  • Discuss the influence of new technologies and the role of information on the character of modern warfare.
  • Examine the human impact of modern warfare on both combatants and civilians.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Policy Memo 25% No Week 5
Operations Analysis 40% No Week 10
Online Test 25% No Week 13
Active Engagement 10% No Weekly

Policy Memo

Due: Week 5
Weighting: 25%

The policy memo is a 1,000 word written brief addressed to a high-level policy-maker who is considering, but not committed to, the use of force in a particular situation to advance the government’s interests. The memo will identify and analyze the political and strategic factors that should inform the policy-maker’s decision, and recommend a particular course of action. Details will be provided on iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the enduring intersection of politics and warfare, and explain the role of strategy in connecting the two.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the considerations that inform the planning and conduct of military operations (including logistics, doctrine, tactics, and law) and apply that abstract knowledge to real-world cases.
  • Identify and critically analyse different forms of modern warfare.
  • Discuss the influence of new technologies and the role of information on the character of modern warfare.
  • Examine the human impact of modern warfare on both combatants and civilians.

Operations Analysis

Due: Week 10
Weighting: 40%

The operations analysis is a 2,000 word paper examining all facets of a particular military operation. It requires a scholarly consideration of the background to the operation, the planning and conduct of the operation, and the implications of the operation for how observers understand war in the twenty-first century. The particular operation to be analyzed will be provided on iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the enduring intersection of politics and warfare, and explain the role of strategy in connecting the two.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the considerations that inform the planning and conduct of military operations (including logistics, doctrine, tactics, and law) and apply that abstract knowledge to real-world cases.
  • Identify and critically analyse different forms of modern warfare.
  • Discuss the influence of new technologies and the role of information on the character of modern warfare.
  • Examine the human impact of modern warfare on both combatants and civilians.

Online Test

Due: Week 13
Weighting: 25%

An online test will be administered in the final week of the unit to assess knowledge and understanding of all the unit materials, including lectures, case studies, and readings.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the enduring intersection of politics and warfare, and explain the role of strategy in connecting the two.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the considerations that inform the planning and conduct of military operations (including logistics, doctrine, tactics, and law) and apply that abstract knowledge to real-world cases.
  • Identify and critically analyse different forms of modern warfare.
  • Discuss the influence of new technologies and the role of information on the character of modern warfare.
  • Examine the human impact of modern warfare on both combatants and civilians.

Active Engagement

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 10%

Active engagement by students will increase the unit's value as an exercise (both individual and collective) in critical thinking, analysis, and communication. Internal students will demonstrate active engagement in tutorials; external students will demonstrate it by contributing to online activities. Grades are dependent on criteria such as (but not limited to) the quality of the engagement with unit materials, new lines of inquiry posed, and engagement with peers and the teaching staff.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand the enduring intersection of politics and warfare, and explain the role of strategy in connecting the two.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the considerations that inform the planning and conduct of military operations (including logistics, doctrine, tactics, and law) and apply that abstract knowledge to real-world cases.
  • Identify and critically analyse different forms of modern warfare.
  • Discuss the influence of new technologies and the role of information on the character of modern warfare.
  • Examine the human impact of modern warfare on both combatants and civilians.

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 Disruptions Policy. Extensions will not in normal circumstances be granted by unit conveners or tutors, but must be lodged through Disruption to Study: http://www.students.mq.edu.au/student_admin/manage_your_study_program/disruption_to_studies/.

LATE SUBMISSION PENALTY

  • 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.

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.

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

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the enduring intersection of politics and warfare, and explain the role of strategy in connecting the two.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the considerations that inform the planning and conduct of military operations (including logistics, doctrine, tactics, and law) and apply that abstract knowledge to real-world cases.
  • Discuss the influence of new technologies and the role of information on the character of modern warfare.

Assessment tasks

  • Policy Memo
  • Operations Analysis
  • Online Test
  • Active Engagement

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the enduring intersection of politics and warfare, and explain the role of strategy in connecting the two.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the considerations that inform the planning and conduct of military operations (including logistics, doctrine, tactics, and law) and apply that abstract knowledge to real-world cases.
  • Examine the human impact of modern warfare on both combatants and civilians.

Assessment tasks

  • Policy Memo
  • Operations Analysis
  • Online Test
  • Active Engagement

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Assessment tasks

  • Policy Memo
  • Operations Analysis

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the enduring intersection of politics and warfare, and explain the role of strategy in connecting the two.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the considerations that inform the planning and conduct of military operations (including logistics, doctrine, tactics, and law) and apply that abstract knowledge to real-world cases.
  • Identify and critically analyse different forms of modern warfare.
  • Discuss the influence of new technologies and the role of information on the character of modern warfare.
  • Examine the human impact of modern warfare on both combatants and civilians.

Assessment tasks

  • Policy Memo
  • Operations Analysis
  • Online Test
  • Active Engagement

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the enduring intersection of politics and warfare, and explain the role of strategy in connecting the two.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the considerations that inform the planning and conduct of military operations (including logistics, doctrine, tactics, and law) and apply that abstract knowledge to real-world cases.
  • Identify and critically analyse different forms of modern warfare.
  • Discuss the influence of new technologies and the role of information on the character of modern warfare.
  • Examine the human impact of modern warfare on both combatants and civilians.

Assessment tasks

  • Policy Memo
  • Operations Analysis
  • Online Test
  • Active Engagement

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the considerations that inform the planning and conduct of military operations (including logistics, doctrine, tactics, and law) and apply that abstract knowledge to real-world cases.
  • Identify and critically analyse different forms of modern warfare.
  • Discuss the influence of new technologies and the role of information on the character of modern warfare.

Assessment tasks

  • Policy Memo
  • Operations Analysis
  • Online Test
  • Active Engagement

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the considerations that inform the planning and conduct of military operations (including logistics, doctrine, tactics, and law) and apply that abstract knowledge to real-world cases.

Assessment tasks

  • Policy Memo
  • Operations Analysis
  • Online Test
  • Active Engagement

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the enduring intersection of politics and warfare, and explain the role of strategy in connecting the two.
  • Identify and critically analyse different forms of modern warfare.
  • Discuss the influence of new technologies and the role of information on the character of modern warfare.
  • Examine the human impact of modern warfare on both combatants and civilians.

Assessment tasks

  • Policy Memo
  • Operations Analysis
  • Online Test
  • Active Engagement

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Assessment tasks

  • Policy Memo
  • Operations Analysis
  • Online Test
  • Active Engagement