Students

PICT710 – Understanding Geopolitics and Geostrategy

2018 – S1 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convener
Prof Ben Schreer
by appointment
Tutor
Nicholas Bromfield
by appointment
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
The international security order is in a period of rapid transformation. This unit examines the major global geopolitical trends, including in the Indo-Pacific, the greater Middle East, Europe, as well as Latin America and Africa. It also analyses the influence of those dynamics on the geostrategies of key countries. Aside from exposing students to the concept of geopolitics as an analytical instrument, the unit will deal with a series of case studies, including the evolving US-Sino rivalry; the Sino-India great power game; the geopolitics of Southeast Asia; the rise of Iran, and the emerging roles of Saudi Arabia and Turkey; the question of the re-emergence of Russia and Germany as great powers; and the United Kingdom in times of Brexit. The unit will provide students with in-depth understanding about the key contemporary global geostrategic dynamics and the implications for regional and international stability.

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:

  • Develop in-depth understanding about geopolitical analysis, geopolitical theories and geostrategy
  • Develop in-depth understanding about the historical evolution of modern geopolitics
  • Gain understanding of the difference between classical and critical geopolitics
  • Develop knowledge about key geopolitical developments during the Cold War and its immediate aftermath
  • Critically analyse geopolitical features and trends in key regions
  • Contribute actively and apply critical thinking skills to the weekly sessions

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Engagement 20% No throughout the unit
Essay structure 30% No tbd.
Major Essay 50% No tbd.

Engagement

Due: throughout the unit
Weighting: 20%

Ongoing assessment. For internal students, attendance and engagement in a two hour seminar each week is expected. A minimum attendance in 11 out of 13 seminars 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).

For external students, the recordings of the seminars will be posted and engagement through at minimum 11 online forums is required.  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:
  • Develop in-depth understanding about geopolitical analysis, geopolitical theories and geostrategy
  • Develop in-depth understanding about the historical evolution of modern geopolitics
  • Gain understanding of the difference between classical and critical geopolitics
  • Develop knowledge about key geopolitical developments during the Cold War and its immediate aftermath
  • Critically analyse geopolitical features and trends in key regions
  • Contribute actively and apply critical thinking skills to the weekly sessions

Essay structure

Due: tbd.
Weighting: 30%

The 1,500 word essay outline requires students to develop the key questions, rationale, arguments and approach for the major essay. After choosing your 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:
  • Develop in-depth understanding about geopolitical analysis, geopolitical theories and geostrategy
  • Develop in-depth understanding about the historical evolution of modern geopolitics
  • Gain understanding of the difference between classical and critical geopolitics
  • Critically analyse geopolitical features and trends in key regions

Major Essay

Due: tbd.
Weighting: 50%

The completion of a research essay tests students ability to apply core disciplinary knowledge, display effective communication through academic writing, and demonstrate original and critical thinking. This final assessment is 3000-word essay and students are required to develop their own essay question. This essay question must deal with a topic related to one of the unit sessions and must be approved by the unit convener.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop in-depth understanding about geopolitical analysis, geopolitical theories and geostrategy
  • Develop in-depth understanding about the historical evolution of modern geopolitics
  • Gain understanding of the difference between classical and critical geopolitics
  • Develop knowledge about key geopolitical developments during the Cold War and its immediate aftermath
  • Critically analyse geopolitical features and trends in key regions

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, 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

Please see iLearn for details.

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

  • Develop in-depth understanding about geopolitical analysis, geopolitical theories and geostrategy
  • Develop in-depth understanding about the historical evolution of modern geopolitics
  • Gain understanding of the difference between classical and critical geopolitics
  • Develop knowledge about key geopolitical developments during the Cold War and its immediate aftermath
  • Critically analyse geopolitical features and trends in key regions
  • Contribute actively and apply critical thinking skills to the weekly sessions

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement
  • Essay structure
  • Major 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

  • Develop in-depth understanding about geopolitical analysis, geopolitical theories and geostrategy
  • Develop in-depth understanding about the historical evolution of modern geopolitics
  • Gain understanding of the difference between classical and critical geopolitics
  • Develop knowledge about key geopolitical developments during the Cold War and its immediate aftermath
  • Critically analyse geopolitical features and trends in key regions
  • Contribute actively and apply critical thinking skills to the weekly sessions

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement
  • Essay structure
  • Major 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

  • Develop in-depth understanding about geopolitical analysis, geopolitical theories and geostrategy
  • Develop in-depth understanding about the historical evolution of modern geopolitics
  • Gain understanding of the difference between classical and critical geopolitics
  • Develop knowledge about key geopolitical developments during the Cold War and its immediate aftermath
  • Critically analyse geopolitical features and trends in key regions
  • Contribute actively and apply critical thinking skills to the weekly sessions

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement
  • Essay structure
  • Major 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

  • Develop in-depth understanding about geopolitical analysis, geopolitical theories and geostrategy
  • Develop in-depth understanding about the historical evolution of modern geopolitics
  • Gain understanding of the difference between classical and critical geopolitics
  • Develop knowledge about key geopolitical developments during the Cold War and its immediate aftermath
  • Critically analyse geopolitical features and trends in key regions
  • Contribute actively and apply critical thinking skills to the weekly sessions

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement
  • Essay structure
  • Major 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

  • Develop in-depth understanding about geopolitical analysis, geopolitical theories and geostrategy
  • Develop in-depth understanding about the historical evolution of modern geopolitics
  • Gain understanding of the difference between classical and critical geopolitics
  • Develop knowledge about key geopolitical developments during the Cold War and its immediate aftermath
  • Critically analyse geopolitical features and trends in key regions
  • Contribute actively and apply critical thinking skills to the weekly sessions

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement
  • Essay structure
  • Major 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

  • Develop in-depth understanding about geopolitical analysis, geopolitical theories and geostrategy
  • Develop in-depth understanding about the historical evolution of modern geopolitics
  • Gain understanding of the difference between classical and critical geopolitics
  • Develop knowledge about key geopolitical developments during the Cold War and its immediate aftermath
  • Critically analyse geopolitical features and trends in key regions
  • Contribute actively and apply critical thinking skills to the weekly sessions

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement
  • Essay structure
  • Major Essay