Students
POIR8310 – Security in World Politics
2020 – Session 2, Fully online/virtual
Notice
As part of Phase 3 of our return to campus plan, most units will now run tutorials, seminars and other small group learning activities on campus for the second half-year, while keeping an online version available for those students unable to return or those who choose to continue their studies online.
To check the availability of face to face activities for your unit, please go to timetable viewer. To check detailed information on unit assessments visit your unit's iLearn space or consult your unit convenor.
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Dr Lavina Lee
Contact via lavina.lee@mq.edu.au
Level 2, Room B256, 25 Wally’s Walk Building B, Faculty of Arts Precinct
TBC
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MIntRel or PGDipIntRel or GradDipIntRel or MIntCommMIntRel or MSecStrategicStudMCrim or MSecStrategicStudMIntell or MSecStrategicStudMCyberSec or MSecStrategicStudMCTerrorism or MIntellMCrim or MIntellMCyberSec or MIntellMCTerrorism or MCTerrorismMCrim or MIntBusMIntRel or MIntRelMIntTrdeComLaw or MTransInterMIntRel or MDevCult or GradCertIntRel or MSecStrategicStud or MCrim or MIntell or MCTerrorism or MIntPubDip or MPPPMIntRel
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit introduces students to traditional security studies as well as non-traditional approaches which have sought to deepen and broaden our understanding of what 'security' means. We consider threats to the state including attempts to control the spread of nuclear weapons, the adequacy of strategic concepts such as deterrence to security threats posed by international terrorism and rogue states, and the challenge of irregular warfare, and the return of great power competition. We then consider broader conceptions of security, including societal security, regime security and forms of human security (resource scarcity, climate change, and pandemics such as HIV/AIDs). |
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:
- ULO1: Explain and differentiate between both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- ULO2: Independently analyse and critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments, concepts and historical context that underlie both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- ULO3: Apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
- ULO4: Formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
- ULO5: Communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.
- ULO6: Work collaboratively with peers on common projects.
General Assessment Information
Essays will be FAILED for the following reasons
1. Plagiarism – for example, where sentences or paragraphs are taken word-for-word or nearly word-for-word from another source and presented as original expression. See the University's Academic Honesty Policy (link below) for an in-depth explanation of what constitutes plagiarism. Plagiarism is taken very seriously by the Convenor and the Department generally and will result in a range of penalties, including a zero grade for an assessment task. Serious instances of plagiarism will be reported to the Faculty Discipline Committee.
2. Excessive use of direct quotes may result in a fail grade. As a general rule, no more than 10% of your overall word length should appear in direct quotes. You must try to express your ideas and arguments in your own words as much as possible. This demonstrates true understanding.
3. Identical or nearly identical essays will all fail – regardless of the original authorship.
4. Work that is significantly below the required word length.
5. Essays written with poor English grammar and expression may be failed if the marker is unable to understand the argument(s) raised.
6. Work that has been previously submitted and assessed in other units that is then re-submitted for assessment for this unit, in whole or part, will receive a fail grade. This is defined as 'self-plagiarism' under the Academic Honesty Policy.
Examination
The only exception to taking an examination at the designated time (above) is where a student has experienced 'unexpected, unavoidable and serious circumstances' that prevented them from completing the paper, that can be documented. In these circumstances, the student should consider applying for 'Special Consideration'. Consult the Special Consideration Policy (below) for further information about what criteria must be met.
If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Special Consideration process, the examination will be scheduled after the conclusion of the official examination period.
You are advised that it is Macquarie University policy not to set early examinations for individuals or groups of students. All students are expected to ensure that they are available to take the exam as scheduled.
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 essay and final examination paper will be automatically screened through Turnitin (anti-plagiarism software).
Extensions
Any student seeking an extension of time to submit their major research essay must apply formally for 'special consideration' using the ask.mq.edu.au system. Applications should be made before the due date for the assignment.
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 made available early in the semester leaving sufficient time for essay preparation. Meeting deadlines for assignments is treated very seriously in this course. Accordingly, the penalties for late submission are high.
Penalties for Late Submission
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;
(b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (including weekends) after the original submission deadline;
(c) No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments - e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion Board Participation | 10% | No | Ongoing |
| Role-Play | 15% | No | weeks 4 and 9 |
| Research Essay | 40% | No | 27 September by 6 pm |
| Final Examination | 35% | No | Paper released 9.30 am 14 November; due 9.30 am 15 November |
Discussion Board Participation
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 36 hours
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%
Online Discussion Board Participation
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and differentiate between both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- Independently analyse and critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments, concepts and historical context that underlie both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- Apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
- Formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
- Communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.
- Work collaboratively with peers on common projects.
Role-Play
Assessment Type 1: Simulation/role play
Indicative Time on Task 2: 11 hours
Due: weeks 4 and 9
Weighting: 15%
Role Play
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and differentiate between both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- Apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
- Formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
- Communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.
- Work collaboratively with peers on common projects.
Research Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 31 hours
Due: 27 September by 6 pm
Weighting: 40%
Research Essay
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and differentiate between both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- Independently analyse and critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments, concepts and historical context that underlie both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- Apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
- Formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
- Communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.
Final Examination
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Paper released 9.30 am 14 November; due 9.30 am 15 November
Weighting: 35%
Final Examination - online
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and differentiate between both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- Independently analyse and critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments, concepts and historical context that underlie both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
- Apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
- Communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Lecture
Lectures will be pre-recorded and posted on the ilearn site from week to week. There will be no live lectures on campus.
Online Discussion Board
An online discussion board will be set up each week where students are able to discuss the readings and lecture material each week. Discussion will focus on questions posted on the ilearn site.
Required readings
- Required readings will be posted to the unit iLearn site as Session 2 progresses. We will not be using a textbook.
Technology used and required
- Personal PC and internet access are essential for this unit. Basic computer skills and skills in word processing are also a requirement.
- The unit can be accessed by enrolled students online through http://ilearn.mq.edu.au
Submitting Assessment Tasks
- All assessment tasks are to be submitted, marked and returned electronically. This will only happen through the unit iLearn site.
- All assessment tasks will be subject to a 'Turnitin' review as an automatic part of the submission process.
Unit Schedule
NOTE: at the time of publication, the timetable was being re-organized. The following schedule may need to change because a public holiday might fall on the date of a tutorial in week 9. Please refer to the ilearn site at the start of semester.
WEEK 1: (27 July): Introduction - the widening and deepening of security studies; Realism
No tutorials in week 1
WEEK 2 (3 August): Liberalism, Constructivism and the study of Security
WEEK 3 (10 August): Nuclear Proliferation
WEEK 4 (17 August): Nuclear Counter-Proliferation Strategies - Role Play 1: North Korea's Nuclear Programme
WEEK 5 (24 August): Irregular Warfare and Counter-Insurgency
WEEK 6 (31 August): Terrorism
WEEK 7 (7 September): Reading Week - No lectures or tutorials
Mid-Semester Break - 14 September to 25 September 2020
Research Essay due Sunday 27 September 2019 by 6 pm
WEEK 8 (28 September): Societal Security
WEEK 9 (5 October): Regime Security - Role Play 2: Regime and Societal Security in Myanmar
WEEK 10 (12 October): Health and Security
WEEK 11 (19 October): Great-power competition and Energy Security
WEEK 12 (26 October): Environmental Security and Revision
WEEK 13 (2 November): Study week - no lectures or classes
Final exam paper released 9.30 am on Saturday 14 November 2020 and due for submission at 9.30 am on Sunday 15 November 2020.
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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
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 published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.