Students
POIR1080 – Introduction to Global Politics
2021 – Session 2, Fully online/virtual
Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
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
Room B256, 25 Wally’s Walk Building B, Faculty of Arts Precinct
Tuesdays 1.00 - 2.00 pm
Lecturer
Dr Govand Azeez
Contact via govand.azeez@mq.edu.au
Level 2, 25 Wally’s Walk Building B, Faculty of Arts Precinct, Macquarie University
TBC - see ilearn
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| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Global politics is often dramatic and contentious covering big picture dilemmas such as what are the causes of war and peace? How do we find solutions to shared global problems like climate change and preventing the spread of nuclear weapons? How do we make sense of persistent poverty and underdevelopment in some parts of the world but not others? Whose political ideas matter most and why? Finally, what have been the implications of globalisation for world politics? This unit equips students with the tools to understand the forces that shape the world we live in by introducing them to the key issues, institutions, ideas and actors involved in global politics. The first section of the unit outlines the historical context, key theories and concepts, and fundamental institutions of contemporary global politics. The second section covers important contemporary issues including security challenges, climate change, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, global inequality, the role of culture, religion and identity in global politics, great power rivalry, and globalisation. The unit gives students the foundations necessary for undertaking a major in International Relations or Politics.
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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: Understand and evaluate the role of historical events and the meanings that have been attributed to them in world politics.
- ULO2: Apply and develop further independent research skills required to discover relevant evidence to support academic arguments.
- ULO3: Understand and apply the academic skills required to write cogently and to structure arguments in a logical order.
- ULO4: Critically engage with and analyse the key issues and challenges that are the current focus of world politics.
- ULO5: Understand, explain and apply the key concepts, theories, methods, and issues relevant to the study of International Relations at an introductory level.
- ULO6: Identify and understand the defining debates in the field of Global Politics.
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 the overall word length of a research paper should appear in direct quotes. Students must try to express their ideas and arguments in their 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 (and this unit if you have failed previously) 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.
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. Note that the penalties for late submission are high under the Faculty of Arts new policy.
Late Assessment Submission Penalty
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved,
(a) a penalty for lateness will apply – 10 marks out of 100 credit will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and
(b) no assignment will be accepted seven days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline.
(c) No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments - e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Assignment Submission
Hard copy submission of assignments will not be required for this course. All assignments are to be submitted online using the ilearn website for this unit. A Turnitin link for submission for the research essay, quiz and final exam will be set up there. Comments and grades will also be available online.
Turn-it-in
All written work in this course is required to be uploaded using the Turnitin link provided on the ilearn website for this unit. Turnitin is a type of anti-plagiarism software used by the university. Work that is not uploaded using the Turnitin link on ilearn will not be graded and will receive a mark of zero.
Re-submission of assessment tasks
Re-submission of assessment tasks is not allowed in this unit. Please consult with your tutor or the Convenor before handing in any assessment task if you have any questions. Also, see the section below titled 'student support' for details about workshops on research skills, essay writing, and plagiarism available to all students in the first weeks of the semester.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion Board Participation | 10% | No | Ongoing |
| Quiz | 15% | No | 17.00 hrs 24/8/21 |
| Research Essay | 40% | No | 9.00 hrs 6/10/21 |
| Final Examination | 35% | No | 9.00 hrs 6/11/21 to 21.00 hrs 7/11/21 |
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:
- Understand and evaluate the role of historical events and the meanings that have been attributed to them in world politics.
- Critically engage with and analyse the key issues and challenges that are the current focus of world politics.
- Understand, explain and apply the key concepts, theories, methods, and issues relevant to the study of International Relations at an introductory level.
- Identify and understand the defining debates in the field of Global Politics.
Quiz
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 16 hours
Due: 17.00 hrs 24/8/21
Weighting: 15%
Quiz - see details on ilearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand and evaluate the role of historical events and the meanings that have been attributed to them in world politics.
- Critically engage with and analyse the key issues and challenges that are the current focus of world politics.
- Understand, explain and apply the key concepts, theories, methods, and issues relevant to the study of International Relations at an introductory level.
- Identify and understand the defining debates in the field of Global Politics.
Research Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 31 hours
Due: 9.00 hrs 6/10/21
Weighting: 40%
Research Essay
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand and evaluate the role of historical events and the meanings that have been attributed to them in world politics.
- Apply and develop further independent research skills required to discover relevant evidence to support academic arguments.
- Understand and apply the academic skills required to write cogently and to structure arguments in a logical order.
- Critically engage with and analyse the key issues and challenges that are the current focus of world politics.
- Understand, explain and apply the key concepts, theories, methods, and issues relevant to the study of International Relations at an introductory level.
- Identify and understand the defining debates in the field of Global Politics.
Final Examination
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 31 hours
Due: 9.00 hrs 6/11/21 to 21.00 hrs 7/11/21
Weighting: 35%
Final exam will be administered online as a timed take home exam. See iLearn for more information
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand and evaluate the role of historical events and the meanings that have been attributed to them in world politics.
- Understand and apply the academic skills required to write cogently and to structure arguments in a logical order.
- Critically engage with and analyse the key issues and challenges that are the current focus of world politics.
- Understand, explain and apply the key concepts, theories, methods, and issues relevant to the study of International Relations at an introductory level.
- Identify and understand the defining debates in the field of Global Politics.
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
Lectures and Discussion Board
Discussion Boards: Weekly engagement with the reading materials and lectures will be assessed via student contributions to discussion boards that will be set up each week on the ilearn site for this unit. Details will be provided on the ilearn site.
Online lectures: There will be no live on-campus lectures. All lectures will be pre-recorded and uploaded from week to week on the ilearn site for this unit at the date and time of the lecture scheduled in the timetable - see https://timetables.mq.edu.au/2021/.
Textbook
The following textbook will be used in this course and is required for purchase:
Andrew Heywood, Global Politics, 2nd Edition 2014, Palgrave MacMillan Press
Paperback - ISBN 9781137349262
E-book - Ebook - 9781137349279
Please ensure that you buy the latest 2014 edition. Please buy the book prior to the start of the semester. There are many online booksellers selling the book (new and used) that can post the book within 5-8 days. A simple google search will bring up a number of suppliers and the most competitive price.
Additional required readings will be available through the library and ilearn.
Technologies Used
This unit has an online presence on ilearn. Students will require access to reliable broadband and a computer. Students must login to this site, and also their student email account each week.
To login go to: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/index.php
Unit Schedule
Week 1 - An Introduction to the study of Global Politics
Week beginning 26 July
Week 2 - The Historical Context: Political Systems in World History
Week beginning 2 August
Week 3 - The Historical Context: IR in the Twentieth Century
Week beginning 9 August
Week 4 - Theories of International Relations
Week beginning 16 August
Week 5 - Essay Writing and Research Skills
Week beginning 23 August
Quiz - covering material in weeks 1-4
Quiz released on ilearn 5.00 pm Tuesday 24 August and remains open until 11.59 pm Wednesday 25 August. You will be given 1 hour to answer the Quiz questions once you enter the quiz.
Week 6 - War and Peace
Week beginning 30 August
Week 7 - The Global Governance Challenge
Week beginning 6 September
MID-SEMESTER RECESS - 13 September to 24 September
Week 8 - International Political Economy
Week beginning 27 September
Week 9 - NO LECTURE AND TUTORIALS
Public Holiday (Labour Day) on 4 October
Research Essay Due 6 October by 9 am.
Week 10 - Religion, Culture, and Identity in Global Politics
Week beginning 11 October
Week 11 - Global Environmental Issues
Week beginning 18 October
Week 12 - Great Power Transitions
Week beginning 25 October
Week 13 - STUDY WEEK
Week beginning 1 November
No lectures or Tutorials - use the time to revise
FINAL EXAM DUE: Paper released on Saturday 6th of November at 9 am and is due for submission by 9 pm on Sunday 7th of November.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). 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
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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.
Unit information based on version 2021.02 of the Handbook