Students
PICT8061 – Transnational Security
2021 – Session 2, Special circumstances
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
Dalbir Ahlawat
Contact via Email
Room 544, Level 5, 25 B Wally's Walk
By appointment
Courtney Richardson
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MSecStrategicStud or MIntell or MCrim or MCyberSec or MCTerrorism or GradCertSecStudCr or GradDipSecStudCr or MPICT or GradDipPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or GradDipIntSecStud or MIntRel or GradDipIntRel or MIntBusMIntRel or MTransInterMIntRel or MCPICT or MCPICTMISS or GradDipCPICT or GradCertCPICT or MSecStrategicStudMCrim or MSecStrategicStudMIntell or MSecStrategicStudMCyberSec or MSecStrategicStudMCTerrorism or MIntellMCrim or MIntellMCyberSec or MIntellMCTerrorism or MCyberSecMCTerrorism or MCyberSecMCrim or MCTerrorismMCrim or Master of Cyber Security Analysis or admission to BSecStudMCTerrorism or BSecStudMCrim or BSecStudMCyberSecAnalysis or BSecStudMIntell or BSecStudMSecStrategicStud or (10cp at 6000 level or above)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
PICX8061
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Transnational security challenges pose major problems for many states, including Australia. They also challenge the traditional conceptual foundations of international security studies based on the primacy and sovereignty of the state. For example, human migration, drug trafficking, environmental change, and organised crime contribute to the internal instability of developed as well as the developing states. In some instances, resource scarcity can even lead to interstate conflict. However, new and innovative analytical concepts are required to develop a clear appreciation of the specific nature of individual transnational problems and adequate responses. This unit will examine the theories and analytical instruments needed to critically analyse different transnational security challenges. It also examines the multi-dimensional nature of security - political, economic, military, social and cultural - and the often-intimate connection between these seemingly separate spheres or entities.
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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: Critically analyse the current scholarly debate on transnational security challenges.
- ULO2: Independently investigate the policy responses to transnational security with case studies from different countries.
- ULO3: Apply high order research skills to transnational security in Asia, demonstrated through the generation of new research knowledge.
- ULO4: Critically evaluate the current security challenges in an ethical, responsible and professional manner.
- ULO5: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between the political, economic, military, social and cultural dimensions of human security in the context of transnational security.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Essay | 40% | No | Week 11 |
| Active Participation | 20% | No | Week 2 to Week 11 |
| Weekly Quiz | 20% | No | Week 3 to Week 12 |
| Short Answer Questions | 20% | No | Week 7 and Week 13 |
Research Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Week 11
Weighting: 40%
The research essay requires students to demonstrate core disciplinary knowledge, research skills, effective written communication skills, and critical thinking. The research essay will be marked as per a set assessment criteria. For details of this criteria see the marking template on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically analyse the current scholarly debate on transnational security challenges.
- Independently investigate the policy responses to transnational security with case studies from different countries.
- Apply high order research skills to transnational security in Asia, demonstrated through the generation of new research knowledge.
- Critically evaluate the current security challenges in an ethical, responsible and professional manner.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between the political, economic, military, social and cultural dimensions of human security in the context of transnational security.
Active Participation
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 2 to Week 11
Weighting: 20%
Active participation assesses students' understanding of the topics covered in the weekly lectures and the required readings. Active participation will be marked as per the rubric listed on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically analyse the current scholarly debate on transnational security challenges.
- Independently investigate the policy responses to transnational security with case studies from different countries.
- Apply high order research skills to transnational security in Asia, demonstrated through the generation of new research knowledge.
- Critically evaluate the current security challenges in an ethical, responsible and professional manner.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between the political, economic, military, social and cultural dimensions of human security in the context of transnational security.
Weekly Quiz
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 3 to Week 12
Weighting: 20%
This assessment requires students to attempt weekly online multiple choice quizzes. Participation in the quizzes demonstrates continuous constructive engagement to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically analyse the current scholarly debate on transnational security challenges.
- Independently investigate the policy responses to transnational security with case studies from different countries.
- Apply high order research skills to transnational security in Asia, demonstrated through the generation of new research knowledge.
- Critically evaluate the current security challenges in an ethical, responsible and professional manner.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between the political, economic, military, social and cultural dimensions of human security in the context of transnational security.
Short Answer Questions
Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 7 and Week 13
Weighting: 20%
Short-answer questions are open-ended questions that require students to create an answer. This assignment aims to assess the specific knowledge and understanding of a topic. Short answer questions require concise answers so it is essential to read the required readings carefully and then respond to the questions.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically analyse the current scholarly debate on transnational security challenges.
- Independently investigate the policy responses to transnational security with case studies from different countries.
- Apply high order research skills to transnational security in Asia, demonstrated through the generation of new research knowledge.
- Critically evaluate the current security challenges in an ethical, responsible and professional manner.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between the political, economic, military, social and cultural dimensions of human security in the context of transnational security.
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
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 Disruption to Studies request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply -10 marks of 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.
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.
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 Disruption to Studies request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply -10 marks of 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.
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 |
Topic |
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1 |
Introduction |
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2 |
Border Security Challenges |
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3 |
Transnational Organised Crime |
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4 |
Terrorism and Insurgency |
|
5 |
Small Arms |
|
6 |
Military Technology |
|
7 |
Environment Security |
|
8 |
Energy Security |
|
9 |
Water Security |
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10 |
Health Security |
|
11 |
Weak State: Security Challenges |
|
12 |
Big Powers: Security Challenges |
|
13 |
Review and Conclusions |
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