Students
PICT8018 – Counter Terrorism in the Global and Australian Contexts
2025 – Session 1, Online-flexible
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Mariam Farida
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MPICT or MCPICT or GradDipPICT or GradDipCPICT or PGCertPICT or GradCertPICT or GradCertCPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MCPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or GradDipIntSecStud or MCTerrorism or MSecStrategicStudMCTerrorism or MIntellMCTerrorism or MCyberSecMCTerrorism or MCTerrorismMCrim or admission to BSecStudMCTerrorism
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit will examine the structure and components of global counter-terrorism policies and initiatives. It will explore the relationships between foreign policy, international relations, and community dynamics exposing students to the complexity involved in delivering and evaluating effective solutions to the dynamic security threats posed by violent extremism. It will consider the complex and inter-connected roles played by organisations at a global, national and local level including the United Nations, Attorney General's Department, Office of Premier and Cabinet, Multicultural NSW and a range of NGOs. Contemporary literature drawn from terrorism studies and real-world case-studies will expose students to important theoretical arguments relating to radicalisation, de-radicalisation, and desistance and how these impact on the delivery of effective counter-terrorism strategies. |
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: Demonstrate a high level of critical comprehension regarding the concepts of counter terrorism and countering violent extremism.
- ULO2: Display engagement with the theoretical and practical paradigms that shape counter terrorism through the examination and exploration of contemporary global and Australian specific policies, programs, and initiatives.
- ULO3: Investigate a substantial body of contemporary counter terrorism and countering violent extremism literature.
- ULO4: Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained and persuasive arguments cogently and coherently.
- ULO5: Model research skills, particularly the ability to select appropriate knowledge and evidence from diverse sources in order to effectively evaluate its significance and relevance; formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments.
- ULO6: Demonstrate higher level skills in critical analysis.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Policy Note | 30% | No | Week 7 |
| Engagement Quiz | 20% | No | Week 10 |
| Research Essay | 50% | No | Week 12 |
Policy Note
Assessment Type 1: Professional writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 39 hours
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 30%
A critical policy note assessment.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a high level of critical comprehension regarding the concepts of counter terrorism and countering violent extremism.
- Display engagement with the theoretical and practical paradigms that shape counter terrorism through the examination and exploration of contemporary global and Australian specific policies, programs, and initiatives.
- Model research skills, particularly the ability to select appropriate knowledge and evidence from diverse sources in order to effectively evaluate its significance and relevance; formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments.
- Demonstrate higher level skills in critical analysis.
Engagement Quiz
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 2 hours
Due: Week 10
Weighting: 20%
This Quiz is drawn from the readings and lectures of the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a high level of critical comprehension regarding the concepts of counter terrorism and countering violent extremism.
- Display engagement with the theoretical and practical paradigms that shape counter terrorism through the examination and exploration of contemporary global and Australian specific policies, programs, and initiatives.
- Investigate a substantial body of contemporary counter terrorism and countering violent extremism literature.
Research Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 50%
The completion of a 3,000 word Research Essay allows students to develop core disciplinary knowledge, enhance research and critical thinking skills, demonstrate effective written communication skills, and demonstrate originality. Students will select one essay from a list provided on the unit iLearn page. The questions will reflect issues covered by the course content and materials.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a high level of critical comprehension regarding the concepts of counter terrorism and countering violent extremism.
- Display engagement with the theoretical and practical paradigms that shape counter terrorism through the examination and exploration of contemporary global and Australian specific policies, programs, and initiatives.
- Investigate a substantial body of contemporary counter terrorism and countering violent extremism literature.
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained and persuasive arguments cogently and coherently.
- Model research skills, particularly the ability to select appropriate knowledge and evidence from diverse sources in order to effectively evaluate its significance and relevance; formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments.
- Demonstrate higher level skills in critical analysis.
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
17WW G30 Active Learning Space
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
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution 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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
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 2025.04 of the Handbook