Students
PICT8020 – Terrorism and International Security
2026 – Session 2, Online-flexible
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lise Waldek
Lecturer
Ian Cherrington
Tutor
Anita Macgregor
Consuelo Martinez Reyes
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to GradCertStrategicPolicy or MStrategySec or MPICT or MCPICT or GradDipPICT or GradDipCPICT or PGCertPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MCPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or GradDipIntSecStud or GradCertIntell or MCTerrorism or MCyberSec or GradDipSecStudCr or GradCertSecStudCr or MIntell or MSecStrategicStud or MCrim 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) and (50 cp at 2000 level))
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
PICX8020
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Few security issues define our times more than that of terrorism. This unit provides a solid foundation for terrorism studies at a postgraduate level, encouraging students to build a thorough understanding of the complex definitions, history, manifestations, and transformation of terrorism around the world. Terrorism will be critically examined as a tactic, as a strategy, and as a mode of communication. Students will explore the wider effects that terrorist discourse plays in contemporary global society, including debates around the nature and drivers of Islamist terrorism and key groups such as Al Qaeda and ISIS. The unit will also critically examine a series of current themes and questions in terrorism studies such as relationship between religion and terrorism, the media and terrorism, the realities of cyber and nuclear terrorism, the future of terrorism, and how academics can successfully conduct terrorism field research.
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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: Demonstrate a high level of critical comprehension regarding the concept of terrorism and its academic investigation
- ULO2: Investigate a substantial body of contemporary terrorism and politically motivated violence literature.
- ULO3: Display engagement with the field of terrorism studies through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
- ULO4: Model research skills, particularly the ability to select appropriate sources from the terrorism literature and integrate knowledge from diverse sources to evaluate its significance and relevance; synthesise material and present findings, rationally and lucidly.
- ULO5: Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained and persuasive arguments cogently and coherently.
General Assessment Information
LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS:
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of ‘0’ (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm.
A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. This late penalty will apply to non-timed sensitive assessment (including essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc).
Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic.
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/assessment-exams/special-consideration
REASSESSMENT OF ASSIGNMENTS DURING THE SEMESTER Macquarie University operates a Grade Appeal Policy: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/assessment-exams/appeals/grade-appeal
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Literature Review | 20% | No | 30/08/2026 | Individual | Yes | Open |
| Essay Plan | 30% | No | 20/09/2026 | Individual | Yes | Open |
| Critical Research Essay | 50% | No | 01/11/2026 | Individual | Yes | Open |
Literature Review
Assessment Type 1: Professional task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 24 hours
Due: 30/08/2026
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open
This assessment requires you to critically analyse two peer-reviewed journal articles addressing a topic of your choice from those covered between weeks 1-2.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a high level of critical comprehension regarding the concept of terrorism and its academic investigation
- Investigate a substantial body of contemporary terrorism and politically motivated violence literature.
- Display engagement with the field of terrorism studies through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
- Model research skills, particularly the ability to select appropriate sources from the terrorism literature and integrate knowledge from diverse sources to evaluate its significance and relevance; synthesise material and present findings, rationally and lucidly.
Essay Plan
Assessment Type 1: Professional task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 24 hours
Due: 20/09/2026
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open
Select one question from the essay topic list. Develop a comprehensive plan for the research essay you will write for assessment 3. The plan must state your central argument (how you are answering the question), the key points that will be used to build your argument, and the key articles/texts/grey literature/case studies/examples that will be used. Please include the prompts you develop while using AI to help you think through and structure this plan with a brief note on how they shaped your approach. This will make your reasoning and AI use visible and transparent.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a high level of critical comprehension regarding the concept of terrorism and its academic investigation
- Display engagement with the field of terrorism studies through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
Critical Research Essay
Assessment Type 1: Written Submission
Indicative Time on Task 2: 50 hours
Due: 01/11/2026
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open
Select one question from the essay topic list. This can be the same one used for Assessment 2. The research essay will develop and sustain a clear, well-defined argument supported by appropriate engagement with relevant scholarly literature and evidence.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a high level of critical comprehension regarding the concept of terrorism and its academic investigation
- Investigate a substantial body of contemporary terrorism and politically motivated violence literature.
- Display engagement with the field of terrorism studies through the examination and exploration of critical texts, concepts and theories.
- Model research skills, particularly the ability to select appropriate sources from the terrorism literature and integrate knowledge from diverse sources to evaluate its significance and relevance; synthesise material and present findings, rationally and lucidly.
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained and persuasive arguments cogently and coherently.
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
- Academic Success 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.
3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.
Delivery and Resources
Delivery and Resources
All resources will be available on iLearn
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.
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.
- Ask a Study Coach
- 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 https://students.mq.edu.au/support/technology/service-desk.
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 2026.07 of the Handbook