Students

PICT907 – Border Security and Migration

2013 – S2 Evening

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Dalbir Ahlawat
Contact via dalbir.ahlawat@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MPICT or PGDipPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or PGDipIntSecStud or PGCertIntSecStud
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
The modern sovereign state was established on the assumption of a fixed population. The traditional global movements of people are increasingly challenging this assumption driven by the process of globalisation and the humanitarian crisis in developing states. This unit examines the nature of this movement, challenges it poses to the border security and the measures being taken by states and international agencies to manage it.

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:

  • Analyse the causes, trends and nature of the migratory movements and evaluate their effects on the security of states and societies.
  • Assess the theoretical and practical measures being taken globally to control the migratory flows.
  • Evaluate the role of national border control mechanisms and state and non- state actors
  • Critically evaluate relevant literature related to migration and border security.
  • Formulate effective written and oral arguments related to migration and border security issues.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Research Essay 50% 27 October 2013
Discussion 20% End of Respective Week
Critique 30% Weeks 2,4, 6, 8, 10 and 12

Research Essay

Due: 27 October 2013
Weighting: 50%

The 3000 words Research Essay allows students to develop core disciplinary knowledge, enhance research skills, show effective written communication skills, and demonstrate originality and critical thinking. The essay should flow logically from introduction to evidence to conclusion, should reflect wide readings across a diverse body of academic literature and should demonstrate critical analysis and objectivity.

The essay will be marked as per a set assessment criteria with focus on topic comprehension, argument, written expression, referencing, essay structure and organization. For details of this criteria see the marking template in the ILearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse the causes, trends and nature of the migratory movements and evaluate their effects on the security of states and societies.
  • Assess the theoretical and practical measures being taken globally to control the migratory flows.
  • Evaluate the role of national border control mechanisms and state and non- state actors
  • Critically evaluate relevant literature related to migration and border security.
  • Formulate effective written and oral arguments related to migration and border security issues.

Discussion

Due: End of Respective Week
Weighting: 20%

The weekly online participation in minimum 200  words is intended to give students the opportunity to explore in detail the issues covered in the Unit and to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter, to develop effective communications skills, and to learn from each other. The Online Discussion should demonstrate continuous constructive engagement from Week 2 to Week 11.

A detailed marking matrix is available to all enrolled students on the unit iLearn site. Marking criteria in the marking matrix includes evaluation of Discussion. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse the causes, trends and nature of the migratory movements and evaluate their effects on the security of states and societies.
  • Assess the theoretical and practical measures being taken globally to control the migratory flows.
  • Evaluate the role of national border control mechanisms and state and non- state actors
  • Formulate effective written and oral arguments related to migration and border security issues.

Critique

Due: Weeks 2,4, 6, 8, 10 and 12
Weighting: 30%

Preparation of a 300 words Critique in Weeks 2,4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 of one relevant article is intended to encourage independent research and demonstrate a capacity to find, synthesise and critically evaluate information relevant to specific topics or issues. The Critique should demonstrate précis of the key arguments of the article and critical evaluation of the article‘s merits (strengths/weaknesses).

A detailed marking matrix is available to all enrolled students on the unit iLearn site. Marking criteria in the marking matrix includes evaluation of Critique. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse the causes, trends and nature of the migratory movements and evaluate their effects on the security of states and societies.
  • Assess the theoretical and practical measures being taken globally to control the migratory flows.
  • Evaluate the role of national border control mechanisms and state and non- state actors

Delivery and Resources

In accordance with normal Macquarie University expectations, you should spend, on average, at least 12 hours per week on this Unit (i.e. 3 hours per credit point). This time should be spent on the following activities: 

 Listening to the pre-recorded lecture prior to the seminar discussion and reading the required articles listed under Required Readings.

  • Engaging in discussion on-line and during contact periods.
  • Preparing Critiques.
  • Preparing research essays 

 In addition, internal students are expected to attend all lectures.

 Assignment Submission Process

 All assignments must be submitted on ILearn as an electronic file attachment (preferably using MS Word). Assignments submitted on Email or posted on the Discussion Board of ILearn will not be accepted. Assignments must be submitted by the due date.

 Assignments must be submitted with an Assessment Coversheet, incorporating a plagiarism declaration. A copy of this declaration can be found at: www.arts.mq.edu.au/current_students/postgraduate_coursework

 Assignment Marking Templates

 Detailed assessment criteria is available to all enrolled students through the Unit ILearn website.

 Electronic Submissions

 Information about how to submit work online can be accessed through the ILearn Unit.

 Penalty for Late Submission of Assignments

 If an assignment is submitted late, it will initially be marked as if it had been submitted on time. However, 5% of the weighting allocated for the assignment will then be deducted from the mark the student achieves in the assignment for each day it is late. For example, if the assignment's weighting is 20, 1.00 mark per day will be deducted from the mark given (ie. A student given 15/20 who sunmitted 4 days late will lose 4x1.00 marks: 15/20 - 4 marks =11/20). The same principle applies if an extension is granted and the assignment is submitted later then the amended date.

 Extensions and Special Consideration

 The granting of extensions of up to one week is at the discretion of the Unit Convenor. Any request for extensions must be made in writing to the Unit Convenor before the due date. Extensions beyond one week will be subject to the special consideration policy detailed in the section titled Policy and Procedures.  

 Required Readings

 The required readings for this Unit are available to all enrolled students through the Unit ILearn website and Macquarie University Library's e-reserve site.

 Unit Webpage and Technology Used and Required

 Online Units can be accessed at: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au

 PC and Internet access are required. Basic computer skills (e.g., internet browsing) and skills in word processing are also a requirement. Please consult teaching staff for any further, more specific requirements. 



 

 

Unit Schedule

 

Week 1

29/7/2013

Introduction: Migration, Border and Security

Week 2

5/8/2013

Theoretical Perspectives: Migration, Development and Border

Week 3

12/8/2013

Migration: What shape it is taking

Week 4

19/8/2013

Border Security and Migration Challenges: Statelessness, Human Trafficking and War Criminals

Week 5

26/8/2013

US: Border Security, Migration and New Challenges

Week 6

2/9/2013

Europe: Legislative Framework and Evolving Security and Migration Patterns

Week 7

9/9/2013

--------------16/9/2013 to 29/6/2013

Australia (1): Immigration and Border Security

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BREAK (No Lectures)

Week 8

30/9/2013

Australia (2): Immigration and Border Security

Week 9

7/10/2013

Third World (1): Border Crossing and Security Issues

Week 10

14/10/2013

Third World (2): China and India

Week 11

21/10/2013

“Burden Sharing” (1): International Cooperation in Asylum and Migration Policies

Week 12

28/10/2013

“Burden Sharing” (2): International Cooperation in Asylum and Migration Policies

Week 13

4/11/2013

Review and Conclusions

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/special_consideration/policy.html

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of Academic Student Support Services. Details of these services can be accessed at: http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

UniWISE provides:

  • Online learning resources and academic skills workshops http://www.students.mq.edu.au/support/learning_skills/
  • Personal assistance with your learning & study related questions.
  • The Learning Help Desk is located in the Library foyer (level 2).
  • Online and on-campus orientation events run by Mentors@Macquarie.

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

Details of these services can be accessed at http://www.student.mq.edu.au/ses/.

IT Help

If you wish to receive IT help, we would be glad to assist you at http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/

When using the university's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students and it outlines what can be done.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse the causes, trends and nature of the migratory movements and evaluate their effects on the security of states and societies.
  • Assess the theoretical and practical measures being taken globally to control the migratory flows.
  • Evaluate the role of national border control mechanisms and state and non- state actors
  • Critically evaluate relevant literature related to migration and border security.
  • Formulate effective written and oral arguments related to migration and border security issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Essay
  • Discussion
  • Critique

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Assess the theoretical and practical measures being taken globally to control the migratory flows.
  • Evaluate the role of national border control mechanisms and state and non- state actors
  • Critically evaluate relevant literature related to migration and border security.
  • Formulate effective written and oral arguments related to migration and border security issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Essay
  • Discussion
  • Critique

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Assess the theoretical and practical measures being taken globally to control the migratory flows.
  • Evaluate the role of national border control mechanisms and state and non- state actors
  • Critically evaluate relevant literature related to migration and border security.
  • Formulate effective written and oral arguments related to migration and border security issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Essay
  • Critique

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Assess the theoretical and practical measures being taken globally to control the migratory flows.
  • Evaluate the role of national border control mechanisms and state and non- state actors
  • Critically evaluate relevant literature related to migration and border security.
  • Formulate effective written and oral arguments related to migration and border security issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Essay
  • Discussion
  • Critique

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Assess the theoretical and practical measures being taken globally to control the migratory flows.
  • Evaluate the role of national border control mechanisms and state and non- state actors
  • Critically evaluate relevant literature related to migration and border security.
  • Formulate effective written and oral arguments related to migration and border security issues.

Assessment task

  • Research Essay

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Assess the theoretical and practical measures being taken globally to control the migratory flows.
  • Evaluate the role of national border control mechanisms and state and non- state actors
  • Critically evaluate relevant literature related to migration and border security.
  • Formulate effective written and oral arguments related to migration and border security issues.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Essay
  • Discussion
  • Critique