Students

PICT903 – Economic and Resource Security

2013 – S1 Evening

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MCom or Admission to MPICT or PGDipPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or PGDipIntSecStud or PGCertIntSecStud or MCom or MEc in Development
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit examines a range of economic and resource security issues in the context of emerging globalisation trends. It considers current issues and provides some frameworks for examining likely future changes. It gives particular attention to security issues associated with energy, technology, finance, information, food and water, resources and failing states. Resource security issues are considered with particular attention to conflicts, the 'so-called' conflict resources such as timber, diamonds and precious minerals.

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:

  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the complexity of economic and resource security issues and the importance of local, national and global forces in shaping these developments.
  • Critique and evaluate major economic and resource related security trends.
  • Evaluate the significance and relevance of information, and to integrate and synthesise information and represent it in an accurate and fully attributed manner.
  • Demonstrate an advanced capability to produce high quality written work that is clear, concise, coherent, logically structured, and that reflects a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, whilst being cognisant of the different social and cultural perspectives associated with the complex issues associated with economic and resource security .
  • Develop effective analytical skills in examining current developments in economic and resource security and likely future developments.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Reading Critique 10% Friday of Modules 2 to 10
Written assignment 1 35% 4 April 2013
Written assignment 2 55% 23 May 2013

Reading Critique

Due: Friday of Modules 2 to 10
Weighting: 10%

A single 600 word critique, the requirements for which are contained in iLearn.  The critique is to be selected from Modules 2 to 10 designated readings.  A marking matrix is contained in iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critique and evaluate major economic and resource related security trends.
  • Evaluate the significance and relevance of information, and to integrate and synthesise information and represent it in an accurate and fully attributed manner.
  • Demonstrate an advanced capability to produce high quality written work that is clear, concise, coherent, logically structured, and that reflects a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, whilst being cognisant of the different social and cultural perspectives associated with the complex issues associated with economic and resource security .

Written assignment 1

Due: 4 April 2013
Weighting: 35%

2,000 word written assignment.  Details and marking matrix contained in iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critique and evaluate major economic and resource related security trends.
  • Evaluate the significance and relevance of information, and to integrate and synthesise information and represent it in an accurate and fully attributed manner.
  • Demonstrate an advanced capability to produce high quality written work that is clear, concise, coherent, logically structured, and that reflects a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, whilst being cognisant of the different social and cultural perspectives associated with the complex issues associated with economic and resource security .
  • Develop effective analytical skills in examining current developments in economic and resource security and likely future developments.

Written assignment 2

Due: 23 May 2013
Weighting: 55%

3,500 written assignment. Details and marking matrix contained in iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the complexity of economic and resource security issues and the importance of local, national and global forces in shaping these developments.
  • Critique and evaluate major economic and resource related security trends.
  • Evaluate the significance and relevance of information, and to integrate and synthesise information and represent it in an accurate and fully attributed manner.
  • Demonstrate an advanced capability to produce high quality written work that is clear, concise, coherent, logically structured, and that reflects a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, whilst being cognisant of the different social and cultural perspectives associated with the complex issues associated with economic and resource security .
  • Develop effective analytical skills in examining current developments in economic and resource security and likely future developments.

Delivery and Resources

 

WORKLOAD

This is a four-credit point unit.  In accordance with normal Macquarie University expectations, this means that 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:

·         Attending class and/or listening to the i-lecture material

·         Background reading for weekly tutorial sessions

·         Preparation for the two major assignments

CLASSES

·         Two-hour class. All sessions are taped on i-lecture and the Powerpoint material will be made available on iLearn on the Unit website.

The timetable for classes can be found on the Universityy web site at:

  http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/

 

READINGS

Prescribed unit materials: A prescribed reading list for this unit will be published on the iLearn site, along with a list of other useful reference sources.  An electronic copy of required readings will be made available to all students through Macquarie Library on E-Reserve

.  Additional readings will be placed on E-Reserve.  These raedings will supplement lecture material as well as provide extra reading for tutorials and essays.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

Online units can be accessed at: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/
If you require technical assistance with Macquarie iLearn contact the Helpdesk

http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/

PC and Internet access is required. Basic computer skills (e.g., internet browsing) and skills in word processing are also a requirement.

SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS

·         The word length and due dates for each form of assessment are listed above with each assessment task. The major pieces of assessment will be returned within three weeks of the due date.

·         Students are to submit their assignments on iLearn.

·         Guidelines for the presentation of written and/or oral and group work are listed below.

·         Keep a copy of your submitted assignment

     A personalised assignment coversheet is generated from the student section of the Faculty of Arts website at:

·         http://www.arts.mq.edu.au/current_students/postgraduate_coursework

·         Late assignments will attract a penalty unless you have contacted John Langdale prior to the deadline. Sickness, family problems and work issues are grounds for late assignments, but you must contact me beforehand. Late assignments may not be marked for some time.

 It is important to keep up with the assessment tasks and not fall behind. However, some students may face work or personal difficulties and thus find it difficult to submit their assignments on time. Please contact John Langdale, the Unit convenor, as soon as possible if you find yourself in such a situation. In addition, the University has student support services.(see Policies and Procedures)

PENALTY FOR LATE SUBMISSION OF WORK

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 submitted 4 days late will lose 4 x 1.00 marks: 15/20 – 4 marks = 11/20) The same principle applies if an extension is granted and the assignment is submitted later than the amended date.

Assessment Criteria

Detailed assessment criteria is available to all enrolled students through the Unit iLearn site.

Unit Schedule

Module 1 - Introduction: Outline of course

Module 2 - Impact of globalisation on economic security (Weeks 2 & 3)

Module 3 - Weak and failed states

Module 4 - Energy security (Weeks 5 & 6)

Module 5 - Finance and security

Module 6 - Technology and security

Module 7 - Food and water security

Module 8 - Resource security

Module 9 - Economic security and crime: Money laundering and capital flight

Module 10 - Information security

Module 11 - Overview and themes

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

  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the complexity of economic and resource security issues and the importance of local, national and global forces in shaping these developments.
  • Critique and evaluate major economic and resource related security trends.
  • Develop effective analytical skills in examining current developments in economic and resource security and likely future developments.

Assessment task

  • Written assignment 2

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

  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the complexity of economic and resource security issues and the importance of local, national and global forces in shaping these developments.
  • Critique and evaluate major economic and resource related security trends.
  • Evaluate the significance and relevance of information, and to integrate and synthesise information and represent it in an accurate and fully attributed manner.
  • Demonstrate an advanced capability to produce high quality written work that is clear, concise, coherent, logically structured, and that reflects a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, whilst being cognisant of the different social and cultural perspectives associated with the complex issues associated with economic and resource security .
  • Develop effective analytical skills in examining current developments in economic and resource security and likely future developments.

Assessment tasks

  • Reading Critique
  • Written assignment 1
  • Written assignment 2

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

  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the complexity of economic and resource security issues and the importance of local, national and global forces in shaping these developments.
  • Critique and evaluate major economic and resource related security trends.
  • Evaluate the significance and relevance of information, and to integrate and synthesise information and represent it in an accurate and fully attributed manner.
  • Demonstrate an advanced capability to produce high quality written work that is clear, concise, coherent, logically structured, and that reflects a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, whilst being cognisant of the different social and cultural perspectives associated with the complex issues associated with economic and resource security .
  • Develop effective analytical skills in examining current developments in economic and resource security and likely future developments.

Assessment tasks

  • Reading Critique
  • Written assignment 1
  • Written assignment 2

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

  • Evaluate the significance and relevance of information, and to integrate and synthesise information and represent it in an accurate and fully attributed manner.
  • Demonstrate an advanced capability to produce high quality written work that is clear, concise, coherent, logically structured, and that reflects a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, whilst being cognisant of the different social and cultural perspectives associated with the complex issues associated with economic and resource security .

Assessment tasks

  • Reading Critique
  • Written assignment 1
  • Written assignment 2

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

  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the complexity of economic and resource security issues and the importance of local, national and global forces in shaping these developments.
  • Demonstrate an advanced capability to produce high quality written work that is clear, concise, coherent, logically structured, and that reflects a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, whilst being cognisant of the different social and cultural perspectives associated with the complex issues associated with economic and resource security .

Assessment tasks

  • Reading Critique
  • Written assignment 1
  • Written assignment 2

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

  • Demonstrate an advanced capability to produce high quality written work that is clear, concise, coherent, logically structured, and that reflects a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, whilst being cognisant of the different social and cultural perspectives associated with the complex issues associated with economic and resource security .
  • Develop effective analytical skills in examining current developments in economic and resource security and likely future developments.

Assessment tasks

  • Reading Critique
  • Written assignment 1
  • Written assignment 2