Students

PICT851 – Security II

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
Unit Convenor
Julian Droogan
Contact via julian.droogan@mq.edu.au
PICT Offices, Level 2, Building Y3A
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MPICT or PGDipPICT or PGCertPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or PGDipIntSecStud or PGCertIntSecStud
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit is one of two foundation units for students undertaking studies in policing, intelligence and counter terrorism. The unit introduces students to key concepts in the three major areas of study. The content of this unit focuses on an 'all hazards' approach to identifying prospective threats to national security. The principal focus will be the consideration of the diverse issues that constitute actual and potential threats to the nation's security, and the risk assessment process. This unit, in combination with PICT850, also establishes the academic standards required for studying in this area at a postgraduate level; provides guidance for students to develop postgraduate level skills in critical thinking and challenges students to apply these skills to complex concepts and issues.

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 a sound appreciation of the different aspects that comprise security in a liberal democracy
  • Comprehensively explain a range of contemporary and dynamic issues that can impact on security in Australia, the region and the globe
  • Critically evaluate the role of the academic discipline of international security studies in contributing to a secure environment
  • Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately, to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present findings logically and rationally
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained, persuasive & original written arguments cogently & coherently

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Essay Plan 20% 29//03/13
Journal 40% Weekly
Research Essay 40% 07/06/13

Essay Plan

Due: 29//03/13
Weighting: 20%

Students will be required to develop an essay plan of 1000 words that includes an abstract, consideration of method, outline of argument and brief overview of essay structure, as well at least eight bibliographic sources.

Your essay plan will be examined by staff and you will be provided with feedback. Once you have incorporated this feedback into the plan, it will be reused and become part of your final essay.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately, to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present findings logically and rationally
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained, persuasive & original written arguments cogently & coherently

Journal

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 40%

The journal is a record of weekly unit participation and informed engagement. In class or online, students are required to discuss set questions that are generated from that week’s required readings and the lecture. These questions are posted on the iLearn site.

Students are required to write 200 word entries on 10 weeks’ worth of readings and exercises. This is all weeks excluding weeks 1, 3, and 13.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a sound appreciation of the different aspects that comprise security in a liberal democracy
  • Comprehensively explain a range of contemporary and dynamic issues that can impact on security in Australia, the region and the globe
  • Critically evaluate the role of the academic discipline of international security studies in contributing to a secure environment
  • Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately, to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present findings logically and rationally
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained, persuasive & original written arguments cogently & coherently

Research Essay

Due: 07/06/13
Weighting: 40%

Students will be required to complete a major research essay of 2500 words using their essay plan and outline as a basis. The major essay should incorporate the essay plan and outline, taking into account any feedback received from the examiner.                 

The completion of a 2500 word major research essay is intended to encourage and enable students to develop core disciplinary knowledge, enhance research skills, show effective communication (academic writing) skills and demonstrate originality and critical thinking. The essay needs to demonstrate wide reading, critical analysis and objectivity, as well as the ability to construct a logical and coherent argument.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a sound appreciation of the different aspects that comprise security in a liberal democracy
  • Comprehensively explain a range of contemporary and dynamic issues that can impact on security in Australia, the region and the globe
  • Critically evaluate the role of the academic discipline of international security studies in contributing to a secure environment
  • Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately, to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present findings logically and rationally
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained, persuasive & original written arguments cogently & coherently

Delivery and Resources

 

Expectations for Completing this Unit

To successfully complete this unit students will have to meet the requirements for all assessment tasks. These are:

-Weekly academic journal drawing on either in-class or forum participation,

-One 1000 word essay plan,                                  

-One 2500 word essay.

In addition, students are expected to read the weekly required readings and engage in additional outside research.

 

Readings

The required readings as well as a list of additional and useful readings for this Unit are available to all enrolled students through the Unit iLearn site and Macquarie University Library's EReserve site.

 

Technological Requirements

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

Reliable PC and Internet access are required. Basic computer skills such as internet browsing and skills in word processing are also a requirement.

Assignments in this unit will be submitted, marked and returned electronically. For further information see the iLearn site                                                                                                             

Please consult teaching staff for any further, more specific requirements.

 

Late Submission Penalty

If an assignment is submitted late, 5% of the available mark will be deducted for each day the paper is late.

For example, if the paper is worth 20 marks, 1.00 mark per day will be deducted from the mark given (i.e. 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.

Unit Schedule

 

Week 1

 

   Introduction & History of Security Studies

 

Week 2

 

  Academic Literacy I: Critical Theory

 

Week 3

 

  Academic Literacy II: Research Review

 

Week 4

 

  Changing Perspectives in International Security

 

Week 5

 

  Critical Issues in International Security

 

Week 6

 

   International Security Law

 

Week 7

 

   Globalisation and Security

 

Week 8

 

  Insurgency and Non-State Security Challenges

 

Week 9

 

   Border Security and Migration

 

Week 10

 

  Humanitarian Intervention and Peacekeeping

 

Week 11

 

  Economic and Resource Security

 

Week 12

 

   Asia Pacific Security

 

Week 13

 

   Review and Conclusion

 

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 a sound appreciation of the different aspects that comprise security in a liberal democracy
  • Comprehensively explain a range of contemporary and dynamic issues that can impact on security in Australia, the region and the globe
  • Critically evaluate the role of the academic discipline of international security studies in contributing to a secure environment

Assessment tasks

  • Journal
  • Research Essay

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 a sound appreciation of the different aspects that comprise security in a liberal democracy
  • Comprehensively explain a range of contemporary and dynamic issues that can impact on security in Australia, the region and the globe
  • Critically evaluate the role of the academic discipline of international security studies in contributing to a secure environment
  • Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately, to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present findings logically and rationally
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained, persuasive & original written arguments cogently & coherently

Assessment tasks

  • Essay Plan
  • Journal
  • Research Essay

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 a sound appreciation of the different aspects that comprise security in a liberal democracy
  • Comprehensively explain a range of contemporary and dynamic issues that can impact on security in Australia, the region and the globe
  • Critically evaluate the role of the academic discipline of international security studies in contributing to a secure environment
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained, persuasive & original written arguments cogently & coherently

Assessment tasks

  • Essay Plan
  • Journal
  • Research Essay

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

  • Critically evaluate the role of the academic discipline of international security studies in contributing to a secure environment
  • Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately, to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present findings logically and rationally
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained, persuasive & original written arguments cogently & coherently

Assessment tasks

  • Essay Plan
  • Journal
  • Research Essay

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 a sound appreciation of the different aspects that comprise security in a liberal democracy
  • Comprehensively explain a range of contemporary and dynamic issues that can impact on security in Australia, the region and the globe
  • Critically evaluate the role of the academic discipline of international security studies in contributing to a secure environment
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained, persuasive & original written arguments cogently & coherently

Assessment tasks

  • Essay Plan
  • Journal
  • 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

  • Comprehensively explain a range of contemporary and dynamic issues that can impact on security in Australia, the region and the globe
  • Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately, to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate its significance and relevance, synthesise material and present findings logically and rationally
  • Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to present sustained, persuasive & original written arguments cogently & coherently

Assessment tasks

  • Essay Plan
  • Journal
  • Research Essay