Students
PICT814 – Intelligence and National Security
2013 – S2 External
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Rebecca Vogel
Contact via rebecca.vogel@mq.edu.au
PICT offices
Business hours Monday-Wednesday
Other Staff
Fred Smith
Contact via fred.smith@mq.edu.au
PICT Offices
Business hours
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MPICT or PGDipPICT or PGCertPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or PGDipIntSecStud or PGCertIntSecStud or PGCertIntell
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit examines the role of intelligence in a national security environment. The unit presents a framework for the effective, efficient and rigorous production and utilisation of intelligence analysis product in support of national security. The basic tenet informing teaching in the unit is that intelligence is a support function that ensures the safety, security and quality of life within a nation. The principal focus will be on issues that constitute actual and potential threats to national security in Australia and internationally in this century and the role of intelligence in responding to these threats.
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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:
- Critique contemporary literature relating to the concepts of intelligence and national security
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- 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, rationally and lucidly
- Evaluate the cyber security threat as it relates to national security
- Explore a case study involving Espionage as a threat to National Security
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Essay | 25% | 18 August 2013 |
| Case Based Assessment | 25% | 15 September 2013 |
| Reseach Essay | 50% | 3 Novemeber 2013 |
Introductory Essay
Due: 18 August 2013
Weighting: 25%
A detailed marking matrix and guidelines for this exercise will be available to all enrolled students on the unit ilearn site during Week One. Marking criteria in the marking matrix includes evaluation of topic comprehension, argument/analysis, written expression and grammar, referencing, essay structure and organization.
You have three weeks to complete this exercise. The exercise must be submitted by 11.55 pm, 18 August, 2013.
The 1500 word limit can be plus or minus 10%. The word count does not include footnotes or bibliography. Marks may be deducted if the number of words in the assignnment exceeds 10% of the designated word length.
Font size should be 12 point with 1.5 line spacing. Oxford Referencing is required. All written work will be checked through Turnitin text matching software.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critique contemporary literature relating to the concepts of intelligence and national security
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- 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, rationally and lucidly
Case Based Assessment
Due: 15 September 2013
Weighting: 25%
The marking criteria and guidelines for this exercise will be posted to the ilearn site in Week Four (commencing 19 August). A detailed marking matrix will be available to all enrolled students on the unit iLearn site. Marking criteria in the marking matrix includes evaluation of topic comprehension, argument/analysis, written expression and grammar, referencing, structure and organization. You have four weeks to complete this exercise. The exercise must be submitted by 11.55 pm, 15 September, 2013.
The 1500 word limit can be plus or minus 10%, and does not include footnotes or bibliography. Font size should be 12 point with 1.5 line spacing. Oxford Referencing is required. All written work will be checked through Turnitin text matching software.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- 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, rationally and lucidly
- Explore a case study involving Espionage as a threat to National Security
Reseach Essay
Due: 3 Novemeber 2013
Weighting: 50%
The completion of a 3000 word 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, and should move logically from introduction to evidence to conclusion. The criteria used to assess the research essay (marking template) will be posted on the iLearn site under Assessment.
The essay topic will be provided in week 4 of the course (commencing 19 August) on the Ilearn site. A detailed marking matrix will be available to all enrolled students on the unit iLearn site. Marking criteria in the marking matrix includes evaluation of topic comprehension, argument/analysis, written expression and grammar, referencing, essay structure and organization.
The 3000 word limit can be plus or minus 10%, and does not include footnotes or bibliography. Font size should be 12 point with 1.5 line spacing. Oxford Referencing is required. All essays will be checked through Turnitin text matching software.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critique contemporary literature relating to the concepts of intelligence and national security
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- 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, rationally and lucidly
- Evaluate the cyber security threat as it relates to national security
Delivery and Resources
UNIT REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS
§ You should spend an average of at least 12 hours per week on this unit. This includes listening to pre-recorded lectures prior to seminar discussions and reading weekly required readings detailed in iLearn.
§ Internal students are expected to attend all seminar sessions and external students are expected to contribute to on-line discussions.
§ Students are required to submit assessment tasks 1 and 3 in order to pass the unit.
REQUIRED READINGS
§ The citations for all the required readings for this unit are available to enrolled students students through the unit iLearn site, the CD reading list and at Macquarie University's Library EReserve site. Electronic copies of required readings may be accessed at the EReserve site.
RECOMMENDED READINGS
§ Recommended readings will be posted to the unit iLearn site as Session 2 progresses.
§ While there is no prescribed textbook for this unit students may consider obtaining a copy of Collins, A. (ed) Contemporary Security Studies, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 3rd Edition, 2013
TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED
§ Personal PC and internet access are essential for this unit. Basic computer skills and skills in word processing are also a requirement.
§ The unit can only be accessed by enrolled students online through http://ilearn.mq.edu.au
SUBMITTING ASSESSMENT TASKS
§ All assessment tasks are to be submitted, marked and returned electronically. This will only happen through the unit iLearn site.
§ Assessment tasks must be submitted either as a PDF or MS word document by the due date.
§ All assessment tasks will be subject to a 'TurnitIn' review as an automatic part of the submission process.
§ Assessment tasks must be submitted with as assessment coversheet incorporating a plagiarism declaration. A copy of the coversheet can be downloaded at: www.arts.mq.edu.au/current_students/postgraduate_coursework.
§ The granting of extensions of up to one week are at the discretion of the unit convenor. Any requests for extensions must be made in writing before the due date for the submission of the assessment task. Extensions beyond one week are subject to special consideration. The policy for this is detailed under Policy and Procedures.
LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS
There is a penalty for the the late submission of assessment tasks. 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 initially achieves in the assessment task for each day it is late. For example if the assessment task's weighting is 20, 1.00 mark per day will be deducted from the initial mark given per day it is late ie a task initially given 15/20 but which is submitted four days late will lose 4 x 1.00 marks. That means 15/20-4marks=11/20. It is this second mark which will be recorded in gradebook.
The same principle applies if a student seeks and is granted an extension and the assessment task is submitted later than the amended submission date.
Unit Schedule
The weekly seminars for PICT814 Session 2, 2013 will be held on Tuesday evenings, 7:15-9:00.
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
- Critique contemporary literature relating to the concepts of intelligence and national security
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- 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, rationally and lucidly
- Evaluate the cyber security threat as it relates to national security
- Explore a case study involving Espionage as a threat to National Security
Assessment tasks
- Introductory Essay
- Case Based Assessment
- Reseach 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
- Critique contemporary literature relating to the concepts of intelligence and national security
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- 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, rationally and lucidly
- Evaluate the cyber security threat as it relates to national security
- Explore a case study involving Espionage as a threat to National Security
Assessment tasks
- Introductory Essay
- Case Based Assessment
- Reseach 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
- Critique contemporary literature relating to the concepts of intelligence and national security
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- 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, rationally and lucidly
- Evaluate the cyber security threat as it relates to national security
- Explore a case study involving Espionage as a threat to National Security
Assessment tasks
- Introductory Essay
- Case Based Assessment
- Reseach 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
- Critique contemporary literature relating to the concepts of intelligence and national security
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- 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, rationally and lucidly
- Evaluate the cyber security threat as it relates to national security
- Explore a case study involving Espionage as a threat to National Security
Assessment tasks
- Introductory Essay
- Case Based Assessment
- Reseach 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
- Critique contemporary literature relating to the concepts of intelligence and national security
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- 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, rationally and lucidly
- Evaluate the cyber security threat as it relates to national security
- Explore a case study involving Espionage as a threat to National Security
Assessment tasks
- Introductory Essay
- Case Based Assessment
- Reseach 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
- Critique contemporary literature relating to the concepts of intelligence and national security
- Demonstrate higher order communication skills including the ability to formulate sustained, persuasive and original written and oral arguments
- 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, rationally and lucidly
- Evaluate the cyber security threat as it relates to national security
- Explore a case study involving Espionage as a threat to National Security
Assessment tasks
- Introductory Essay
- Case Based Assessment
- Reseach Essay