Students
POL 399 – Political Thought in Action
2015 – S2 External
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Morris Morley
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
3
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
3cp from POL units at 300 level
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit is required for all students undertaking a politics major. The unit builds on the diversity of earlier units in politics and international relations by placing emphasis on the ability to form reasoned arguments to present findings to a critical audience. All students will be required to show capacity in making both written and oral arguments that address selected themes in the study of politics. Students entering the unit are required to develop a substantial piece of written work under the supervision of a member of the politics staff.
|
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:
- Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester
- Effectively communicate understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, written form
- Participate and lead, when necessary, in workshop discussions
- Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to the chosen topic
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Proposal | 10% | Monday August 17th, 5pm | No | ||
| Proposal Presentation | 10% | August 19th and August 26th | No | ||
| Work in progress report | 20% | Sept 30th and Oct 7th | No | ||
| Research essay | 60% | Monday 2nd Nov, 5pm | No |
Research Proposal
Due: Monday August 17th, 5pm
Weighting: 10%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
800 words project proposal (including title). The following aspects are essential:
- specific research question
- justification of the research question
- Identification of approach chosen, possible problems you anticipate and how you might go about solving them in the timeframe given to finalise your research essay;
- Presentation of at least four individual sources which appear key to your research. I do not mean “academic articles and books” here, rather “[insert author]’s approach/analysis in [insert title] is particularly significant because... [insert your reasons]
- Correct expression and style.
Your chosen topic can be drawn from a unit you have studied before and may represent your continuing concern with issues that you feel you did not address to a satisfactory conclusion in that unit; but your essay must be new and original and cannot reproduce work done before. Significant penalties up to and including failure in the unit will result from the resubmission of previous work.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester
- Effectively communicate understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, written form
- Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to the chosen topic
Proposal Presentation
Due: August 19th and August 26th
Weighting: 10%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
This assessment trains your oral communication skills. Firstly, and this is worth 10% of the final mark, you will do a five minute, timed presentation of your research proposal. It is strongly recommended to have a support (either a maximum of three power point slides or a one-page handout). The presentation should state your research question, present your approach, and either explain how one to two of the sources mentioned in the research proposal are important for your research, or focus on how you might tackle potential issues in the development of your project. Secondly, you will be asked to meaningfully comment on other students' presentations. This is worth 5% of the final mark.
External students are to upload their proposals on to the external student group in the ilearn site (only accessible to externals). You are then to comment on other students' proposals. Your mark (10%) will be based on the feedback you give to the other students.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Effectively communicate understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, written form
- Participate and lead, when necessary, in workshop discussions
Work in progress report
Due: Sept 30th and Oct 7th
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
A five minute presentation of your work to this point (which should be close to completion), and a 1000 word written report. You should first give a brief synopsis of the topic. Then you should answer questions such as the following: how has your understanding of the topic developed? Has your view of the topic changed as you have read more of the literature or reviewed survey results? If so, has this forced you to change direction? Have you encountered problems during the course of the research and if so, how have you tackled them? What are some of the implications of your research?
Though you need to summarise the argument of your essay, the main purpose of the exercise is for you to reflect on your own learning through the unit. In other words if you simply summarise your essay you will not receive a very strong mark.
The mark will be based on both the written report (10%) and the oral presentation (10%).
External students will be marked on their written report only.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester
- Effectively communicate understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, written form
- Participate and lead, when necessary, in workshop discussions
Research essay
Due: Monday 2nd Nov, 5pm
Weighting: 60%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach:
A 3,500 - 4,000 word essay. You are required to develop an original research question, and to work on your essay topic with your supervisor: two meetings with this supervisor, or two substantial email exchanges for external students, are recommended from start to submission.
The essay must be typed, use 12 point font and double-spaced. Two copies should be deposited in the allocated Politics Box in the reception area, level 1 (Ground floor), W6A. Students must submit two hard copies of the essay and one copy through turnitin. External students should submit one copy through COE and one via turnitin.
You will be assessed on your ability to develop a logical, consistent and complex argument and a strong critical analysis demonstrating your sound knowledge of the chosen topic; to use relevant sources, and properly reference these sources; to ensure that the essay is well-structured; and to use correct English expression and style. See the detailed marking rubrics for this assignment on ilearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester
- Effectively communicate understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, written form
- Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to the chosen topic
Delivery and Resources
DELIVERY
Internal students
The seminar for this unit is on Wednesday 1-3pm in W6B336.
External students
There are no on-campus sessions for external students.
RECOMMENDED READING
All recommended readings are either on ilearn, on the library shelves or accessible through the library’s journals database (http://www.lib.mq.edu.au/research/journal-finder.php).
ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION
Electronic Submission
This unit uses an anti-plagiarism software package called turnitin. The software compares student assignments or tests with other student papers and internet sources as well as a comprehensive database of academic periodicals, journals and books, and alerts the marker to any form of plagiarism. Only the research essay is to be submitted on turnitin by the due date and time; instructions are supplied on ilearn. You are also required to submit a hard copy of these assignments as set out below.
Submission of Assignments in Hard Copy
Internal students: The hard copy of the research proposal and the essay must be submitted through the Arts Student Centre (via the appropriate assignment box) on Level 1 of W6A. 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/undergraduate/admin_central/coversheet.
Please provide your student details and click the Get my assignment coversheet button to generate your personalised assignment cover sheet. No other coversheets will be provided by the Faculty.
External students: The hard copy of the essay must be submitted through the Centre for Open Education (COE), see http://mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/centre_for_open_education/submission_of_assignments/.
Return of marked work
Internal students: During semester, marked work will be returned to students in class. Residuals will be available for collection from the Arts Student Centre (W6A Foyer).
External students: The assignments will be returned through COE.
Unit Schedule
|
Week |
Topic |
Assessment submission |
|
|
1 July 29th |
|
Introduction to Unit. Identification of research areas |
|
|
2 August 5th |
Using the library |
|
|
|
3 August 12th |
Formulating a proposal. |
||
|
4 August 19th |
Proposal presentation 1 |
RESEARCH PROPOSAL Due August 17 at 5pm |
|
|
5 August 26th |
Proposal Presentations - 2 |
|
|
|
6 September 2 |
No classes |
||
|
7 September 9 |
|
No classes |
|
|
Mid-Semester Break |
|||
|
8 September 30 |
|
Work in Progress 1 |
WORK IN PROGRESS REPORT Due September 28 at 5pm |
|
9 October 7 |
Work in Progress 2 |
|
|
|
Weeks 10 - 13 inclusive |
No classes |
RESEARCH ESSAY Due November 2nd at 5pm |
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://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, 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 ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
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
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit 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.
Graduate Capabilities
Creative and Innovative
Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester
- Participate and lead, when necessary, in workshop discussions
- Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to the chosen topic
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Proposal Presentation
- Work in progress report
- Research essay
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester
- Participate and lead, when necessary, in workshop discussions
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Proposal Presentation
- Work in progress report
- Research essay
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester
- Participate and lead, when necessary, in workshop discussions
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Proposal Presentation
- Work in progress report
- Research essay
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester
- Effectively communicate understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, written form
- Participate and lead, when necessary, in workshop discussions
- Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to the chosen topic
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Proposal Presentation
- Work in progress report
- Research essay
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester
- Effectively communicate understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, written form
- Participate and lead, when necessary, in workshop discussions
- Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to the chosen topic
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Proposal Presentation
- Work in progress report
- Research essay
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester
- Effectively communicate understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, written form
- Participate and lead, when necessary, in workshop discussions
- Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to the chosen topic
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Proposal Presentation
- Work in progress report
- Research essay
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Undertake independent learning and research throughout the semester
- Effectively communicate understanding and analytical ability in both spoken and, particularly, written form
- Participate and lead, when necessary, in workshop discussions
- Use a wide range of written and digital resources related to the chosen topic
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Proposal Presentation
- Work in progress report
- Research essay
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens
As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Participate and lead, when necessary, in workshop discussions
Assessment tasks
- Proposal Presentation
- Work in progress report
Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible
We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Participate and lead, when necessary, in workshop discussions
Assessment tasks
- Proposal Presentation
- Work in progress report