| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Brian Cuddy
Level 2, Building Y3A
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
16cp in PICT units at 800 level or above including PICT850 and (admission to MPICT or PGDipPICT or GradDipPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or PGDipIntSecStud or GradDipIntSecStud)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Since the end of the Cold War the multidisciplinary field of security studies has both broadened in scope and deepened in terms of its engagement with differing theoretical models from the humanities and social sciences. At the same time, socially constructed concepts of human, national and international security have shifted to reflect the new realities of a globalised world in which security challenges have become more complex and at times less amenable to state-centric solutions. Traditional security concerns now interact with non-traditional challenges that demand new solutions. This unit provides the capstone experience for both PICT and MISS Masters degrees, and will provide a framework through with students can critically reflect on their program of study and engage in a major piece of self-directed research into a topic central to their specialisation. In particular, this unit will focus on critically engaging with new and emerging fields of study and theories within security studies, while providing students with the knowledge, skills and training necessary to excel as independent researchers.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Review Essay 1 | 25% | Week 6 |
| Review Essay 2 | 25% | Week 10 |
| Review Essay 3 | 25% | Week 13 |
| Active Engagement | 25% | Weekly |
Due: Week 6
Weighting: 25%
A key aim of this unit is to critically engage with a number of classic or core texts in the field of Security Studies. Review essays are a very good method for achieving this aim, and students will write three such essays over the course of the unit--one for each core text studied. Students’ research for each book review should go beyond the core text and include additional sources not listed in the unit readings, but this outside reading and research should not be at the expense of analyzing the core text itself. Gaining and exhibiting a mastery of the book under review is a primary aim of this exercise. While there is no one "right" way to approach a book review, good review essays often do some of the following:
This list of suggested approaches is not exhaustive. Nor should you attempt to address each point in a single review essay. As with any piece of writing, a clear, persuasive argument and thematic coherence are of utmost importance. Reviews should reflect that the student has completed the readings, but they should not be summaries of the readings.
Due: Week 10
Weighting: 25%
See Review Essay 1 for a description of this assessment task.
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 25%
See Review Essay 1 for a description of this assessment task.
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 25%
The unit is discussion-based rather than lecture-based and as such its success relies on the full participation of all students. Active engagement by students will increase the unit's value as an exercise (both individual and collective) in critical thinking, analysis, and communication. External students are expected to read the assigned materials and participate weekly in the iLearn forum, addressing the questions and comments posted there and posting questions and comments of their own. Contributions to the iLearn forum must be completed by the end of the week (for example, if the week begins on Monday 1 August, the week ends at 11:59pm on Sunday 7 August). Participation will not be counted beyond the allocated time frame. Grades are dependent on criteria such as (but not limited to) the quality of the engagement with the text and any other supplementary reading materials, new lines of inquiry posed, and engagement with peers and the convenor.
UNIT REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS
REQUIRED READINGS
TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED
SUBMITTING ASSESSMENT TASKS
LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS
WORD LIMITS FOR ASSESSMENT TASKS
REASSESSMENT OF ASSIGNMENTS DURING THE SEMESTER
Macquarie University operates a Grade Appeal Policy in cases where students feel their work was graded inappropriately (http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html). This process involves all assignments submitted for that unit being reassessed.
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Week 1 |
Introduction |
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Weeks 2, 3, 4, 5 |
Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War |
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Weeks 6, 7, 8, 9 |
E. H. Carr, The Twenty Years’ Crisis |
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Weeks 10, 11, 12 |
George Kennan, American Diplomacy |
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Week 13 |
Conclusion |
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
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.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.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
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.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
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This graduate capability is supported by:
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This graduate capability is supported by:
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This graduate capability is supported by:
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