Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Elizabeth O'Brien elizabeth.m.obrien@mq.edu.au Sheryn Lee sheryn.lee@mq.edu.au
Prerequisites	Prerequisites
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description The unit provides a comprehensive overview of the social construction of international security and compares and contrasts several different but overlapping theoretical and thematic approaches to international security that have recently arisen. Since the end of the Cold War, broader and deeper concepts of security have been unavoidable, given the limitations of realism and the challenges that have accompanied rapid globalization and increased global disorder. As a result, there has been a growing concern about new drivers of non-traditional transnational security challenges. These new international security challenges, coupled with ongoing more traditional concerns, have significantly transformed the international security environment, and brought into question traditional state-centric assumptions about security. All enrolment queries should be directed to Open Universities Australia (OUA): see www.open.edu.au

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.open.edu.au/student-admin-and-support/key-dates/

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

Evaluate the theoretical approaches that frame the subfield of International Security, including the relationship to their historical context.
Explain key concepts and debates that are an integral part of the International Security lexicon.
Understand both the assumptions that underpin key theories, and the methods used for research and investigation.
Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately, to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate significance and relevance, synthesise materials, and present findings logically, rationally and lucidly.
Demonstrate critical communication skills, including the ability to present sustained, persuasive and original verbal and written arguments cogently and coherently, and mediate in-class debate and discussion.
Engage consistently with the unit through proactive communication with peers and the convener, and demonstrate professional conduct in all class activities and in the submission of assessments.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Due	Short Extension
Engagement	25%	Ongoing	No
Literature Review	25%	Week 8	No
Research Essay	50%	Week 14	No

Engagement

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI Approach:

Ongoing assessment. For internal students, attendance and engagement in a two hour seminar each week is expected. For external students, the recordings of the seminars will be posted and engagement through at minimum 11 online forums is required. Engagement involves demonstrating critical thinking and understanding of the required readings, as well as demonstrated ability to address the focus questions with regards to all unit materials (readings, and pre-recorded lectures and seminars).

Engagement in seminar activities must be completed by the end of the week (for example, if the week begins on Monday 29 February, the week ends on the following Sunday 6 March). Participation will not be counted beyond the allocated timeframe. Grades are dependent on such criteria (but not limited to) the quality of the engagement with the text and any supplementary course materials, new lines of inquiry posed, and engagement with peers and the convener.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Evaluate the theoretical approaches that frame the subfield of International Security, including the relationship to their historical context.
Explain key concepts and debates that are an integral part of the International Security lexicon.
Understand both the assumptions that underpin key theories, and the methods used for research and investigation.
Demonstrate critical communication skills, including the ability to present sustained, persuasive and original verbal and written arguments cogently and coherently, and mediate in-class debate and discussion.
Engage consistently with the unit through proactive communication with peers and the convener, and demonstrate professional conduct in all class activities and in the submission of assessments.

Literature Review

Due: Week 8
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI Approach:

This review of the literature which aims for students to demonstrate critical understanding of the theoretical approaches of International Security. This mid-term assessment is a 1500-word review and students must choose a topic from Weeks 2-6 i.e.:

Week 2 Realist Approaches
Week 3 Institutionalist Approaches
Week 4 Liberal Approaches
Week 5 Ideational and Identity-Based Approaches
Week 6 Cognitive and Bureaucratic Approaches

All of the required readings must be reviewed together in one literature review—it is not three separate reviews of each reading. Research for the literature review should go beyond the required readings (a good place to start is the recommended readings), and the aim is to demonstrate critical understanding of the literature. Each literature review should:

Indicate the puzzle, problem, or debate that the authors address.
Identify what you see as the strengths and weaknesses of the authors’ arguments (contributions as well as the shortcomings in the work).
Suggest one or more contemporary empirical problems or policy debates to which the authors’ work is relevant and its usefulness.

In this regard, each literature review should place the authors in their specific context, the broader context of the debate and how the text made an impact on the field of study, demonstrate understanding of the methods and values behind each text, and evaluate the key arguments made and why it has continuing relevance to the field. In this regard, the reviews should reflect that the student has completed the readings, but they should not be summaries of the readings.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Evaluate the theoretical approaches that frame the subfield of International Security, including the relationship to their historical context.
Explain key concepts and debates that are an integral part of the International Security lexicon.
Understand both the assumptions that underpin key theories, and the methods used for research and investigation.
Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately, to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate significance and relevance, synthesise materials, and present findings logically, rationally and lucidly.

Research Essay

Due: Week 14
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI Approach:

The completion of a research essay is intended to encourage students to develop core disciplinary knowledge, enhance research skills, display effective communication through academic writing, and demonstrate original and critical thinking. This final assessment is 3000-word essay and students must choose one essay question from a list of five based on the topics from Weeks 7-13, i.e.:

Week 7 War and Conflict
Week 8 Peace and International Cooperation
Week 9 Domestic Institutions and Preferences
Week 10 Nuclear Deterrence
Week 11 Unipolarity
Week 12 Civil War and Ethnic Conflict

Questions are posted on the iLearn site.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Evaluate the theoretical approaches that frame the subfield of International Security, including the relationship to their historical context.
Explain key concepts and debates that are an integral part of the International Security lexicon.
Understand both the assumptions that underpin key theories, and the methods used for research and investigation.
Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately, to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate significance and relevance, synthesise materials, and present findings logically, rationally and lucidly.

Delivery and Resources

DELIVERY AND RESOURCES

UNIT REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS

You should spend an average of 12 hours per week on this unit. This includes listening to lectures prior to seminar or tutorial, reading weekly required materials as detailed in iLearn, and preparing assessments.
Internal students are expected to attend all seminar or tutorial sessions, and external students are expected to make significant contributions to on-line activities.
In most cases students are required to attempt and submit all major assessment tasks in order to pass the unit.

REQUIRED READINGS

The citations for all the required readings for this unit are available to enrolled students through the unit iLearn site, and at Macquarie University's library site. Electronic copies of required readings may be accessed through the library or will be made available by other means.

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

Computer and internet access are essential for this unit. Basic computer skills and skills in word processing are also a requirement.
This unit has an online presence. Login is via: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/
Students are required to have regular access to a computer and the internet. Mobile devices alone are not sufficient.

SUBMITTING ASSESSMENT TASKS

All text-based assessment tasks are to be submitted, marked and returned electronically. This will only happen through the unit iLearn site.
Assessment tasks must be submitted as a MS word document by the due date.
Most assessment tasks will be subject to a 'TurnitIn' review as an automatic part of the submission process.
The granting of extensions is subject to the university’s Disruptions Policy. Extensions will not in normal circumstances be granted by unit conveners or tutors, but must be lodged through wellbeing.

LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS

If an assignment is submitted late, 5% of the available mark will be deducted for each day (including weekends) the paper is late.
For example, if a paper is worth 20 marks, 1 mark will be deducted from the grade given for each day that it is late (i.e. a student given 15/20 who submitted 4 days late will lose 4 marks = 11/20).
The same principle applies if an extension is granted and the assignment is submitted later than the amended date.

WORD LIMITS FOR ASSESSMENT TASKS

Stated word limits include footnotes and footnoted references, but not bibliography, or title page.
Word limits can generally deviate by 10% either over or under the stated figure.
If the number of words exceeds the limit by more than 10%, then penalties will apply. These penalties are 5% of the awarded mark for every 100 words over the word limit. If a paper is 300 words over, for instance, it will lose 3 x 5% = 15% of the total mark awarded for the assignment. This percentage is taken off the total mark, i.e. if a paper was graded at a credit (65%) and was 300 words over, it would be reduced by 15 marks to a pass (50%).
The application of this penalty is at the discretion of the course convener.

REASSESSMENT OF ASSIGNMENTS DURING THE SEMESTER

Macquarie University operates a Grade Appeal Policy in cases where students feel their work was graded inappropriately.

STAFF AVAILABILITY

Department staff will endeavor to answer student enquiries in a timely manner. However, emails or iLearn messages will not usually be answered over the weekend or public holiday period.
Students are encouraged to read the Unit Guide and look at instructions posted on the iLearn site before sending email requests to staff.

Unit Schedule

Week 1 Introduction and Overview of the Field

Week 2 Realist Approaches

Week 3 Institutionalist Approaches

Week 4 Liberal Approaches

Week 5 Ideational and Identity-Based Approaches

Week 6 Cognitive and Bureaucratic Approaches

Week 7 War and Conflict

Week 8 Peace and Peacekeeping

Week 9 Domestic Institutions and Preferences

Week 10 Nuclear Deterrence

Week 11 Unipolarity

Week 12 Civil War and Ethnic Conflict

Week 13 Old Challenges, New Agendas

Policies and Procedures

Late Submission - applies unless otherwise stated elsewhere in the unit guide

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Extension Request

Special Consideration Policy and Procedure (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration)

The University recognises that students may experience events or conditions that adversely affect their academic performance. If you experience serious and unavoidable difficulties at exam time or when assessment tasks are due, you can consider applying for Special Consideration.

You need to show that the circumstances:

were serious, unexpected and unavoidable
were beyond your control
caused substantial disruption to your academic work
substantially interfered with your otherwise satisfactory fulfilment of the unit requirements
lasted at least three consecutive days or a total of 5 days within the teaching period and prevented completion of an assessment task scheduled for a specific date.

If you feel that your studies have been impacted submit an application as follows:

Visit Ask MQ and use your OneID to log in
Fill in your relevant details
Attach supporting documents by clicking 'Add a reply', click 'Browse' and navigating to the files you want to attach, then click 'Submit Form' to send your notification and supporting documents
Please keep copies of your original documents, as they may be requested in the future as part of the assessment process

Outcome

Once your submission is assessed, an appropriate outcome will be organised.

OUA Specific Policies and Procedures

Withdrawal from a unit after the census date

You can withdraw from your subjects prior to the census date (last day to withdraw). If you successfully withdraw before the census date, you won’t need to apply for Special Circumstances. If you find yourself unable to withdraw from your subjects before the census date - you might be able to apply for Special Circumstances. If you’re eligible, we can refund your fees and overturn your fail grade.

If you’re studying Single Subjects using FEE-HELP or paying up front, you can apply online.

If you’re studying a degree using HECS-HELP, you’ll need to apply directly to Macquarie University.

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.

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://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.

Graduate Capabilities

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

Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately, to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate significance and relevance, synthesise materials, and present findings logically, rationally and lucidly.
Demonstrate critical communication skills, including the ability to present sustained, persuasive and original verbal and written arguments cogently and coherently, and mediate in-class debate and discussion.
Engage consistently with the unit through proactive communication with peers and the convener, and demonstrate professional conduct in all class activities and in the submission of assessments.

Assessment task

Engagement

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

Evaluate the theoretical approaches that frame the subfield of International Security, including the relationship to their historical context.
Explain key concepts and debates that are an integral part of the International Security lexicon.
Understand both the assumptions that underpin key theories, and the methods used for research and investigation.
Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately, to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate significance and relevance, synthesise materials, and present findings logically, rationally and lucidly.

Assessment tasks

Engagement
Literature Review
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

Evaluate the theoretical approaches that frame the subfield of International Security, including the relationship to their historical context.
Explain key concepts and debates that are an integral part of the International Security lexicon.
Understand both the assumptions that underpin key theories, and the methods used for research and investigation.
Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately, to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate significance and relevance, synthesise materials, and present findings logically, rationally and lucidly.

Assessment tasks

Literature Review
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

Evaluate the theoretical approaches that frame the subfield of International Security, including the relationship to their historical context.
Explain key concepts and debates that are an integral part of the International Security lexicon.
Understand both the assumptions that underpin key theories, and the methods used for research and investigation.
Model academic research skills, particularly the ability to select sources appropriately, to integrate knowledge from diverse sources, to critically evaluate significance and relevance, synthesise materials, and present findings logically, rationally and lucidly.

Assessment tasks

Literature Review
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

Explain key concepts and debates that are an integral part of the International Security lexicon.
Demonstrate critical communication skills, including the ability to present sustained, persuasive and original verbal and written arguments cogently and coherently, and mediate in-class debate and discussion.
Engage consistently with the unit through proactive communication with peers and the convener, and demonstrate professional conduct in all class activities and in the submission of assessments.

Assessment task

Engagement

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 critical communication skills, including the ability to present sustained, persuasive and original verbal and written arguments cogently and coherently, and mediate in-class debate and discussion.
Engage consistently with the unit through proactive communication with peers and the convener, and demonstrate professional conduct in all class activities and in the submission of assessments.

Assessment task

Engagement