Students

PICT837 – Terrorist Support Networks and Operations

2016 – S2 Evening

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lise Waldek
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MPICT or PGDipPICT or GradDipPICT or PGCertPICT or GradCertPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or PGDipIntSecStud or GradDipIntSecStud or PGCertIntSecStud or PGCertIntell
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
PICT837 External PICX837
Unit description Unit description
This unit will expose students to the diverse ways networks shape terrorist and criminal organisations and groups. It discusses the numerous support structures that facilitate and augment strategic, operational and tactical positions by the groups/organisations under investigation. The unit will provide a theoretical grounding in network dynamics. Using real world examples students will gain a practical understanding of the complexities such dynamics have on terrorist groups and organisations.

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:

  • Identify, examine and analyse texts, concepts and theories relating to the social construction of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Identify, investigate and evaluate the dynamics that impact on the development, evolution and dissolution of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Critique contemporary literature relating to concepts of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments demonstrating the ability to select appropriate sources, integrate knowledge, evaluate its relevance and present findings rationally and lucidly
  • Demonstrate higher-level skills in critical analysis

General Assessment Information

1. All assessment tasks are to be submitted, marked and returned electronically. This will only happen through the unit iLearn site.

2. All assessment tasks are to be submitted as a MS word document by the due date.

3. Assessment tasks 2 & 3 will be subjected to a 'TurnitIn' Review as an automatic part of the submission process. Students will have the opportunity to access the review and re-submit prior to the due date of the assignment.

4. 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. It a paper is 300 words over for instance, it will lose 3 X 5% = 15%. The percentage is then then off the total mark, i.e. if a paper was graded at 65% and was 300 words over, it would be reduced by 15 marks to 50%.

5. There is a penalty for late submission of assessment tasks. The assignment will 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 i.e. a task initially given 15/20 but submitted 4 days late will lose 4 X 1.00 marks, meaning 15 - 4 marks = a final grade of 11/20. The same principle applies if a student seeks and is granted an extension but the assessment task is submitted later than the amended submission date.

6. 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 PRIOR to the due date for the submission of an assessment task. Extensions will only be granted if serious and/or unavoidable circumstances arise. Extensions beyond one week are subject to special consideration as per the 'disruption to study' policy. The policy for this is detailed under Policy and Procedures. 

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Engagement Quizzes 20% End of Week 5 & End of Week 12
Critical Review 30% End of Week 3
Research Essay 50% End of Week 10

Engagement Quizzes

Due: End of Week 5 & End of Week 12
Weighting: 20%

For details on this assignment please refer to the unit iLearn site.

This assessment relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

  1. Identify, examine and analyse texts, concepts and theories relating to the social construction of terrorism and violent extremism.
  2. Identify, investigate and evaluate the dynamics that impact on the development, evolution and dissolution of terrorism and violent extremism.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify, examine and analyse texts, concepts and theories relating to the social construction of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Identify, investigate and evaluate the dynamics that impact on the development, evolution and dissolution of terrorism and violent extremism

Critical Review

Due: End of Week 3
Weighting: 30%

For details on this assignment please refer to the unit iLearn Site

A detailed marking rubric for this assignment is available to enrolled students on the unit iLearn site. Marking criteria in the rubric includes evaluation and assessment of topic comprehension, development of a sustained and well-evidence argument/analysis, written expression and grammar, referencing, logical essay structure.

This assessment relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

  1. Identify, examine and analyse texts, concepts and theories relating to the social construction of terrorism and violent extremism.
  2. Identify, investigate and evaluate the dynamics that impact on the development, evolution and dissolution of terrorism and violent extremism.
  3. Critique contemporary literature relating to concepts of terrorism and violent extremism.
  4. Formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments demonstrating the ability to select appropriate sources, integrate knowledge, evaluate its relevance and present findings rationally and lucidly.
  5. Demonstrate higher-level skills in critical analysis.

On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify, examine and analyse texts, concepts and theories relating to the social construction of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Identify, investigate and evaluate the dynamics that impact on the development, evolution and dissolution of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Critique contemporary literature relating to concepts of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments demonstrating the ability to select appropriate sources, integrate knowledge, evaluate its relevance and present findings rationally and lucidly
  • Demonstrate higher-level skills in critical analysis

Research Essay

Due: End of Week 10
Weighting: 50%

For details on this assignment please refer to the unit iLearn site.

A detailed marking rubric for this assignment is available to enrolled students on the unit iLearn site. Marking criteria in the rubric includes evaluation and assessment of topic comprehension, development of a sustained and well-evidence argument/analysis, written expression and grammar, referencing, logical essay structure.

This assessment relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

  1. Identify, examine and analyse texts, concepts and theories relating to the social construction of terrorism and violent extremism.
  2. Identify, investigate and evaluate the dynamics that impact on the development, evolution and dissolution of terrorism and violent extremism.
  3. Critique contemporary literature relating to concepts of terrorism and violent extremism.
  4. Formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments demonstrating the ability to select appropriate sources, integrate knowledge, evaluate its relevance and present findings rationally and lucidly.
  5. Demonstrate higher-level skills in critical analysis.

On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify, examine and analyse texts, concepts and theories relating to the social construction of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Identify, investigate and evaluate the dynamics that impact on the development, evolution and dissolution of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Critique contemporary literature relating to concepts of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments demonstrating the ability to select appropriate sources, integrate knowledge, evaluate its relevance and present findings rationally and lucidly
  • Demonstrate higher-level skills in critical analysis

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 of up to one week are at the discretion of the unit convener or nominated delegate such as a tutor.  Any requests for extensions must be before the due date for the submission of the assessment task.  Extensions beyond one week are subject to the university’s Disruptions Policy

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 

Unit Schedule

Unit Schedule:

Week 1: Social Constructions of Terrorism and Violent Extremism

Week 2: Psychology of Terrorism

Week 3: Individual, Group, Network and Movement: evolution and adaptation in terrorism and violent extremism

Week 4: Ideology and legitimacy

Week 5: Radicalisation processes

Week 6: Social Media - a case study of ISIS

Week 7: Crime-Terror nexus 

Week 8: Terrorist financing

Week 9: Gangs, violence and terrorism 

Week 10: Changing landscape of attacks

Week 11: Global narratives to countering terrorism and violent extremism

Week 12: Local narratives to countering terrorism and violent extremism 

Week 13: Will there ever be an end - future trends and developments 

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

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

  • Identify, examine and analyse texts, concepts and theories relating to the social construction of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Identify, investigate and evaluate the dynamics that impact on the development, evolution and dissolution of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Critique contemporary literature relating to concepts of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments demonstrating the ability to select appropriate sources, integrate knowledge, evaluate its relevance and present findings rationally and lucidly
  • Demonstrate higher-level skills in critical analysis

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement Quizzes
  • Critical Review
  • Research Essay

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

  • Identify, examine and analyse texts, concepts and theories relating to the social construction of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Identify, investigate and evaluate the dynamics that impact on the development, evolution and dissolution of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Critique contemporary literature relating to concepts of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments demonstrating the ability to select appropriate sources, integrate knowledge, evaluate its relevance and present findings rationally and lucidly

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement Quizzes
  • Critical 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

  • Identify, examine and analyse texts, concepts and theories relating to the social construction of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Identify, investigate and evaluate the dynamics that impact on the development, evolution and dissolution of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Critique contemporary literature relating to concepts of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments demonstrating the ability to select appropriate sources, integrate knowledge, evaluate its relevance and present findings rationally and lucidly
  • Demonstrate higher-level skills in critical analysis

Assessment tasks

  • Critical 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

  • Identify, investigate and evaluate the dynamics that impact on the development, evolution and dissolution of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Critique contemporary literature relating to concepts of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments demonstrating the ability to select appropriate sources, integrate knowledge, evaluate its relevance and present findings rationally and lucidly

Assessment tasks

  • Critical 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

  • Critique contemporary literature relating to concepts of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments demonstrating the ability to select appropriate sources, integrate knowledge, evaluate its relevance and present findings rationally and lucidly
  • Demonstrate higher-level skills in critical analysis

Assessment tasks

  • Critical Review
  • 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

  • Critique contemporary literature relating to concepts of terrorism and violent extremism
  • Formulate sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments demonstrating the ability to select appropriate sources, integrate knowledge, evaluate its relevance and present findings rationally and lucidly

Assessment tasks

  • Engagement Quizzes
  • Critical Review
  • Research Essay