Students
PICX905 – Nuclear Weapons
2017 – S1 OUA
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Senior Lecturer
Dr. Michael Cohen
241
by appointment
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|---|---|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Weapons of Mass Destruction have fundamentally transformed how states find themselves in and manage international disputes. The quick and total destruction that nuclear weapons offer has fundamentally changed the international system and the prospects for regional peace and stability since 1945. This unit will focus on nuclear weapons and address their impact on the Cold War and then China, India and Pakistan and Iran and North Korea, why states develop nuclear weapons and potential future nuclear powers in East Asia. The unit will also address nuclear non-proliferation initiatives and Australian nuclear issues. The unit addresses the fundamental questions regarding how nuclear weapons have influenced international politics, whether their impact in twenty-first century Asia is different to the Cold War, and policy trade-offs and challenges for Australia and its allies.
All enrolment queries should be directed to Open Universities Australia (OUA): see www.open.edu.au
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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:
- Explain and describe the history and current state of nuclear weapons proliferation challenges within a wider security studies theoretical and conceptual base.
- Recognize and assess threat and risk scenarios within which WMD might exist.
- Critically evaluate and analyse a range of scholarly literature relating to WMD in order to subsequently conceptualise related risks, threats and scenarios.
- Construct written and oral arguments relating to WMD research and deliver them to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Present sustained, coherent and logical arguments, demonstrating engagement with literature.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory Essay | 25% | No | to be announced |
| Research Essay | 50% | No | to be announced |
| Analytical Brief | 25% | No | to be announced |
Introductory Essay
Due: to be announced
Weighting: 25%
Detailed information about this assessment task can be found on the iLearn site for this unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and describe the history and current state of nuclear weapons proliferation challenges within a wider security studies theoretical and conceptual base.
- Recognize and assess threat and risk scenarios within which WMD might exist.
- Critically evaluate and analyse a range of scholarly literature relating to WMD in order to subsequently conceptualise related risks, threats and scenarios.
- Construct written and oral arguments relating to WMD research and deliver them to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Present sustained, coherent and logical arguments, demonstrating engagement with literature.
Research Essay
Due: to be announced
Weighting: 50%
Detailed information about this assessment task can be found on the iLearn site for this unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and describe the history and current state of nuclear weapons proliferation challenges within a wider security studies theoretical and conceptual base.
- Recognize and assess threat and risk scenarios within which WMD might exist.
- Critically evaluate and analyse a range of scholarly literature relating to WMD in order to subsequently conceptualise related risks, threats and scenarios.
- Construct written and oral arguments relating to WMD research and deliver them to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Present sustained, coherent and logical arguments, demonstrating engagement with literature.
Analytical Brief
Due: to be announced
Weighting: 25%
Detailed information about this assessment task can be found on the iLearn site for this unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and describe the history and current state of nuclear weapons proliferation challenges within a wider security studies theoretical and conceptual base.
- Recognize and assess threat and risk scenarios within which WMD might exist.
- Critically evaluate and analyse a range of scholarly literature relating to WMD in order to subsequently conceptualise related risks, threats and scenarios.
- Construct written and oral arguments relating to WMD research and deliver them to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Present sustained, coherent and logical arguments, demonstrating engagement with literature.
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 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 EReserve site. Electronic copies of required readings may be accessed at the EReserve site.
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.
- 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.
- For technical support go to: http://mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/informatics/help
- For student quick guides on the use of iLearn go to: http://mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/guides.htm
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.
- 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. 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 the university’s Disruptions Policy (http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html#purpose).
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 do not include references, 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 he 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 (http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html). This process involves all assignments submitted for that unit being reassessed. However, in exceptional cases students may request that a single piece of work is reassessed
Unit Schedule
PICT905: Weapons of Mass Destruction: Proliferation and Control
Week 1: Introduction/Unit Overview and Objectives; Key Definitions and Concepts.
Week 2: History of WMD Proliferation
Week 3: From the Truman Doctrine to Contemporary Proliferation and Control Measures
Week 4: WMD - The Nuclear and Radioactive Dimension
Week 5: WMD – The Chemical and Biological Dimension
Week 6: WMD – The Non-State Dimension & Emergency Management
Week 7: Case Study – AQ Khan and PSI
Week 8: Case Study – Iran, Israel and the debate on rationality of proliferation
Week 9: Case Study – North Korea: Nuclear Diplomacy
Week 10: Case Study – The Subcontinent and the Nuclear Arms Race
Week 11: Case Study – Syria and the use of Chemical Weapons
Week 12: Practitioner Insights into the Control of WMD
Week 13: Success Stories and The Future
Learning and Teaching Activities
Attendance and Participation
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
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.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 (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
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
- Explain and describe the history and current state of nuclear weapons proliferation challenges within a wider security studies theoretical and conceptual base.
- Recognize and assess threat and risk scenarios within which WMD might exist.
- Present sustained, coherent and logical arguments, demonstrating engagement with literature.
Assessment tasks
- Introductory Essay
- Analytical Brief
Learning and teaching activities
- Internal students are expected to attend weekly seminars and contribute to discussions in a prepared, informed and professional manner. Attendance at a minimum of 10 seminars is expected by all students. External students are expected to contribute to weekly discussion forums and engage with their peers in an informed and professional manner. Contribute to a minimum of 10 discussion forums is expected by all students.
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
- Explain and describe the history and current state of nuclear weapons proliferation challenges within a wider security studies theoretical and conceptual base.
- Recognize and assess threat and risk scenarios within which WMD might exist.
- Critically evaluate and analyse a range of scholarly literature relating to WMD in order to subsequently conceptualise related risks, threats and scenarios.
- Construct written and oral arguments relating to WMD research and deliver them to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Present sustained, coherent and logical arguments, demonstrating engagement with literature.
Assessment tasks
- Introductory Essay
- Research Essay
- Analytical Brief
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
- Explain and describe the history and current state of nuclear weapons proliferation challenges within a wider security studies theoretical and conceptual base.
- Recognize and assess threat and risk scenarios within which WMD might exist.
- Critically evaluate and analyse a range of scholarly literature relating to WMD in order to subsequently conceptualise related risks, threats and scenarios.
- Construct written and oral arguments relating to WMD research and deliver them to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Present sustained, coherent and logical arguments, demonstrating engagement with literature.
Assessment tasks
- Introductory Essay
- Research Essay
- Analytical Brief
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
- Explain and describe the history and current state of nuclear weapons proliferation challenges within a wider security studies theoretical and conceptual base.
- Recognize and assess threat and risk scenarios within which WMD might exist.
- Critically evaluate and analyse a range of scholarly literature relating to WMD in order to subsequently conceptualise related risks, threats and scenarios.
- Construct written and oral arguments relating to WMD research and deliver them to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Present sustained, coherent and logical arguments, demonstrating engagement with literature.
Assessment tasks
- Introductory Essay
- Research Essay
- Analytical Brief
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 and describe the history and current state of nuclear weapons proliferation challenges within a wider security studies theoretical and conceptual base.
- Recognize and assess threat and risk scenarios within which WMD might exist.
- Critically evaluate and analyse a range of scholarly literature relating to WMD in order to subsequently conceptualise related risks, threats and scenarios.
- Construct written and oral arguments relating to WMD research and deliver them to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Present sustained, coherent and logical arguments, demonstrating engagement with literature.
Assessment tasks
- Introductory Essay
- Research Essay
- Analytical Brief
Learning and teaching activities
- Internal students are expected to attend weekly seminars and contribute to discussions in a prepared, informed and professional manner. Attendance at a minimum of 10 seminars is expected by all students. External students are expected to contribute to weekly discussion forums and engage with their peers in an informed and professional manner. Contribute to a minimum of 10 discussion forums is expected by all students.
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 outcome
- Recognize and assess threat and risk scenarios within which WMD might exist.
Assessment tasks
- Research Essay
- Analytical Brief
Learning and teaching activities
- Internal students are expected to attend weekly seminars and contribute to discussions in a prepared, informed and professional manner. Attendance at a minimum of 10 seminars is expected by all students. External students are expected to contribute to weekly discussion forums and engage with their peers in an informed and professional manner. Contribute to a minimum of 10 discussion forums is expected by all students.