Students
POIR980 – International Relations Practice
2018 – S1 Block
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Steve Wood
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
POIR901 and IRPG841 and (admission to MIntRel or MIntCommMIntRel or MIntBusMIntRel or MTransInterMIntRel or MPPPMIntRel)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit draws on knowledge from across the International Relations program, requiring candidates to apply their earlier learning to an urgent and/or controversial theme in international relations – i.e. an international political problem. The participatory exercises are simulations that involve role playing. They require students to acquire (i) some specialist and general theoretical knowledge; (ii) to develop and apply negotiation, communication and practical problem solving abilities; iii) enhance research and writing skills.
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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 and articulate views on a contemporary political issue in verbal and written format
- Gain insight into some concepts and ideas in international relations and politics
- Comprehend relationships between elements of domestic and international politics including institutions, historical influences and current context
- Develop a critical understanding of relations between political ideas and political action
- Develop communication and argumentation skills
- Enhance research skills
General Assessment Information
Late Submission Penalty - University Policy
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.
Plagiarism – read this very, very carefully
Plagiarism is more trouble than it is worth. It is unscholarly, unethical, unfair and illegal. It will waste your tutor’s and/or convenor’s time and ultimately your own. You will achieve far better outcomes by avoiding it. Do not do it. At Master’s level there are no excuses whatsoever. If you plagiarise do not claim after the fact that you did not understand what it was. More info at: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation in Scenario 1 | 25% | No | March 14 |
| Participation in Scenario 2 | 25% | No | April 4 |
| Participation in Scenario 3 | 25% | No | May 2 |
| Written appraisal of scenarios | 25% | No | June 4, 12:00 noon |
Participation in Scenario 1
Due: March 14
Weighting: 25%
Through research in the preceding weeks, students have informed themselves on the actor they are to represent and the position/s it is likely to have and propose regarding this scenario. Skills in argumentation and communication, as well as background knowledge, are then tested in the role playing forum.
3 minute time limits apply for each actor to state their position. After each actor has done so, an open session of debate will follow.
Written notes can be brought to the live exchange.
Please submit your notes to link on the iLearn site.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and articulate views on a contemporary political issue in verbal and written format
- Gain insight into some concepts and ideas in international relations and politics
- Comprehend relationships between elements of domestic and international politics including institutions, historical influences and current context
- Develop a critical understanding of relations between political ideas and political action
- Develop communication and argumentation skills
- Enhance research skills
Participation in Scenario 2
Due: April 4
Weighting: 25%
Through research in the preceding weeks, students have informed themselves on the actor they are to represent and the position/s it is likely to have and propose regarding this scenario. Skills in argumentation and communication, as well as background knowledge, are then tested in the role playing forum.
3 minute time limits apply for each actor to state their position. After each actor has done so, an open session of debate will follow.
Written notes can be brought to the live exchange.
Please submit your notes to the link on the iLearn site.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and articulate views on a contemporary political issue in verbal and written format
- Gain insight into some concepts and ideas in international relations and politics
- Comprehend relationships between elements of domestic and international politics including institutions, historical influences and current context
- Develop a critical understanding of relations between political ideas and political action
- Develop communication and argumentation skills
- Enhance research skills
Participation in Scenario 3
Due: May 2
Weighting: 25%
Through research in the preceding weeks, students have informed themselves on the actor they are to represent and the position/s it is likely to have and propose regarding this scenario. Skills in argumentation and communication, as well as background knowledge, are then tested in the role playing forum.
3 minute time limits apply for each actor to state their position. After each actor has done so, an open session of debate will follow.
Written notes can be brought to the live exchange.
Please submit your notes to the link on the iLearn site.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and articulate views on a contemporary political issue in verbal and written format
- Develop communication and argumentation skills
- Enhance research skills
Written appraisal of scenarios
Due: June 4, 12:00 noon
Weighting: 25%
A written summary of the three scenarios (1500 words). As far as possible it should be your own words. If using sources, do so sparingly and reference them. The main aim is for you to express your views (not as a particular actor). Dedicate roughly the same number of words to each scenario. A concluding paragraph could compare or contrast the scenarios though that is optional.
The last in-class session (16 May) is an opportunity for presentation and exchange of ideas and insights for this piece of work.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and articulate views on a contemporary political issue in verbal and written format
- Gain insight into some concepts and ideas in international relations and politics
- Comprehend relationships between elements of domestic and international politics including institutions, historical influences and current context
- Develop a critical understanding of relations between political ideas and political action
- Enhance research skills
Delivery and Resources
Seminar setting with live diplomatic role playing simulations. Wednesday from 10am to 1pm
The room is 2.320, 2nd Floor, Australian Hearing Hub Building. Please arrive about 5 minutes before 10am and wait in the foyer. Special access is then required.
An introductory lecture and information session will occur on 28 February. Some slides will be posted to the unit iLearn site thereafter.
Unit Schedule
There will be an introductory session on February 28 from 10am
At this session the scenarios and other information will be presented.
The three scenario sessions are on March 14, April 4, and May 2.
A presentation and discussion session will be held on May 16
Unless there are unforeseen changes, these sessions will be held in room 2.320, Australian Hearing Hub, from 10am to 1pm (Wednesdays)
The written summary of the scenarios is due on June 4
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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 and articulate views on a contemporary political issue in verbal and written format
- Gain insight into some concepts and ideas in international relations and politics
- Develop communication and argumentation skills
Assessment tasks
- Participation in Scenario 1
- Participation in Scenario 2
- Participation in Scenario 3
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 and articulate views on a contemporary political issue in verbal and written format
- Gain insight into some concepts and ideas in international relations and politics
- Comprehend relationships between elements of domestic and international politics including institutions, historical influences and current context
- Develop a critical understanding of relations between political ideas and political action
- Develop communication and argumentation skills
- Enhance research skills
Assessment tasks
- Participation in Scenario 1
- Participation in Scenario 2
- Participation in Scenario 3
- Written appraisal of scenarios
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 and articulate views on a contemporary political issue in verbal and written format
- Gain insight into some concepts and ideas in international relations and politics
- Comprehend relationships between elements of domestic and international politics including institutions, historical influences and current context
- Develop a critical understanding of relations between political ideas and political action
- Develop communication and argumentation skills
- Enhance research skills
Assessment tasks
- Participation in Scenario 1
- Participation in Scenario 2
- Participation in Scenario 3
- Written appraisal of scenarios
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 and articulate views on a contemporary political issue in verbal and written format
- Gain insight into some concepts and ideas in international relations and politics
- Comprehend relationships between elements of domestic and international politics including institutions, historical influences and current context
- Develop a critical understanding of relations between political ideas and political action
- Develop communication and argumentation skills
- Enhance research skills
Assessment tasks
- Participation in Scenario 1
- Participation in Scenario 2
- Participation in Scenario 3
- Written appraisal of scenarios
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
- Identify and articulate views on a contemporary political issue in verbal and written format
- Develop communication and argumentation skills
Assessment tasks
- Participation in Scenario 1
- Participation in Scenario 2
- Participation in Scenario 3
- Written appraisal of scenarios
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
- Develop communication and argumentation skills