Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Fred Smith
By email
Yves-Heng Lim
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Credit points |
Credit points
4
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MPICT or MCPICT or PGDipPICT or GradDipPICT or GradDipCPICT or PGCertPICT or GradCertPICT or GradCertCPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MCPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or GradDipIntSecStud or PGCertIntell or GradCertIntell or MIntell
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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 examines the role of intelligence in a national security environment and presents a framework for the effective, efficient and rigorous production and utilisation of intelligence analysis product in support of national security. Students will examine modern-day threats to national security along with the intelligence requirements to combat these threats. Different levels of intelligence will be examined and a detailed look at modern-day intelligence practices will be undertaken. The use of relevant and modern case studies will be a unique feature of this unit, providing real-world scope and understanding of the architecture of modern intelligence.
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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 | Hurdle | Due |
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Analytical Issue Paper | 30% | No | Monday, Week 4 |
Weekly Engagement Quiz | 20% | No | Weekly, Weeks 2-11 |
Constructive Engagement | 10% | No | Weekly, Weeks 2-13 |
Research Paper | 40% | No | Monday, Week 12 |
Due: Monday, Week 4
Weighting: 30%
This task requires students to build a textual issue paper covering an assigned analytical topic, employing intelligence research and analysis to evaluate and assess capabilities, vulnerabilities, risks and threats, as well as opportunities and projected future developments or projections (predictive analysis). Students will gain experience in issue paper preparation, intelligence research and analytical assessment.
The topic for the briefing will be provided in Week 1 of the course and the submission date will be by 2359/11.59 PM on Monday night of Week 4. As a guide to the extent of research required to support analysis and assertions, use a minimum of 7 independent research sources, fully cited (using Oxford / Harvard Referencing Style) and sourced from peer-reviewed academic journal articles, books from academic publishers, government reports, ‘think tank’ reports (i.e. ASPI, Lowy, RAND, CSIS, etc.) or other highly reputable sources. Extra sources such as high-quality newspaper articles can be used but do not count towards minimum source referencing requirements.
The format for this issue paper is provided on the PICT814 iLearn page and will be submitted to Turnitin in Microsoft Word or other compatible word processing program format. Required word length is 1500 word (+/- 10%), including source referencing in paper and footnotes but not the bibliography or title page.
Margins must adhere to a no narrower than 1” (inch) limit and textual input at no less than 12 point, Calibri or Times New Roman font with 1.5 line spacing. Issue Paper comprises 30% of final grade.
Due: Weekly, Weeks 2-11
Weighting: 20%
Engagement Quizzes cover subject matter in Weeks 2-11.
Quizzes will assess student understanding of topics covered in weekly recorded lectures and required readings for that week.
This unit requires a consistent level of student engagement with the lecture and reading subject matter throughout the course. Engagement will be demonstrated (and assessed) through participation in weekly quizzes on both the lecture material and required readings.
Quiz questions will be taken directly from ECHO 360 online lectures and required reading materials. Questions will be held in and answered on the iLearn online Quiz link for each week covering Weeks 2 through 11. Questions will be relevant to the subject matter and will consist of multiple choice, true/false, matching and potentially short answer.
The maximum total value of weekly quiz participation is 20%, calculated on the basis of 2 marks out of 20 per successful completion of each weekly quiz over 10 weeks. Each weekly quiz will contain four (4) questions worth 0.5 a point each, taken randomly from a question bank. Students have 20 minutes to complete the quiz with one attempt per question.
Online engagement quiz completion is due anytime within a 3-day period starting from 0001 Friday (early morning (AM) (new day)), until 2359 Sunday (near-midnight) starting in Week 2. Quizzes will continue for 10 weeks through Module or Week 11. Quiz marks will be posted within a week after their due date.
Due: Weekly, Weeks 2-13
Weighting: 10%
Assessment task is designed to promote student engagement, not only with the lecture materials and required readings, but through other readings, monitoring world events and in the context of presented questions, constructively engaging in considered and critical discussion with other students, moderated by the lecturer or tutor.
Online and in-class discussion broadens student perspectives and value adds to course subject matter. Postings to the discussion forums should demonstrate constructive engagement with the topic and with other students, enabling students to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter, as well as effective reasoning and communication skills. The intent of this exercise is to ensure students have the opportunity to learn how to critically assess, discuss and debate difficult issues in a constructive manner, while achieving deeper learning beyond the classroom and into their chosen professional careers.
Ten weeks of participation is required between weeks 2 and 13, either in-class for internal students or online for external students. Online students will be expected to contribute to 10 of 12 online discussion seminars, posting prior to Sunday night at 2359/11.59 PM at the end of each weekly module. Internal students are required not only to attend at least 10 of 12 in-class seminar sessions, but also to constructively contribute to and participate in class discussions – asking and answering questions, as well as debating points with other in-class students. This engagement task is pass/fail -- there will be no partial credit given.
Additional assessment task instructions are contained on the PICT814 iLearn page.
Due: Monday, Week 12
Weighting: 40%
The completion of a research paper is intended to encourage and enable students to develop core disciplinary knowledge, enhance research skills, show effective communication (academic writing) skills and demonstrate originality and critical thinking. The essay should move logically from introduction to evidence to conclusion, should reflect wide reading across a diverse body of academic literature, and should demonstrate critical analysis and objectivity. Essays must demonstrate a capacity to acquire and integrate diverse academic sources in the thoughtful, balanced and coherent consideration of a range of complex issues. The requirement is to provide balanced, critical analysis, considering alternative perspectives, not opinion-based arguments. Students must read the essay assessment criteria (marking rubric) before commencing this task to understand more specifically how their essay will be assessed. The essay should be 3000 words, plus or minus 10% -- source referencing and footnotes are included in the word count, the bibliography and any title page are not included in your word count.
The essay topic will be provided in Week 4 of the course and will focus on a contemporary issue relating to the Australian Intelligence Community and/or National Intelligence Community. As a guide to the extent of research required, use a minimum of 15 independent research sources, fully cited (using either Oxford or Harvard Referencing Style) and sourced from peer-reviewed academic journal articles, books from academic publishers, government reports, ‘think tank’ reports (i.e. ASPI, Lowy, RAND, CSIS, etc.) or other highly reputable sources. Extra sources such as high-quality newspaper articles can be used but do not count towards minimum source referencing requirements. Font size should be 12-point with 1.5 line spacing. Essays will be submitted in Microsoft Word or other compatible word processing formats via Turnitin on iLearn by Monday of Week 12 at 2359/11.59 PM; marker feedback provided through Grademark in Turnitin.
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
STAFF AVAILABILITY
Session 1. Course Introduction
Session 2. History of Australia Intelligence: Federation through World War-II
Session 3. History of Australia Intelligence: The Cold War
Session 4. History of Australia Intelligence: Post-Cold War until today
Session 5. The Australian Intelligence Community: Roles, Responsibilities & the 5-Eyes Intelligence Sharing Relationship – an Overview
Session 6. ASD: Australia Signals Directorate
Session 7. AGO: Australia Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation
Session 8. DIO: Defence Intelligence Organization / HQJOC J2: Headquarters Joint Operations Command J2 (Intelligence Directorate)
Session 9. ASIS: Australian Secret Intelligence Service
Session 10. ASIO: Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
Session 11. Office of National Intelligence & ONA: Office of National Assessments
Session 12. Office of Home Affairs: ASIO, AFP, ABF (Border Force), ACIC, AUSTRAC & Transport Security
Session 13. Attorney-General’s Portfolio: Reform & Accountability - Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) & Independent National Security Legislation Monitor
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:
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).
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 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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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, Assessment Tasks, Delivery and Resources and Unit Schedule sections updated.