Task requires students to build a Microsoft Powerpoint briefing presentation on 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 brief preparation, intelligence research and analytical assessment.

Guidelines on the preparation of this briefing presentation, including assigned analytical topics and a detailed marking matrix, will be posted on the PICT210 iLearn site.  This briefing should present a balanced analysis of the assigned topic, using images, maps, charts, and/or embedded graphs with short “bulletised” or “dot point” textual boxes to layout the key intelligence issues involved.  At least one slide in the presentation must contain and embedded ‘statistical’ Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, the intent being to introduce students to the very important Excel function.  Also, at least one map must be embedded in the presentation and a map, chart, image/picture or spreadsheet must appear on at least 5 presentation slides, complementing textual “dot point” analytical input.

This briefing will be a minimum of 5, no more than 7 slides in Microsoft Powerpoint, using ‘notes pages’ function to provide speakers notes and references used for each slide.  For ease of submission and marking, each Powerpoint ‘notespage’ input will be copied/pasted into a second slide behind the presentation slide.  Neither these second slides, nor a Title Page slide and/or a Reference List slide will count against the 5-7 slide limit.

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 5.  As a guide to the extent of research required to support analysis and assertions, use a minimum of 5 independent research sources, fully cited (using Oxford / Harvard Referencing Style) and sourced from peer-reviewed academic journals, ‘think tank’ articles (i.e. Lowy, ASPI, RAND, CSIS, etc.) or other highly reputable sources (not newspaper articles), that have been published since 2005.  Use 12-point font in ‘notes pages’ and the appropriate font on each graphical slide to facilitate reading off a screen in a small theatre at the back of the room. Submit through Turnitin -- individual feedback will be provided in Grademark.  Powerpoint presentation comprises 10% of total 20% assessment task mark.

After building the presentation, prepare a one-page issue/point paper summarising the Powerpoint presentation analysis and findings.  The format for this one-page issue paper is provided on the PICT210 iLearn page and will be submitted to Turnitin in Microsoft Word or other compatible word processing program format.  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.  Issue paper comprises 10% of total 20% assessment task mark.

Online, non-invigilated, iLearn-based examination will cover lecture and required reading material for Weeks 2 through 7.  All questions will be based on material delivered in both prerecorded ECHO360 lectures and in class seminar lectures (also recorded and posted to ECHO360), as well as material contained in PICT210 required readings for each weekly session.

Exam consists of 40 questions worth half a point each (or .5%) for a total of 20% of the final mark.  Questions will consist of iLearn ‘Quiz’-formatted questions and students will have 40 minutes to complete the test.

Students will have a 72-hour period within which to complete this exam.  It will open on Thursday of Week 7 at 11:59 PM and close on Sunday of Week 7 at 11:59 PM (dates are shown on PICT210 ilearn page).

Short answer essays covering 5 independent questions drawn from course material will be produced and submitted to Turnitin.  Questions are deliberately broad in order to give students flexibility in answering each one.  Arguments must be supported with evidence and by critical analysis, not description and without unsubstantiated opinion.  Essay questions will be posted to the PICT210 iLearn page by the end of Week 4.

There is a 500-word limit per question (+/-10%) for a total of 2,500 words for all 5 questions.  Word Count includes textual input, source referencing in paper and footnotes but not bibliography or title page.  Each response should be supported by at least 3 academic sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles, books from academic publishers, government reports, ‘think tank’ reports (i.e. ASPI, Lowy, RAND, CSIS, etc.).  Unit readings may be used and extra sources such as high-quality newspaper articles can be used but do not count towards minimum source referencing requirements.

Essays are to be submitted to Turnitin in Microsoft Word or other compatible word processing formats by 2359/11.59 PM on Monday night of Week 11.  Marker feedback will be provided on Turnitin through Grademark.  This 5-question, Short Essay assessment task is worth 30% of the final course grade.  A marking rubric is posted to iLearn and is contained in Turnitin.

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 PICT210 iLearn page.

Online, non-invigilated, iLearn-based examination will cover lecture and required reading material for Weeks 8 through 13.  All questions will be based on material delivered in both prerecorded ECHO360 lectures and in class seminar lectures (also recorded and posted to ECHO360), as well as material contained in PICT210 required readings for each weekly session.

Exam consists of 40 questions worth half a point each (or .5%) for a total of 20% of the final mark.  Questions will consist of iLearn ‘Quiz’-formatted questions and students will have 40 minutes to complete the test.

Students will have a 72-hour period within which to complete this exam.  It will open on Thursday of Week 13 at 11:59 PM and close on Sunday of Week 13 at 11:59 PM (dates are shown on PICT210 ilearn page).