Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor / Lecturer
Dr Lavina Lee
Contact via email
Level 2, Australian Hearing Hub, 16 University Avenue
Tuesday 10.30-11.30 am
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Credit points |
Credit points
4
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MIntRel or PGDipIntRel or GradDipIntRel or MIntCommMIntRel or MIntBusMIntRel or MIntRelMIntTrdeComLaw or MTransInterMIntRel or MIntPubDip or GradCertIntRel or MPlan 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 examines why international law and institutions have increasingly become instruments of choice for states in solving common problems and expressing common values. We focus first on the nature of international law and institutions, the historical and political context in they have developed and major theoretical approaches. We then look at substantive issue areas including the use of force and the UN collective security system; terrorism; international crimes; international trade; and international environmental institutions. Finally, we examine the impact of unequal power relations in international law and institutions as well as issues of legitimacy and global governance.
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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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Task 1: Class Participation | 15% | No | Ongoing |
Task 2 - Mid Semester Test | 15% | No | 28 March 2019, 7.30 pm |
Task 3 - Long Paper | 40% | No | Friday 26 April 2019 by 5 pm |
Task 4 - Final Exam | 30% | No | Monday 10 June 2019 by 9 am |
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 15%
Throughout the session, students will be assessed on their participation in class discussion during tutorials. Students are expected to be prepared for class discussion by reading the materials set as 'required reading' on ilearn, as well as doing additional research to adequately participate in activities such as role plays, debates and case studies. Required readings come from the textbook - Armstrong, Farrell and Lambert, International Law and International Relations, 2nd edition, 2012 - and from journal articles, news reports, issue analyses etc.
Students will also be allocated two required readings over the semester on which they must come to class prepared to lead the discussion. To prepare, students should analyse the following:
1. The main points put forward by the author;
2. Why these points are important in the context of the course generally;
3. Whether the article and the arguments put forward by the author are persuasive.
Class participation will be assessed on the basis of the contributions made in class on the two allocated articles, as well as participation in all tutorials over the course of the semester.
Marks will be awarded for the quality of your contributions rather than the quantity of these contributions. The quality of your contributions will be significantly enhanced by the amount of preparation you do for class. Remember that asking questions is also a form of participation.
Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of tutorials. Absence for more than 80% of tutorials, without a medical certificate, will be subject to a mark penalty for this component of the course. Marks will not be awarded simply for turning up. Active participation is needed.
Due: 28 March 2019, 7.30 pm
Weighting: 15%
The mid-semester test will be a 1 hour online examination administered through ilearn in week 5. It will be released on ilearn at 7.30 pm on Thursday 28 March. You have until 7.30 pm on Friday 29 March to login and take the test. It will consist of a mixture of multiple choice and short-answer questions on the material covered in weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the course. Students are responsible for ensuring that they have reliable access to ilearn in order to take the test.
Due: Friday 26 April 2019 by 5 pm
Weighting: 40%
Students are required to submit a research paper of 2,000 words in length. Essays which are 10% or more over this word limit will be penalised. A list of essay questions will be posted on ilearn in week 1.
Due: Monday 10 June 2019 by 9 am
Weighting: 30%
This is a 1 day open book examination. The final examination paper will be released onto ilearn on Sunday 9 June 2019 at 9.00 am and is due for submission by 9.00 am on Monday 10 June 2019. Students are responsible for ensuring that they have access to ilearn to download the paper and to re-submit it. The paper will cover material discussed in weeks 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.
This is a timed assessment and no late submissions will be accepted.
Required Reading
We will be using the following textbook: David Armstrong, Theo Farrell and Helene Lambert, International Law and International Relations (Cambridge UK: Cambridge University Press 2012).
Second hand copies of this textbook are likely to be available. Please ensure that you buy the 2012 edition.
In addition from week to week additional journal articles, news articles etc will be set as required reading and posted on ilearn.
Technologies Used
This unit has an online presence in ilearn. Students will require reliable internet access and a computer.
Tutoring Staff
TBA
Week 1
Introduction to course; Evolution of International Law
27 February – First Lecture (but no seminar/tutorial)
See ilearn materials
Week 2
The Nature of International Law; Sources of International Law
6 March - First seminar/tutorial
Week 3
Sources of International Law; Theoretical Approaches Part 1
13 March
Week 4
Theoretical Approaches Part 2
20 March
Week 5
The Use of Force
27 March
Mid-Semester Test - Paper released Thursday 28 March 7.30 pm
Week 6
Terrorism
3 April
Week 7
No lectures or Classes - Essay Preparation Week
10 April
MID SEMESTER BREAK
Monday 15 April to Friday 26 April 2019
Week 8
International Humanitarian Law
1 May
Research Essay due Monday 30 April
Week 9
International Crimes and the ICC
8 May
Week 10
International Trade and the WTO
15 May
Week 11
The Environment
22 May
Week 12
The Law of the Sea and Great Power Politics
29 June
Week 13
Study Week
No Lecture or Tutorials
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Final Examination – One day take home paper
Released on ilearn at 9.00 am on Sunday 9 June 2019 and due for submission on Monday 10 June 2019 at 9.00 am
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 published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Essays will be FAILED for the following reasons
1. Plagiarism – for example, where sentences or paragraphs are taken word-for-word or nearly word-for-word from another source and presented as original expression. See the University's Academic Honesty Policy (link below) for an in-depth explanation of what constitutes plagiarism. Plagiarism is taken very seriously by the Convenor and the Department generally and will result in a range of penalties, including a zero grade for an assessment task. Serious instances of plagiarism will be reported to the Faculty Discipline Committee.
2. Excessive use of direct quotes may result in a fail grade. As a general rule, no more than 10% of your overall word length should appear in direct quotes. You must try to express your ideas and arguments in your own words as much as possible. This demonstrates true understanding.
3. Identical or nearly identical essays will all fail – regardless of the original authorship.
4. Work that is significantly below the required word length.
5. Essays written with poor English grammar and expression may be failed if the marker is unable to understand the argument(s) raised.
6. Work that has been previously submitted and assessed in other units that is then re-submitted for assessment in IRPG 857, in whole or part, will receive a fail grade. This is defined as 'self-plagiarism' under the Academic Honesty Policy.
Examination
The only exception to sitting an examination at the designated time (above) is where a student has experienced 'unexpected, unavoidable and serious circumstances' that prevented them from taking the exam, which can be documented. In these circumstances, the student should consider applying for 'Special Consideration'. Consult the Special Consideration Policy (below) for further information about what criteria must be met.
If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Special Consideration process, the examination will be scheduled after the conclusion of the official examination period.
You are advised that it is Macquarie University policy not to set early examinations for individuals or groups of students. All students are expected to ensure that they are available until the end of the teaching semester, that is the final day of the official examination period.
Extensions
Any student seeking an extension of time to submit their research essay must apply formally for 'special consideration' using the ask.mq.edu.au system. Applications should be made before the due date for the assignment.
Whilst we do understand that many or most students support themselves through paid employment, extensions cannot be granted on this basis alone. Students must manage their time and workloads accordingly. Essay topics will be made available early in the semester leaving sufficient time for essay preparation. Meeting deadlines for assignments is treated very seriously in this course. Accordingly, the penalties for late submission are high.
Penalties for Late Submission
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;
(b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (including weekends) after the original submission deadline;
(c) No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments - e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Assignment Submission
Hard copy submission of assignments will not be required for this course. All assignments are to be submitted online using the ilearn website for this unit. A Turnitin link for submission for the research essay and quiz will be set up there. Comments and grades will also be available online.
Turn-it-in
All written work in this course is required to be uploaded using the Turnitin link provided on the ilearn website for this unit. Turnitin is a type of anti-plagiarism software used by the university. Work that is not uploaded using the Turnitin link on ilearn will not be graded and will receive a mark of zero.
Re-submission of assessment tasks
Re-submission of assessment tasks is not possible in this unit. Please consult with your tutor before handing in any assessment task if you have any questions. Also, see the section below titled 'student support' for details about workshops on research skills, essay writing, and plagiarism available to all students in the first weeks of the semester.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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: