Students

IRPG831 – International Security

2019 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Senior Lecturer: Department of Modern History, Politics and International Relations
Lavina Lee
lavina.lee@mq.edu.au
Contact via by email or ph: 9850 8872
Faculty of Arts Level 2, The Australian Hearing Hub, 16 University Avenue, Macquarie University
TBC on ilearn
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MIntRel or PGDipIntRel or GradDipIntRel or MIntCommMIntRel or MSecStrategicStudMCrim or MSecStrategicStudMIntell or MSecStrategicStudMCyberSec or MSecStrategicStudMCTerrorism or MIntellMCrim or MIntellMCyberSec or MIntellMCTerrorism or MCTerrorismMCrim or MIntBusMIntRel or MIntRelMIntTrdeComLaw or MTransInterMIntRel or MDevCult or GradCertIntRel or MSecStrategicStud or MCrim or MIntell or MCTerrorism or MIntPubDip or MPPPMIntRel
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit introduces students to traditional security studies as well as non-traditional approaches which have sought to deepen and broaden our understanding of what 'security' means. We consider threats to the state including attempts to control the spread of nuclear weapons, the adequacy of strategic concepts such as deterrence to the new security threats posed by international terrorism and rogue states, and the challenge of irregular warfare. We then consider broader conceptions of security, including the idea of societal security (ethno-national conflicts, UN peacekeeping and peace-building) and human security (resource scarcity, climate change, and pandemics such as HIV/AIDs).

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:

  • The ability to explain and differentiate between both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
  • The ability to independently analyse and critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments and concepts that underlie both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
  • The capacity to apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
  • The capacity to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
  • An ability to communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.
  • The ability to work collaboratively with ones peers on common projects.

General Assessment Information

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 for this unit, 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 taking an examination at the designated time (above) is where a student has experienced 'unexpected, unavoidable and serious circumstances' that prevented them from completing the paper, that 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 to take the exam as scheduled.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism has become an increasing problem in universities. The convenor of this course finds plagiarism in all its forms offensive and will pursue any plagiarism committed by students in this course and will apply appropriate penalties. Plagiarism is essentially a form of cheating, which provides those students with an unfair advantage to the rest of the student body, and devalues the MIR degree. The Department and the Faculty take plagiarism very seriously, with penalties escalating from mark deductions, zero grades for particular assignments, zero grades for the course as a whole, and in serious cases, expulsion from the degree and the university.

Both the research essay and final examination paper will be automatically screened through Turnitin (anti-plagiarism software).

Extensions

Any student seeking an extension of time to submit their major 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.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Class Participation 10% No Ongoing
Role Plays 15% No Weeks 4, 6 and 9
Research Essay 40% No 30 September 2019 by 5 pm
Final Exam - take home paper 35% No Saturday 16 November by 9.30 am

Class Participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%

This unit requires a consistent level of student engagement with the subject matter throughout the course. Engagement will be demonstrated and assessed through weekly contributions to in-class discussions.

Students should prepare for class discussion by attending lectures and reading the required readings, which will be listed on the IRPG831 iLearn site.

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.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • The ability to explain and differentiate between both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
  • The ability to independently analyse and critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments and concepts that underlie both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
  • The capacity to apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
  • The capacity to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
  • An ability to communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.
  • The ability to work collaboratively with ones peers on common projects.

Role Plays

Due: Weeks 4, 6 and 9
Weighting: 15%

In the first tutorial in week 2 students will be allocated roles for three role plays for which they will need to do additional preparation for class. Students will be required to construct a policy position from the point of view of the 'actor' they represent in a particular case study and to negotiate this policy with the other 'actors' in their allocated week. Each student will be allocated approximately 2-3 minutes to put forward their position, after which general discussion/negotiations will take place. The format of the role play may vary depending on the size of the tutorial group. The role play will take approximately one hour.

Students will be required to submit a one page summary of their role play position to their tutor at the beginning of the relevant class. This may be presented in bullet point format and should use at least an 11 point font size. 

Further details of the role play scenarios will be provided on ilearn by week 2.

Assessment criteria

Your tutor will assess your contribution to the role play using the following criteria:

  • level of preparation: evidence of research and accurate understanding of the likely position of the 'actor' represented 
  • ability of the student to listen and respond appropriately (given the interests of the actor they are representing) to the arguments of other actors.
  • oral presentation (clarity of explanation) 
  • timing - ability to keep within the time limit 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • The ability to explain and differentiate between both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
  • The capacity to apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
  • The capacity to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
  • An ability to communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.
  • The ability to work collaboratively with ones peers on common projects.

Research Essay

Due: 30 September 2019 by 5 pm
Weighting: 40%

This 2000 word research essay is intended to develop students' core disciplinary knowledge, enhance independent resarch skills, written (academic) communication skills and demonstrate students' ability to develop original, critical thinking. In the essay students will provide evidence of active engagement with, and critical analyis of, the relevant academic literature, comply with academic essay writing conventions and reference thoroughly. Remember that the essay topic will require the student to address the opposing points of view raised by the question and to come to their own conclusion about the merits of these arguments.

Essay questions will be posted in Week 2 on ilearn.

The essay will be submitted electronically via the IRPG831 iLearn site no later than Monday 30 September 2019. Marks will be returned electronically via the iLearn site.

Please read the University's guidelines on Academic Honesty. All assessment submissions through iLearn will be automatically processed through Turnitin (anti-plagiarism software).

The essay will be marked in accordance with the MIR's 'Grading Criteria and Rubric' document which will be uploaded on ilearn.

Essay format: please ensure that your essay is written using font 12, with at least 1.5 line spacing.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • The ability to explain and differentiate between both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
  • The ability to independently analyse and critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments and concepts that underlie both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
  • The capacity to apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
  • The capacity to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
  • An ability to communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.

Final Exam - take home paper

Due: Saturday 16 November by 9.30 am
Weighting: 35%

Internal Students will complete a one-day take home exam paper. The paper will be released on ilearn at 9.30 am on Saturday 16 November and is due for submission at 9.30 am on Sunday 17 November 2019. The exam will assess students' knowledge of the content covered on all topics covered over the semester. As this course covers a broad range of topics it is advisable that students attempt to keep up to date with their readings throughout the semester.

Detailed information about this assessment item will be available on the iLearn site for this subject after the mid-semester break. 

All students are responsible for ensuring their availability to take the exam on this date. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • The ability to explain and differentiate between both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
  • The ability to independently analyse and critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments and concepts that underlie both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
  • The capacity to apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
  • An ability to communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.

Delivery and Resources

Unit Requirements and Expectations

  • You should spend an average of at least 12 hours per week on this unit. This includes attendance at lectures and tutorials and reading weekly required readings detailed in iLearn.
  • Internal students are expected to attend at least 80% of tutorials and external students are expected to contribute to on-line discussions.

Required readings

  • Required readings will be posted to the unit iLearn site as Session 2 progresses. We will not be using a text book.

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.
  • The unit can only be accessed by enrolled students online through http://ilearn.mq.edu.au

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.
  • All assessment tasks will be subject to a 'TurnitIn' review as an automatic part of the submission process.
  • Assessment tasks must be submitted with as assessment coversheet incorporating a plagiarism declaration. This can be done online in the process of submitting written work online on the ilearn site.

Lecture and Tutorial Schedule

Please consult the online timetable for times and locations of lectures and tutorials: https://timetables.mq.edu.au/2019/

Unit Schedule

WEEK 1 (2 August) : Introduction: the widening and deepening of security studies; Realism

No tutorials in week 1

WEEK 2 (9 August): Liberalism, Constructivism and the study of Security

WEEK 3 (16 August): Nuclear Proliferation

WEEK 4 (23 August): Nuclear Counter-Proliferation Strategies - Role Play 1: North Korea's Nuclear Programme

WEEK 5 (30 August): Irregular Warfare and Counter-Insurgency

WEEK 6 (6 September): Terrorism - Role Play 2: Counter-terrorism and ISIS

WEEK 7 (13 September): Reading Week - No lectures or tutorials

Mid-Semester Break - 16 September to 27 September 2019

Research Essay due Monday Monday 30 September 2019 by 5 pm

WEEK 8 (4 October): Societal Security 

WEEK 9 (11 October): Regime Security - Role Play 3: Regime and Societal Security in Myanmar

WEEK 10 (18 October): Health and Security 

WEEK 11 (25 October): Great-power competition and Energy Security

WEEK 12 (1 November): Environmental Security and Revision

WEEK 13 (8 November): Study week - no lectures or classes

Final exam paper released 9.30 am on Saturday 16 November 2017 and due for submission at 9.30 am on Sunday 17 November 2017.

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:

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 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

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

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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

  • The ability to independently analyse and critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments and concepts that underlie both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
  • The ability to work collaboratively with ones peers on common projects.

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Role Plays
  • Research Essay
  • Final Exam - take home paper

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

  • The ability to explain and differentiate between both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
  • The ability to independently analyse and critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments and concepts that underlie both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
  • The capacity to apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
  • The capacity to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
  • An ability to communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Role Plays
  • Research Essay
  • Final Exam - take home paper

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

  • The ability to explain and differentiate between both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
  • The ability to independently analyse and critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments and concepts that underlie both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
  • The capacity to apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
  • The capacity to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
  • An ability to communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Role Plays
  • Research Essay
  • Final Exam - take home paper

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

  • The ability to independently analyse and critically evaluate the assumptions, arguments and concepts that underlie both traditional and non-traditional theoretical approaches to international security.
  • The capacity to apply theoretical concepts to analyse contemporary security issues.
  • The capacity to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Role Plays
  • Research Essay
  • Final Exam - take home paper

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

  • The capacity to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
  • An ability to communicate effectively in both written work and oral presentations. This involves being able to identify and and organise relevant knowledge in the field and to be able to formulate persuasive, coherent, and critical arguments.
  • The ability to work collaboratively with ones peers on common projects.

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Role Plays
  • Research Essay
  • Final Exam - take home paper

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 outcomes

  • The capacity to formulate and defend policy recommendations on important contemporary international security issues
  • The ability to work collaboratively with ones peers on common projects.

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Role Plays