Students
POIR980 – International Relations Practice
2019 – S1 External
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convener
Geoffrey Hawker
Contact via email
Hearing Hub Building
By arrangement
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
POIR901 and IRPG841 and (admission to MIntRel or MIntCommMIntRel or MIntBusMIntRel or MTransInterMIntRel or MPPPMIntRel)
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| 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.
|
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:
- gain insight into some contemporary issues in international relations
- identify and articulate views in written form
- comprehend relations between elements of domestic and international political systems
- develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
- develop communication and negotiation 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
The University encourages and requires good scholarship and accuracy in referencing.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scenario Paper #1 | 25% | No | March 29 |
| Scenario Paper #2 | 25% | No | May 3 |
| Essay | 50% | No | May 31 |
Scenario Paper #1
Due: March 29
Weighting: 25%
In the internal version of this unit there are three scenarios of current international themes that students engage with in simulated "diplomacy sessions".
Because this cannot be replicated for external students, an alternative assessment has been formulated.
(For technical reasons, the Unit Description for the Internal version of the unit cannot be altered in the External version)
The scenarios are:
1) The South China Sea
2) The EU's Refugee/Migrant Challenge
3) The Antarctic
4) West Papua ("Irian Jaya")
External students are to select 2 (two) out of the four scenarios and write a 1200 word paper on each.
Each paper should be submitted at a different time - the first by March 29, the second by May 3.
This paper should take the form of a diplomatic position on the issues. You can choose the actor from whose perspective the position paper is written. You cannot choose the same actor for each of the two papers.
In each instance, the paper should articulate the chosen actor's position on the issue. Developments can move fast - be aware of that - as each of these scenarios is alive.
Your papers can draw on official sources (political statements, policy documentation, and other material). It could also refer to scholarly literature, legislation, even media reports. These would need to be skillfully integrated into the text - remember it is a diplomatic position paper, not an essay.
It SHOULD NOT merely copy or paraphrase a media report or a single pronouncement by an official. Rather, it should demonstrate some depth of knowledge and, if possible, a diplomatic sensibility. Some latitude is allowed to 'play the role' in written form.
For each paper, external students should first consider what actor they want to represent.
They should adequately inform themselves on that actor and the position/s it is likely to have and propose regarding this scenario.
Skills in diplomatic argumentation and written communication, as well as background knowledge, can then be conveyed in the paper.
Include any references drawn on, including "quotation marks" where required, in a References section on a separate page at the end of the paper.
Some background slides from the first internal session (6 March) will be posted on iLearn after that session. You do not have to be overly guided by those slides, though they may give some context to the scenarios. Any material of relevance generated in the later on campus sessions will be posted also.
Please submit papers to the links on the unit iLearn site
On successful completion you will be able to:
- gain insight into some contemporary issues in international relations
- identify and articulate views in written form
- comprehend relations between elements of domestic and international political systems
- develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
- develop communication and negotiation skills
- enhance research skills
Scenario Paper #2
Due: May 3
Weighting: 25%
As for Scenario Paper #1
On successful completion you will be able to:
- gain insight into some contemporary issues in international relations
- identify and articulate views in written form
- comprehend relations between elements of domestic and international political systems
- develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
- develop communication and negotiation skills
- enhance research skills
Essay
Due: May 31
Weighting: 50%
Essay (3000 words of text: citations and bibliography are extra) on one of the other of the four scenarios - one you have NOT written on in Scenario Paper #1 or #2.
The essay could be a more theoretical exploration or a take a more empirical approach. It could investigate a negotiation perspective.
In all instances it should be scholarly, properly researched and referenced.
Please submit to the link on the unit iLearn site.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- gain insight into some contemporary issues in international relations
- identify and articulate views in written form
- comprehend relations between elements of domestic and international political systems
- develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
- enhance research skills
Delivery and Resources
online for external students
Unit Schedule
There will be an introductory session on 28 February. Some slides will be posted to the unit iLearn site
External student papers are due on March 28 and April 30
The essay is due on May 30
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 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
- gain insight into some contemporary issues in international relations
- identify and articulate views in written form
- develop communication and negotiation skills
Assessment tasks
- Scenario Paper #1
- Scenario Paper #2
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
- gain insight into some contemporary issues in international relations
- identify and articulate views in written form
- comprehend relations between elements of domestic and international political systems
- develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
- develop communication and negotiation skills
- enhance research skills
Assessment tasks
- Scenario Paper #1
- Scenario Paper #2
- Essay
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
- gain insight into some contemporary issues in international relations
- identify and articulate views in written form
- comprehend relations between elements of domestic and international political systems
- develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
- develop communication and negotiation skills
- enhance research skills
Assessment tasks
- Scenario Paper #1
- Scenario Paper #2
- Essay
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
- gain insight into some contemporary issues in international relations
- identify and articulate views in written form
- comprehend relations between elements of domestic and international political systems
- develop a critical understanding of the relationship between political ideas and political action
- develop communication and negotiation skills
- enhance research skills
Assessment tasks
- Scenario Paper #1
- Scenario Paper #2
- Essay
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 in written form
- develop communication and negotiation skills
Assessment tasks
- Scenario Paper #1
- Scenario Paper #2
- Essay
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 negotiation skills