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PAIS515 Contemporary Challenges to Global Security

Updated: 16 April 2010
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study Online Level
Armidale Semester 2 Off Campus D - Comp/internet essential
Armidale Semester 2 On Campus D - Comp/internet essential
Intensive School(s) None
Supervised Exam There is no UNE Supervised Examination.
Pre-requisites candidature in a postgraduate award
Co-requisites None
Restrictions INRE215 or INRE315 or INRE415 or PAIS315 or PAIS415 or POLS 215 or POLS315 or POLS401
Notes

offered in even numbered years
Combined Units PAIS315 - Contemporary Challenges to Global Security
Coordinator(s) Karin Von Strokirch (kvonstro@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

This unit examines the processes and issues affecting global security in the post-cold war era from 1990 onwards. It focuses on the challenges posed by nationalism, terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction. The widening rift between the West and Islam is explored. In particular, this unit assesses the role of the United Nations and the United States in managing new forms of conflict, including those featuring non-state actors and so called rogue states.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material

The Globalization of World Politics
ISBN: 9780190020774
Baylis, J., Smith, S. and Owens, P. (eds), Oxford University Press 4th ed. 2008
Note: Includes Text plus Regional Case Studies
Text refers to: Semester 2 , On and Off Campus
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Assignment 1 45% 3500
Assessment Notes
Essay
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-6 GA:1,2,4,5,6
Assignment 2 45% 3500
Assessment Notes
Essay
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-6 GA:1,2,4,5,6
Bulletin Board 10%
Assessment Notes
Online participation
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-6 GA:1,2,4,5,6

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. understand key theories, processes and issues pertaining to security in contemporary international relations;
  2. appreciate the nature and significance of trends transforming conceptions of security in international relaations since the end of the cold war;
  3. weigh up the merits of ways in which key actors such as the United Nations and the United States are responding to emerging challenges to global security;
  4. apply enhanced research, writing and analytical skills to issues which challenge not only the international community, but also Australia and ourselves as concerned citizens;
  5. exhibit higher order skills in research projects, notably the capacity to apply sophisticated conceptual approaches and engage in independent critical thinking;
  6. exhibit research, analytical and writing skills appropriate to postgraduate students.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Students will deepen their knowledge of advanced concepts and skills underpinning the political and international studies discipline, which will be taught through lectures and tutorials. It will be assessed through written assessments and online participation. 		True True
2 Communication Skills
Students will be assessed on the style of writing, clarity of writing, expression and development of ideas, and referencing. Students will practice their communication skills through completing the assessment tasks (written through essays) and online participation. 		True True
3 Global Perspectives
Students will demonstrate an awareness of the global context of the subject area and they will develop an awareness of the need for tolerance and inter-cultural understanding. 		True True
4 Information Literacy
Students are encouraged to develop research skills in collecting and evaluating data, including the skills to assess the utility of information, identify the most useful sources of information and critically analyse and examine those sources 		True True
5 Life-Long Learning
Through completing the assessments, students will be provided with the necessary lifelong skills to be able to research, write and discuss social issues. These skills can be transferred to any discipline, and will be useful in any research positions. These attributes will be assessed in all of the assessments (written skills; analytical skills). 		True True
6 Problem Solving
Students will be assessed on their ability to conceptualise the essay question and formulate a range of solutions to both research and presentation. Collect, collate and analyse relevant information to assist problem solving (practice). 		True True
7 Social Responsibility
Students will be taught about their professional responsibilities as a researcher to provide balanced and accurate research. In addition, students will be taught that they have a social responsibility to question and challenge some 'facts'. This will be assessed and taught through their responses to the assignment questions and discussions in online postings. 		True True
8 Team Work
Students will practice working collaboratively and network effectively to solve problems on the discussion board (Blackboard) taking initiative and leading others in this environment. They will also negotiate and assert their own values and respect the values and contributions of others on the discussion board and in their own essays. 		True
   

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