Main points in the IR431 unit outline

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The focus of the unit IR431 International and Regional Security is on the pivotal concept of security.
States and non-state actors operate in an anarchic self-help international system where states depend on themselves and the international or regional security system they have created with their allies to survive. 

The first learning outcome of the unit is to analyze contemporary security issues using major international relations theories. A thematic framework is used to help you connect the issues to the major theories. Only 3 of the 4 major theories that we looked at in IR202 Theories of International Relations is paired with contemporary security issues:
  • Theme 2 - Rise of China and Realism
  • Theme 3 - Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and Liberalism
  • Theme 4 - Terrorism and English School Theory
The final theme is Australia's Offshore Detention Centers and Human Security. In this theme, we will look at the 7 human security issues and review the treatment of the asylum seekers by Australia. The main inquiry questions are:
  1. What is the purpose of the offshore detention centers?
  2. How can you use the concept of human security to explain the phenomenon of Australia's offshore detention centers?
Secondly, at the end of the semester, you should be able to appraise the effectiveness of security strategies employed internationally or regionally to address these contemporary security issues. You will determine whether 'Operation Sovereign Borders' was successful in stopping the asylum seeker boats from making the rough and deadly journey across the sea into Australian territory.
Did the detention of asylum seekers on Manus Island deter other asylum seekers from illegally entering Australian territorial waters?
The final outcome is your ability to appraise the effectiveness of the security strategies employed by states and non-state enitites and suggest a workable solution. For example, if you feel that the 'Offshore Detention' strategy violates the rights of asylum seekers and is a risk to their personal security, then what alternatives can you suggest that are more suitable.

The main learning and teaching strategy is Student-Led Seminars. You are to work in groups to present answers to questions derived from the required readings. The required readings are grouped under 5 themes connected to the concept of security. The aim of the strategy is to encourage self-learning, peer learning, teamwork and communication skills. 

The student-centered approach will help you also to develop the 3 selected graduate attributes: 
  1.  Analysis and problem solving - apply your abilities with academic integrity to identify and define problem, exercise informed critical judgement and acknowledge your own limitations in understanding and solving problems.
  2. Research - demonstrate independent analytical, critical, logical and creative thinking in systematically identifying and solving problems to establish or to create appropriate new and ethical solutions.
  3. Social interaction - demonstrate the ability to work productively, both autonomously and co-operatively, with tolerance, respect and valuing for human diversity, but also with a passionate commitment to truth.
You will find the answers to the questions as a group via research. During the process of problem solving or answering the questions you will also demonstrate the ability to work productively, both autonomously and co-operatively, with tolerance, respect and valuing for human diversity.

The second assessment task follows the thematic framework. The videos for review are grouped under the 5 themes for your selection. Once you select a video you are to use the structure of a critical review shared by UNSW as a guide to help you do your write up.  

Most importantly, the capstone assessment task is the main highlight. You will form 5 groups and select one of the location listed below to carry out a public awareness campaign about a contemporary security issue involving states, non-state actors, and human beings. The Novel Coronavirus outbreak is a case in point. You can tell the public what the PNG government is doing in collaboration with the Chinese and New Zealand Government or the World Heath Organization.

List of public locations for awareness campaign: 
  1. Treeline market (outside backgate)
  2. Gavstoa market (outside front gate)
  3. Binnen mango market (next to DWU residential compund)
  4. Town market (inside market)
  5. Outside town market (front of Digicel tents)
  6. Raunwara chicken market
  7. Cleland park (under raintree)
  8. Bus stop (on the lawn or car park area)
  9. Bates oval (under raintree)
  10. Island boat stop market (next to Welcome Stationery and in front of JKT beer outlet)
In week 15, you are required to make constructive comments either positive or negative about the effectiveness of the learning and teaching strategy in the unit evaluation administered by the Quality Assurance Division. You can use the unit evaluation as well to state whether you achieved the 3 learning outcomes or developed the 3 graduate attributes. Comments made by you will help me improve my professional performance. 

These are the main points I wish to highlight. Please spend time to read the unit outline and the learning guide on our Moodle unit webpage. If you have any questions or queries do not hesitate to see me during my consultation hours.

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