International Security

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Entry into the Master of International Relations (MIR)

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject provides students with a critical understanding of the changing concepts and practices of security in a globalised and dynamic world. The subject contrasts traditional state-centric, military based, and external-oriented national security thinking and policy with non-traditional, critical, and human security approaches. The subject explores key relationships between: the state, society and security, including in 'failed states'; international intervention and security, including the 'responsibility to protect' doctrine; weapons and security, including nuclear weapons; and considers the particular insecurities of marginalised groups, such as forcibly displaced populations. The subject then explores globalised forms of insecurity including information and cyber threats, transnational terrorism and organised crime, global health pandemics, and the nexus between climate change, natural resources, and conflict.

On completion of this subject students should:

• Have a political, historical and cultural understanding of both traditional and non-traditional sources of insecurity;
• Be able to evaluate national, regional, and international institutional responses to transnational security threats;
• have strengthened skills in critically analysing different security discourses, including through the 'securitisation' process;
• develop skills in analysing and evaluating contemporary security policy, and preparing policy briefings.

2 x 1000 word briefing papers (20% each) due during the semester, and a 3000 word research essay (60%) due in the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Required readings will be available electronically via the subject's LMS site prior to the commencement of semester.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should:

• Apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry;
• Develop persuasive arguments on a given topic;
• Communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively;
• Develop cross-cultural understanding.

This subject is a compulsory component of the Master of International Relations. It is also compuslory in the Master of International Politics 100-point program (teach-out) and the Master of Arts International Politics (ASST) for those students who have not completed 166-502.