INTR5008 Cultures of Violence and Conflict Semester 1, 2021
Unit study package code: INTR5008
Mode of study: Internal
Tuition pattern summary: Note: For any specific variations to this tuition pattern and for precise
information refer to the Learning Activities section.
Lecture: 1 x 1 Hours Weekly
Seminar: 1 x 1 Hours Weekly
This unit does not have a fieldwork component.
Credit Value: 25.0
Pre-requisite units: Nil
Co-requisite units: Nil
Anti-requisite units: Nil
Result type: Grade/Mark
Approved incidental fees: Information about approved incidental fees can be obtained from our website.
Visit fees.curtin.edu.au/incidental_fees.cfm for details.
Unit coordinator: Title: Dr
Name: XXXXXXXXXXX
Phone: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxx
Email: info@universalassignment.com
Location: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Consultation times: Thursdays 2-5pm
Teaching Staff:
| Administrative contact: | Name: | MCASI Teaching Support Team |
| Phone: | XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX | |
| Email: | XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX | |
| Location: | Building: 208 – Room: 414 |
Learning Management System: Blackboard (lms.curtin.edu.au)
Acknowledgement of Country
We respectfully acknowledge the Indigenous Elders, custodians, their descendants and kin of this land past and present. The Centre for Aboriginal Studies aspires to contribute to positive social change for Indigenous Australians through higher education and research.
Syllabus
This unit constructs a space for the analysis of the cultures out of which low intensity conflicts are born, without which understandings of the wars of nation states, and the issues of sustainable development and national security can only be partially understood. It reconfigures traditional conceptualisations of “war” as an anthropology of small-scale conflicts, interrogating the cultures of violence which overwhelm communities.
Ethnographic and historical analyses are deployed to understand displacement, the social logics of violence, the stresses of modernisation, globalisation and contested power relationships. Research-based case studies are used to examine the meanings of war and conflict which reach deep into the social and cultural fabric of the nation state. The unit focuses on an inter-disciplinary approach to national security, sustainable development and international relations.
Introduction
This unit investigates the occurrence and impact of different forms of violence and conflict in the contemporary world. Violence has been justified in national, ethic, colonial, anti-colonial, civil and revolutionary conflicts over the course of history. This unit assumes an interdisciplinary approach by examining the influence of historical, political, social and economic factors on how conflict occurs and ends. By examining a number of case studies globally, it draws on insights from history, political science, anthropology and sociology to seek answers to questions such as: How are global and local aspects of violence interconnected? Is violence to be a constant feature of human history? What is the role of violence as well as non-violence in creating socio-political change? Why does gender matter in how violence affects communities? How can post-conflict societies move towards recovery?
Unit Learning Outcomes
All graduates of Curtin University achieve a set of six Graduate Capabilities during their course of study. These inform an employer that, through your studies, you have acquired discipline knowledge and a range of other skills and capabilities which employers would value in a professional setting. Each unit in your course addresses the Graduate Capabilities through a clearly identified set of learning outcomes. They form a vital part in the process referred to as assurance of learning. The learning outcomes notify you of what you are expected to know, understand or be able to do in order to be successful in this unit. Each assessment for this unit is carefully designed to test your knowledge of one or more of the unit learning outcomes. On successfully completing all of the assessments you will have achieved all of these learning outcomes.
Your course has been designed so that on graduating you will have achieved all of Curtin’s Graduate Capabilities through the assurance of learning processes in each unit.
| On successful completion of this unit students can: | Graduate Capabilities addressed | |
| 1 | Critically analyse and reflect upon the key concepts that underpin the Anthropology and History of low-intensity conflict | |
| 2 | Work independently and collectively to interpret the continuous interplay between low-intensity conflict, cultures of violence, and the nation state | |
| 3 | Evaluate the complexities of the impacts of low intensity conflicts on the nation state and its international relations | |
| 4 | Examine and compare theories and practices of low-intensity violence in international perspectives | |
| 5 | Assess and interpret low-intensity conflict risks to Australia and its region | |
Curtin’s Graduate Capabilities
| | Apply discipline knowledge, principles and concepts | | Innovative, creative and entrepreneurial | | Effective communicators with digital competency |
| | Globally engaged and responsive | | Culturally competent to engage respectfully with local First Peoples and other diverse cultures | | Industry connected and career capable |
| Find out more about Curtin’s Graduate Capabilities at the Curtin Learning and Teaching website: clt.curtin.edu.au |
Learning Activities
There will be a one hour recorded lecture and one hour seminar each week. Seminars will be an opportunity for students to discuss the lecture content, conduct their group presentations and to discuss the seminar readings and set questions.
Learning Resources
Library Reading List
The Reading List for this unit can be accessed through Blackboard.
Assessment
Assessment policy exemptions
- There are no exemptions to the assessment policy
Assessment schedule
| Task | Value % | Date Due | Unit Learning Outcome(s) Assessed | Late Assessments Accepted?* | Assessment Extensions Considered?* | |
| 1 | Policy Brief | 30% | Week: 7 Day: Monday 12 April 2021 Time: 23:59 AWST | 2,3,4 | Yes | Yes |
| 2 | Literature Review | 20% | Week: 10 Day: 3 May 2021 Time: 23:59 AWST | 1,3,4 | Yes | Yes |
| 3 | Major Essay | 50% | Week: 14 Day: Monday 31 May 2021 Time: 23:59 AWST | 1,3,4,5 | Yes | Yes |
*Please refer to the Late Assessment and the Assessment Extension sections below for specific details and conditions.
Detailed information on assessment tasks
1. Policy Brief – 1000 words
Policy briefs are short reports and recommendations, usually for government departments. You are asked to provide a policy brief to assist a Federal government department, such as Foreign Affairs and Trade, Defence or Immigration, to explore what policy options may be open to decision-makers.
Provide a policy brief regarding risks to Australia from one of the following:
- West Papuan separatism (in Indonesia)
- Hindu nationalism in India
- Military takeover of power in Myanmar
- Pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong OR Thailand
- Rohingya crisis (Myanmar)
- China providing aid to Papua New Guinea
It is recommended that you choose from this list, but if you want to choose a different topic please discuss your choice with the Unit Coordinator.
Preparation:
Use your seminar readings as a starting point. What concepts are relevant for your policy brief? Then do background research on the conflict/issue you have chosen. Consider your policy recommendations. Write a draft to start, perhaps using the model below.
Structure of a policy brief:
- Background of the ‘problem’
- Intended audience (who is the policy brief for)
- Recommendations
- Rationale for the recommendations
- Potential costs – financial and otherwise of the recommendations
- Risks of unintended outcomes
Adopt a formal style for your report which includes sub-headings for sections like ‘Topic’, ‘From/To’, ‘Background’, ‘Options’ and ‘Recommendations’ (and note that ‘do nothing’ is an option, although it shouldn’t be the only one!). In particular, justify your recommendations while being realistic about Australia’s interests and capabilities; remember, Australia is a wealthy, influential middle power, but it does not have endless capacity and resources.
Briefs should also include referencing and a bibliography in Chicago 17th B style. Neither references, nor the bibliography itself, count towards the word limit. The usual +/- 10% word count applies to this and all assessments in INTR5008.
Layout & Submission:
The policy brief will be a Word document, using 1.5-line spacing and include a cover sheet as part of a single document.
Submit via Turnitin
Assessments must be submitted via the relevant Turnitin submission point in this unit’s Blackboard.
One assessment submission point is provided and you may submit to this point only once. A Similarity report will be generated at the time of submission. Your submitted file will be marked.
If you believe you have submitted the incorrect file, please contact the Unit Coordinator for further instructions.
2. Literature review – 700 words
This assessment is designed to contribute to the process of writing your research essay by you undertaking a literature review and constructing an annotated bibliography.
Choose an essay topic that interests you. Start researching. Identify 5-7 scholarly articles, books, and/or book chapters that will be relevant to your research essay and that you anticipate you will use in the essay and to construct an annotated bibliography.
After reading each source, you are asked to write an annotation of 100-150 words for each source. Regarding each source, generally you should:
- clearly identify the source with a full academic citation (note: these words DO NOT COUNT towards
the word limit);
- summarise the main thesis/argument briefly;
- explain why and how this source is useful for your essay; and
- offer some critique about what you view are its shortcomings or less useful aspects of the piece for your essay/research.
A sample of an annotated bibliography and tips on how to construct one can be found here: https://guides.library.cornell.edu/annotatedbibliography
The usual +/- 10% word count applies.
Essay topics
See below – choose one of the essay topics first before you start finding your sources.
Layout & Submission:
The literature review will be a Word document, using 1.5-line spacing and include a cover sheet as part of a single document.
Submit via Turnitin
Assessments must be submitted via the relevant Turnitin submission point in this unit’s Blackboard.
One assessment submission point is provided and you may submit to this point only once. A Similarity report will be generated at the time of submission. Your submitted file will be marked.
If you believe you have submitted the incorrect file, please contact the Unit Coordinator for further instructions.
3. Major Essay – 3000 words
Write a 3000-word (subject to the +/- 10% rule) research essay on a topic from the list below. The essay must be properly and fully referenced using the Chicago 17th B style. It must be an original work written by you, and it should contain at least 12 academic sources, plus others as appropriate. Do not use lecture notes, summaries or PowerPoint slides as sources for essays.
Topics
- To what extent does the violence that comes as part of colonialism shape the future of postcolonial societies?
- Choose a secessionist movement active in the world today and assess how and why it has or has not succeeded to become a viable movement or to become victorious in its claims.
- What have been the key barriers in getting rape recognised as a war crime and what potential pitfalls continue to exist in the future with regard to rape prosecutions as part of war crimes?
- Should the international community use military force to prevent or end mass atrocity crimes? If so, what are the ways to engender buy-in and avoid resistance by certain states?
- What are the barriers that exist in Southeast Asia and Latin America in dealing with large scale human rights abuses that occurred under authoritarian regimes in the past?
- Do the arts and culture provide a way towards healing and reconciliation? Discuss with regard to two case studies.
- Develop a topic of your own. Please contact the Unit Coordinator to discuss your proposed topic before starting your research.
Layout & Submission
The essay will be a Word document, using 1.5-line spacing and include a cover sheet as part of a single document, including bibliography.
Submit via Turnitin
Assessments must be submitted via the relevant Turnitin submission point in this unit’s Blackboard. One assessment submission point is provided and you may submit to this point only once. A Similarity
report will be generated at the time of submission. Your submitted file will be marked.
If you believe you have submitted the incorrect file, please contact the Unit Coordinator for further instructions.
Pass requirements
There are two requirements to achieve a ‘pass’ grade in the unit.
- An overall mark of 50% across the different assessments in the unit, and
- All assessments must be attempted and submitted.
Failure to attempt and submit an assessment will result in a ‘Fail-incomplete’ grade for the unit irrespective of the mark achieved.
Assessment Moderation
Fair assessment through moderation
Moderation describes a quality assurance process to ensure that assessments are appropriate to the learning outcomes, and that students work is evaluated consistently by assessors. Minimum standards for the moderation of assessments are described in the Assessment and Student Progression Manual, available from policies.curtin.edu.au/findapolicy/
Pre-marking moderation
- Assessment task details are provided to students in the unit outline or prior to the assessment task
- Marking criteria are made available to students in the unit outline or when the assessment task is assigned
- Assessors are provided with rubric/marking guide and sufficient information to ensure fair and consistent evaluation of student work
Intra-marking / Post-marking moderation
- Moderation of a sample of marked work by individuals outside of the teaching/marking team
Late assessment
Where the submission of a late assessment is permitted, late penalties will be consistently applied in this unit.
Where a late assessment is permitted for an assessment item or the entirety of the unit (refer to the Assessment Schedule table in this Unit Outline) and the student does not have an approved assessment extension:
- For assessment items submitted within the first 24 hours after the due date/time, students will be penalised by a deduction of 5% of the total marks allocated for the assessment task;
- For each additional 24 hour period commenced an additional penalty of 10% of the total marks allocated for the assessment item will be deducted; and
- Assessment items submitted more than 168 hours late (7 calendar days) will receive a mark of zero.
Where late assessment is NOT permitted for an assessment item or the entirety of the unit (refer to the Assessment Schedule table in this Unit Outline) and the student does not have an approved assessment extension:
1. All assessment items submitted after the due date/time will receive a mark of zero.
Assessment extension
Where an application for an assessment extension is permitted for an assessment item(s) within this unit (refer to the Assessment Schedule table in this Unit Outline):
- A student who is unable to complete an assessment item by/on the due date/time as a result of exceptional circumstances beyond the student’s control, may apply for an assessment extension on the Assessment Extension Application Form as prescribed by the Academic Registrar. The form is available on the Forms page at https://students.curtin.edu.au/essentials/forms-documents/forms/ and also within the student’s OASIS (My Studies tab – Quick Forms) account.
- The student will be expected to submit their application for an Assessment Extension with supporting documentation:
- Australian Campuses: via the online form
- Offshore campuses: to the School representative nominated below
- Timely submission of this information supports the assessment process. For applications that are declined, delayed submission may have significant ramifications on the possible marks awarded.
- An application may be accepted up to five working days after the due date/time of the assessment item where the student is able to provide a verifiable explanation as to why they were not able to submit the application prior to the assessment due date/time
Where an application for an assessment extension is NOT permitted for an assessment item(s) within this unit (refer to the Assessment Schedule table in this Unit Outline):
1. All assessment items submitted after the due date/time will be subject to late penalties or receive a mark of zero depending on the unit permitting late assessment submissions.
All assessment extensions must be submitted via the online form: https://students.connect.curtin.edu.au/app/assessment_extension.
For any other enquiries please contact Curtin Connect via the Student Enquiry Webform https://students.connect.curtin.edu.au/app/ask or by telephone on 1300 222 888.
Deferred assessments
If your results show that you have been granted a deferred assessment you should immediately check OASIS for details.
Further assessment
Further assessments, if granted by the Board of Examiners, will be held between 07/07/2021 and 04/08/2021 . Notification to students will be made after the Board of Examiners meeting via the Official Communications Channel in OASIS.
It is the responsibility of the student to be available to complete the requirements of a further assessment. If your results show that you have been granted a further assessment you should immediately check OASIS for details.
Reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities/health circumstances likely to impact on studies
A Curtin Access Plan (CAP) is a document that outlines the type and level of support required by a student with a disability or health condition to have equitable access to their studies at Curtin. Carers for people with disability may also be eligible for support. This support can include alternative exam or test arrangements, study materials in accessible formats, access to Curtin’s facilities and services or other support as discussed with an advisor from AccessAbility Services.
Documentation is required from your treating Health Professional to confirm your health circumstances or carer responsibilities.
If you think you may be eligible for a CAP, please contact AccessAbility Services. If you already have a CAP please provide it to the Unit Coordinator in week 1 of each study period.
Referencing style
The referencing style for this unit is APA 7th Ed.
More information can be found on this style from the Library web site: http://libguides.library.curtin.edu.au/referencing.
Privacy
As part of a learning or assessment activity, or class participation, your image or voice may be recorded or transmitted by equipment and systems operated by Curtin University. Transmission may be to other venues on campus or to others both in Australia and overseas.
Your image or voice may also be recorded by students on personal equipment for individual or group study or assessment purposes. Such recordings may not be reproduced or uploaded to a publicly accessible web environment. If you wish to make such recordings for study purposes as a courtesy you should always seek the permission of those who are impacted by the recording.
Recording of classes or course materials may not be exchanged or distributed for commercial purposes, for compensation, or for any other purpose other than personal study for the enrolled students in the unit. Breach of this may subject a student to disciplinary action under Statute No 10 – Student Disciplinary Statute.
If you wish to discuss this please talk to your Unit Coordinator.
Copyright
The course material for this unit is provided to you for your own research and study only. It is subject to copyright. It is a copyright infringement to make this material available on third party websites.
Academic Integrity (including plagiarism and cheating)
Academic Integrity
Curtin’s Student Charter, Academic Integrity Program (AIP), and core Values guide expectations regarding student behaviour and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on the Student Essentials Website or the Academic Integrity tab in Blackboard.
Academic Integrity Warnings
An Academic Integrity Warning may be issued to a New-to-Curtin student if they have inadequately acknowledged sources or collaborated inappropriately. The Management of Academic Integrity Warnings for New to Curtin Students Procedures provide further information and explain who is considered to be New-to-Curtin.
Academic Misconduct
Students with an academic breach that do not meet the New-to-Curtin criteria will be managed through the misconduct process. Academic Misconduct means conduct by a student that is dishonest or unfair in connection with any academic work. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, falsification or fabrication of data or other content, and Academic Misconduct Other, such as falsifying medical certificates for extension. More details can be found on the Student Essentials Website or on the Academic Integrity Website.
Staff members are required to report suspected misconduct and an inquiry may take place. If misconduct is determined it will result in penalties, which may include a warning, a reduced or nil grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, an annulled grade (ANN) or termination from the course. Some penalties may impact on future enrolment.
Academic work under inquiry will not be graded until the process has concluded. If your work is the subject of an inquiry you will be notified by email and Official Communication with an opportunity to respond. Appropriate support will be provided. For more information refer to Statute No.10 Student Discipline and Academic Misconduct Rules.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Expectations
Curtin students are expected to have reliable internet access in order to connect to OASIS email and learning systems such as Blackboard and Library Services.
You may also require a computer or mobile device for preparing and submitting your work.
For general ICT assistance, in the first instance please contact OASIS Student Support: oasisapps.curtin.edu.au/help/general/support.cfm
For specific assistance with any of the items listed below, please contact The Learning Centre: life.curtin.edu.au/learning-support/learning_centre.htm
- Using Blackboard, the I Drive and Back-Up files
- Introduction to PowerPoint, Word and Excel
Additional information
Curtin Official Communication Channel and Oasis
Students are responsible for checking the Official Communication Channel (OCC) via OASIS regularly (at least once per week). Important communications such as assessment extension application outcomes will always be sent via the OCC. Your OCC inbox is accessible via Curtin Student OASIS.
Use of the Blackboard App
A Blackboard App is available to download from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Please note that the App does not support all Blackboard functions and external links such as Reading Lists and iLectures cannot be accessed. To view iLectures on a mobile device, use the Echo360 App, which can also be downloaded from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Reading Lists should be accessed via web based Blackboard, e.g. Chrome or Firefox.
Please ensure you are always using the latest version of the app for best results as updates are frequently applied. Please also note that Curtin University is not responsible for the Blackboard app and any feedback you have should be made on the app directly.
Enrolment
It is your responsibility to ensure that your enrolment is correct – you can check your enrolment through the eStudent option on OASIS, where you can also print an Enrolment Advice.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of every student to be aware of all relevant legislation, policies and procedures relating to their rights and responsibilities as a student. These include:
- the Student Charter
- Values and Signature Behaviours
- the University’s policy and statements on plagiarism and academic integrity
- copyright principles and responsibilities
- the University’s policies on appropriate use of software and computer facilities
Information on all of the above is available through the University’s “Student Rights and Responsibilities” website at: students.curtin.edu.au/rights.
Student Equity
There are a number of factors that might disadvantage some students from participating in their studies or assessments to the best of their ability, under standard conditions. These factors may include a disability or medical condition (e.g. mental illness, chronic illness, physical or sensory disability, learning disability), significant caring responsibilities, pregnancy, religious practices, living in a remote location,or another reason. If you believe you may be unfairly disadvantaged on these or other grounds please contact the appropriate service below. It is important to note that the staff of the University may not be able to meet your needs if they are not informed of your individual circumstances, so please get in touch with the appropriate service if you require assistance.
To discuss your needs in relation to:
- Disability or medical conditions, contact AccessAbility Services: https://students.curtin.edu.au/personal- support/disability/
- Elite athletes, contact Elite Athlete Coordinator: https://stadium.curtin.edu.au/sport/academy/elite-athlete- program/
- All other grounds, contact the Student Wellbeing Advisory Service: https://students.curtin.edu.au/personal- support/counselling-guidance/wellbeing/
Recent unit changes
Students are encouraged to provide unit feedback through eVALUate, Curtin’s online student feedback system. For more information about eVALUate, please refer to evaluate.curtin.edu.au/info/.
Recent changes to this unit include:
- Review of topics covered in this unit.
Program calendar
Program Calendar – Semester 1 2021
| Week | Begin Date | Lecture | Seminar | Assessment due |
| Orientation | 22 Feb | Orientation Week | ||
| 1. | 1 Mar | Introduction: Conflict as a global phenomenon | Long term effects of conflict and its representations Monday 1 March (public holiday) – self directed learning (reading provided) in place of seminar this week | |
| 2. | 8 Mar | Colonialism and violence | Colonialism and colonial settler-states | |
| 3. | 15 Mar | Decolonization | Visions of freedom | |
| 4. | 22 Mar | Secessionism and contests over territory | Contested boundaries | |
| 5. | 29 Mar | Genocide | The Holocaust and after | |
| 6. | 5 Apr | Tuition Free Week | ||
| 7. | 12 Apr | The atomic age and the Cold War | Legacies of the Cold War | Policy Brief due |
| 8. | 19 Apr | Sectarian conflict, religion and identity | Islam in Indonesia and India | |
| 9. | 26 Apr | Conflict and displacement | Asylum seeking in Europe The seminar on Monday 26 April (public holiday) may be rescheduled. Date/time/venue TBA closer to the date. | |
| 10. | 3 May | Gender based violence | Women in conflict | Literature Review due |
| 11. | 10 May | Responses to conflict: Humanitarian intervention and Responsibility to Protect | An age of protection? | |
| 12. | 17 May | Responses to conflict: Transitional justice | Memory activism and truth commissions | |
| 13. | 24 May | Responses to conflict: Cultural representations | Visual arts and cinema narrating conflict | |
| 14. | 31 May | Study Week | Major Essay due |
