Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

This course aims to develop the required knowledge, skills and competencies for responding to complex emergencies and post-crisis management.

It has been designed to meet the needs of professionals for academic training in the currently neglected field of complex crisis management, including the core issues of human security, conflict and natural disasters.

The course introduces students to the principles of multi-disciplinary crisis management through evidence-based case studies, and stresses the importance of a people-centred approach and a sound understanding of relevant issues such as human rights, vulnerable groups and sustainability.

The specific role of technology and civilian and military responses are analysed by a team of world class scholars and experienced practitioners.

Professionals working or intending to work in the following fields are encouraged to apply:

• international crisis management/relief/recovery
• humanitarian and emergency relief
• natural disaster relief, mitigation and preparedness
• civil-military relations/policy in all the above.

This is an inter-disciplinary course for students from different disciplines and backgrounds. Moreover we offer a broad range of electives to choose from, so that students can select a course most relevant to their professional and educational aspirations, be they in areas such as medicine, business, engineering and law, or in the humanities.

The aims of this course are to:

• promote analysis of core principles in crisis management
• provide comprehensive cross cultural perspectives
• generate familiarity with field-based examples
• develop critical research, analytical and writing skills for balanced assessments of strategies and policies
• develop problem solving skills.

Research and investigative fieldwork is essential, and opportunities exist for both in Australian and overseas locations.

Students complete two 12-point core units and electives or research projects to the value of 72 points. The core units will be delivered intensively over 1.5 weeks at the start of each semester with face to face instruction.

All units are worth 12 points unless otherwise indicated.

Core units

Students complete the following units*:

• MAI4010/MAI5010 Theories and principles of international crisis management
• MAI4020/MAI5020 International crisis management in action

* Core units are offered in intensive block mode - see unit entries for details.

Electives

Students complete electives to the value of 48 points in discussion with the course coordinator. A sample of available units includes the following:

• AST4220/AST5220 Investigating Asia
• AST5000 Contemporary Issues in Asia
• COM4207 Strategic communication
• EUM4160/EUM5160 The European Union and the World (6 points)
• IDA4230 Research in political ecology (6 points)
• LAW7425 International refugee law and human rights
• MAI4002/MAI5002 Islamic Business and Economics
• MAI4030/MAI5030 Beyond conflict: Democracy, electoral management and civil society (not offered in 2010)
• MAI4040/MAI5040 International crisis management research project
• PLM4310 Wars of recognition: Terrorism and political violence
• PLM4340/PLM5340 Fringe politics and extremist violence: An introduction to terrorism
• SCD4301 Participatory planning: Local, national and international perspectives

Typically students will progress from units offered sequentially in each semester, but exceptions can be made on request.

Students with a Distinction average can, on the completion of the 48 points in the first year of this course and with the recommendation of their supervisors, transfer into an arts masters by research or PhD program.

Students wishing to exit this course early may apply to graduate with one of the following:

• a related graduate certificate after successfully completing 24 credit points, consisting of any of MAI4010, MAI5010, MAI4020 or MAI5020
• a related graduate diploma after successfully completing 48 credit points, consisting of MAI4010, MAI5010, MAI4020 or MAI5020 plus two electives or two research projects.

Master of International Crisis Management