Monash University Handbook 2011 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. A broad range of electives is available 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.

This course conssits of two 12-point core units and electives or research projects. All units are worth 12 points unless otherwise stated.

Core units

Students complete:

• APG4655 /APG5655 Theories and principles of international crisis management
• APG4656 /APG5656 International crisis management in action

Electives

Students choose electives to the value of 48 points from the following:

• APG4327 Wars of recognition: Terrorism and political violence
• APG4385/APG5385 Investigating Asia
• APG4408 Strategic communication
• APG4438/APG5438 The European Union and the world (6 points)
• APG4627 Research in political ecology (6 points)
• APG4654/APG5654 Islamic business and economics
• APG4657/APG5657 Beyond conflict: Democracy, electoral management and civil society
• APG4658/APG5658 International crisis management research project
• APG4667/APG5667 Fringe politics and extremist violence: An introduction to terrorism
• APG4807 Participatory planning: Local, national and international perspectives
• APG5382 Contemporary issues in Asia
• LAW7425 International refugee law and human rights

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 MMAI4010, MAI5010, MAI4020 or MAI5020 plus two electives or two research projects.

Master of International Crisis Management