Postgraduate - UnitAPG4665 - Counter-terrorism policy, legislation, community engagement and support

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

Notes

Synopsis

This subject investigates how counter-terrorism policy is developed, implemented and how various stakeholders such as the Victorian and Federal Government, Police, ethnic, religious community and non-governmental organizations interact to combat terrorism. The unit devotes significant attention to each stakeholder's areas of competency and their main responsibilities. In addition, the subject addresses the significance of mobilizing communities to counter-act radicalization and violence, and the significance of multiculturalism to security. Student interaction with current counter-terrorism stakeholders will enhance their knowledge and appreciation of the subject matter.

Outcomes

Upon completing this unit students should:

1. Develop an understanding of key counter-terrorism stakeholders' roles in counter-terrorism policy formulation, oversight and implementation.
2. Develop an understanding of key counter-terrorism stakeholders' roles and significance in countering terrorism and the dynamics of their interactions.
3. Develop an appreciation of the range of (occasional conflicting) interests in counter-terrorism policy-making and in countering terrorism.
4. Develop an understanding of how key counter-terrorism stakeholders develop consensus and resolve potential conflicts amongst themselves.
5. Develop a sophisticated understanding of the policies and legislation that govern counter-terrorism policy in Australia and internationally, but with a particular emphasis on Victoria.
6. Develop an understanding of the roles that social cohesion and multiculturalism can play in counter-terrorism within Australia and globally, but especially in Victoria.
7. Develop an understanding of how ethnic and religious communities' leaders manage (occasional) competing demands of the broader society and their constituents.
8. Develop an understanding of how civil society (especially non-governmental organizations and the media) play in protecting civil liberties and mediating between the demands of competing counter-terrorism stakeholders.
9. Continue to develop critical skills and their abilities to communicate effectively. Specifically to:a. develop a topic for investigation;b. familiarise themselves with a wide range of sources;c. recognise and be able to present a logically ordered argument.
10. Develop a level of competency in understanding the trends in terrorism and political violence that will enable them to apply the theoretical and empirical studies examined in the unit to a contemporary or scenario-based exercise.
11. Develop skills to pursue an original question for research.

Assessment

Essay(6000 words): 50%
Take-home exam (3000 words): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Pete Lentini

Contact hours

One 2-hour seminar per week

Prohibitions

APG5665