• Class Number 6821
  • Term Code 2950
  • Class Info
  • Unit Value 6 units
  • Mode of Delivery In Person
  • COURSE CONVENER
    • Prof Roger Bradbury
  • LECTURER
    • Prof Roger Bradbury
  • Class Dates
  • Class Start Date 10/09/2019
  • Class End Date 26/10/2019
  • Census Date 20/09/2019
  • Last Date to Enrol 17/09/2019
SELT Survey Results

The course examines the evolution of cyberspace as a domain where states project power. It considers both hard and soft power as well as espionage and cyber-enabled information warfare and influence operations. It also considers how states are adapting to the threats and opportunities of this new domain. It examines how cyberspace interacts with the traditional domains of land, sea, air and space in which statecraft is prosecuted. And it explores the future of cyberspace and its potential to disrupt ideas of sovereignty and national security. The course takes a highly interdisciplinary approach under a complex systems chapeau and includes humanities, social sciences and natural sciences perspectives.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

  1. Evaluate the dynamics of cyberspace as a complex adaptive system
  2. Synthesise a body of knowledge of state interactions in cyberspace and their impact on national security
  3. Analyse the technical, social and political drivers of cyberpower
  4. Demonstrate a good understanding of the interaction of these drivers and the emergence of current cyberspace dynamics through the application of theoretical constructs to practical case studies
  5. Demonstrate a sophisticated appreciation of the emerging forces shaping the future of state interactions in cyberspace through written and oral work
  6. Demonstrate an enhanced capacity to conduct independent research through written and oral work

Research-Led Teaching

The course is convened by Roger Bradbury, who is actively engaged in cyberspace research with national and international colleagues. He leads the Strategy and Statecraft in Cyberspaceresearch program at the National Security College. He was also, from 2005-2015, the principal cyber analyst for the Office of National Assessments. His main areas of research are on hegemony in cyberspace, information warfare and cyber terrorism. Melanie Broder, the course tutor, is undertaking a PhD on cyber deterrence in the program.

Some preparatory readings in cyberspace and complex systems recommended. See preparatory readings on Wattle site.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
  • Written comments
  • Verbal comments
  • Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session Summary of Activities Assessment
1 Day 1 Lecture 1: Introduction — The emergence of cyberspace
2 Day 1 Lecture 2: Russia in cyberspace Guest lecture
3 Day 1 Lecture 3: The developing interests of states in cyberspace Policy Brief due at end of Day 1
4 Day 2 Lecture 4: Cyber espionage and reconnaissance
5 Day 2 Lecture 5: China in cyberspace Guest lecture
6 Day 2 Lecture 6: The elements of cyberwar: Attack, defence, deterrence Policy Brief due at end of Day 2
7 Day 3 Lecture 7: The projection of power beyond cyberspace
8 Day 3 Lecture 8: Israel in cyberspace Guest lecture
9 Day 3 Lecture 9: Influence operations and information warfare Policy Brief due at end of Day 3
10 Day 4 Lecture 10: Interactions between states and non-state actors in cyberspace
11 Day 4 Lecture 11: Cyber deterrence Guest lecture
12 Day 4 Lecture 12: Reflections - Grand strategy in cyberspace Policy Brief due at end of Day 4 Research essay due on Thursday 24 October 2019 at 11:55 pm

Assessment Summary

Assessment task Value Due Date Return of assessment Learning Outcomes
Policy brief 1 10 % 17/09/2019 19/09/2019 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Policy brief 2 10 % 19/09/2019 24/09/2019 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Policy brief 3 10 % 24/09/2019 26/09/2019 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Policy brief 4 10 % 26/09/2019 30/09/2019 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Research essay 60 % 24/10/2019 28/11/2019 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Examination(s)

Research essay (due Thursday 24 October 2019 at 11:55 pm) takes the place of a final exam (see note above)

Assessment Task 1

Value: 10 %
Due Date: 17/09/2019
Return of Assessment: 19/09/2019
Learning Outcomes: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Policy brief 1

Task Respond in provided briefing format to an unfolding cyber scenario

Due Tuesday 17 September 2019 at 7:00 pm

Length About 750 words

Weighting 10%

Rationale The purpose of the brief is to test your knowledge and capacity for critical analysis under the pressure of tight time constraints - the type of pressure common in the world of public policy.

Assessment Task 2

Value: 10 %
Due Date: 19/09/2019
Return of Assessment: 24/09/2019
Learning Outcomes: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Policy brief 2

Task Respond in provided briefing format to an unfolding cyber scenario

Due Thursday 19 September 2019 at 7:00 pm

Length About 750 words

Weighting 10%

Rationale The purpose of the brief is to test your knowledge and capacity for critical analysis under the pressure of tight time constraints - the type of pressure common in the world of public policy.

Assessment Task 3

Value: 10 %
Due Date: 24/09/2019
Return of Assessment: 26/09/2019
Learning Outcomes: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Policy brief 3

Task Respond in provided briefing format to an unfolding cyber scenario

Due Tuesday 24 September 2019 at 7:00 pm

Length About 750 words

Weighting 10%

Rationale The purpose of the brief is to test your knowledge and capacity for critical analysis under the pressure of tight time constraints - the type of pressure common in the world of public policy.

Assessment Task 4

Value: 10 %
Due Date: 26/09/2019
Return of Assessment: 30/09/2019
Learning Outcomes: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Policy brief 4

Task Respond in provided briefing format to an unfolding cyber scenario

Due Thursday 26 September 2019 at 7:00 pm

Length About 750 words

Weighting 10%

Rationale The purpose of the brief is to test your knowledge and capacity for critical analysis under the pressure of tight time constraints - the type of pressure common in the world of public policy.

Assessment Task 5

Value: 60 %
Due Date: 24/10/2019
Return of Assessment: 28/11/2019
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Research essay

Task Answer the question provided in class on the last day of the course.

Due Thursday 24 October 2019 at 11:55 pm

Length 3000 words

Weighting 60%

Rationale The research essay assessment task is an opportunity for you to:

  • apply and improve your research skills using library, electronic and other resources
  • develop your understanding of information and ideas at the frontiers of knowledge regarding statecraft in cyberspace
  • apply critical thinking and produce a logical, structured argument
  • develop your ability to write succinctly in an academic style that conforms to conventions on proper referencing


Take time to get a good understanding of what the essay question requires, and think about how you might structure your argument in answer to the question. In conducting your research, be sure to identify and concentrate on only those issues which are directly relevant to the essay question. The purpose of the essay is not to survey a general topic but rather to answer a deliberately-worded, specific question. Ensure that your argument in response to the question is supported by reliable evidence and that the source of evidence is properly referenced. In the introduction to your essay it is a good idea to include a brief explanation of what you think the question requires of you and how you propose to answer it.

Note In this course, the research essay takes the place of a final exam. Therefore you will not be given a grade for this task until the final grades are confirmed at the examiners’ meeting at the end of the semester.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

No submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date will be permitted. If an assessment task is not submitted by the due date, a mark of 0 will be awarded. (Assessment Tasks 1-4)

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. (Assessment Task 5)

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Online

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).
Prof Roger Bradbury
0419 221 003
Roger.Bradbury@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Bradbury is a complex systems scientist, trained originally as a zoologist. His research interests lie in the modelling and simulation of the dynamics of coupled social and natural systems. In recent years he has worked in the Australian Intelligence Community on the strategic analysis of international science and technology issues. And he is particularly interested in cyberspace as a strategic domain.

Prof Roger Bradbury

By Appointment
Prof Roger Bradbury
0419 221 003
roger.bradbury@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Prof Roger Bradbury

By Appointment

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