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:
- Evaluate the dynamics of cyberspace as a complex adaptive system
- Synthesise a body of knowledge of state interactions in cyberspace and their impact on national security
- Analyse the technical, social and political drivers of cyberpower
- 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
- Demonstrate a sophisticated appreciation of the emerging forces shaping the future of state interactions in cyberspace through written and oral work
- Demonstrate an enhanced capacity to conduct independent research through written and oral work
Indicative Assessment
- Preliminary essay (1000 words) 20% (20) [LO null]
- Research essay (3000 words) 50% (50) [LO null]
- Take-home exam (2000 words) 30% (30) [LO null]
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.
Workload
One two-hour seminar per week (over 13 weeks) with the expectation of a further eight hours per week of independent studyInherent Requirements
Not applicable
Prescribed Texts
Lindsay JR (2013) Stuxnet and the limits of cyber warfare. Security Studies 22:365-404Nye JS (2014) The regime complex for managing global cyber activities, Global Commission on Internet Governance
Vaishnav C, Choucri N, Clark D (2013) Cyber international relations as an integrated system. Environment Systems and Decisions 33:561—576
Langø H-I (2013) The limits of compulsory cyber power: Assessing ecological potential and restraints in the digital domain, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), Oslo
Kello L (2013) The meaning of the cyber revolution. International Security 38:7-40
Gray CS (2013) Making strategic sense of cyber power: Why the sky is not falling, Strategic Studies Institute, Carlisle, PA
Clemente D (2013) Cyber security and global interdependence: What is critical?, Chatham House, London
Choucri N, Clark DD (2013) Who controls cyberspace? Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists 69:21-31
Cornish P (2011) The vulnerabilities of developed states to economic cyber warfare, Chatham House, London
Assumed Knowledge
Assumed knowledge: Students enrolled in this course are assumed to have some knowledge of international politics and current affairsRequired skills: Analytical skills and written and oral communication skills of a high order.
Recommended courses: National Security Policy-making (NSPO8006) and National Security Concepts and Challenges (NSPO8007)
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $3840 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $5460 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Winter Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6821 | 10 Sep 2019 | 17 Sep 2019 | 20 Sep 2019 | 26 Oct 2019 | In Person | View |
