This core course aims to introduce students to the key concepts, debates, methodologies and theories that surround the concept of national security. Students are encouraged to engage with the philosophical core of the subject in an attempt to grasp at what Arnold Wofers called an ‘ambiguous symbol’ – a set of concepts that are attended by great intellectual and political contestation, and which evolve over time. The object of this course is to assist each student to arrive at an independent and intellectually rigorous conception of national security, as well as an appreciation for different research methods, values and national interests.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Critically analyse Australia’s national security community
- Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary issues concerning the national security community
- Analyse concepts related to planning and implementation in a national security context
- Understand aspects of professional practice within national security agencies
- Conduct independent research
- Acquire highly developed oral and written communication skills
Indicative Assessment
- Short Essay (40) [LO 3,4,5,6]
- Longer Essay (60) [LO 1,2,5,6]
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
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 12 weeks) with the expectation of a further eight hours per week of independent study.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Course reading list and guide to library resources.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4050 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $5760 |
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.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4582 | 24 Feb 2020 | 02 Mar 2020 | 08 May 2020 | 05 Jun 2020 | In Person | View |
