This course introduces students to the theoretical frameworks, empirical cases, policy instruments, and cutting-edge debates in the field of international law from an International Relations perspective.  This is not a course in international law. Rather, the course goes beyond the conventional black letter approach and focuses on the political contexts, causes, and consequences of international law, thereby bridging international politics and international law. The course is structured in three parts. First, we will focus on the different theoretical perspectives in International Relations for understanding international law, such as realist, liberal, and constructivist approaches. Second, the course will examine the general principles of international law, including actors of international law, the creation and sources of international law, international law interpretation, the relationship between international and national law, and the problem of compliance. Third, we will examine the interrelationships between international politics and international law in several specialized areas of international law, such as human rights, the environment, international criminal justice, trade, and/or the use of force.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. understand different international relations theories of international law;
2. apply international relations theories to case studies and issue areas of international law;
3. understand how international law works in world politics; and
4. think, write, and argue critically and logically about international law issues from a political science perspective.

Additional Course Costs

Besides the required resource above, there are no additional costs associated with this course.

Examination Material or equipment

Details about the material or equipment that is permitted in an examination room will be outlined during the semester and on the course’s Wattle site.

Required Resources

The following textbook is required. As the Course Outline shows, its chapters are the required reading for Weeks 3, 5, 6, and 11.

 

Sean D. Murphy, Principles of International Law, Third Edition (St. Paul: West Academic Publishing, 2018).

 

Due to copyright issues, the textbook’s chapters will not be uploaded on Wattle. You should purchase your own copy for the best learning experience. Please note that you are required to study the 3rd edition—but not the 2nd edition—because the 3rd edition contains considerable new information that is missing in the 2nd edition. The final exam questions will be presented, based upon that requirement. The textbook should be available for purchase at the campus bookstore or Amazon Australia. In addition, the ANU Library has three copies of the 3rd edition of the textbook for students who do not wish to purchase their own copy. (Please note that the ANU Library’s policy is to obtain one copy per 50 students.)

 

A number of articles and book chapters are also required and can be downloaded from Wattle, along with supplementary recommended readings.

Recommended Resources

A large number of journals and periodicals exist that include the cutting edge developments of the discipline. Being familiar with these sources and surveying at least some of them regularly will assist you in this course.

International Organization

International Studies Quarterly

European Journal of International Relations

American Journal of International Law

European Journal of International Law

Law & Society Review 

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• News postings will provide feedback to the whole class on Wattle.
• Forums offer immediate feedback on your ideas and your understanding of course materials.
• Your course convener is available to provide feedback on your essay plans prior to its due date.
• Your course convener will provide written feedback on your essay on Wattle.

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

The information provided is a preliminary Course Outline. A finalised version will be available on Wattle and will be accessible after enrolling in this course. All updates, changes, and further information will be uploaded on the course Wattle and will not be updated on Programs and Courses throughout the semester. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the Course Convener.

Student consults by appointment.

Course Logistics

Due to the Programs and Courses webpage's word limit, the information on Course Logistics cannot be displayed in this Class Summary. For the full information, you must see the Course Outline available in our course Wattle. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Extensions and Penalties

Due to the Programs and Courses webpage's word limit, the information on Extensions and Penalties cannot be displayed in this Class Summary. For the full information, you must see the Course Outline available in our course Wattle. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Academic Integrity

Due to the Programs and Courses webpage's word limit, the information on Academic Integrity cannot be displayed in this Class Summary. For the full information, you must see the Course Outline available in our course Wattle. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Additional Referencing Requirements

Due to the Programs and Courses webpage's word limit, the information on Additional Referencing Requirements cannot be displayed in this Class Summary. For the full information, you must see the Course Outline available in our course Wattle. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

COURSE OUTLINE

Due to the Programs and Courses webpage's word limit, not all the information on Course Outline I wish to offer for you can be displayed in this Class Summary. For the full information (such as the recommended readings for each week), you must see the Course Outline available in our course Wattle. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction and Course Overview	Jack Taylor, “Inside the International Court of Justice: An Interview with Judge James Crawford,” Harvard Political Review, 11 May 2020 (3 pages).Fran Kelly, “Hilary Charlesworth: first Australian woman elected to International Court of Justice,” ABC Radio National Breakfast, 11 November 2021 (4 pages).
2	Realist Approaches to International LawCase Study of Realism: International Criminal Tribunals	Forum begins.Stephen D. Krasner, “Realist Views of International Law,” American Society of International Law Proceedings 96 (2002), pp. 265-268 (4 pages).Richard H. Steinberg, “Wanted – Dead or Alive: Realism in International Law,” in Jeffrey L. Dunoff and Mark A. Pollack, eds., Interdisciplinary Perspectives on International Law and International Relations: The State of the Art (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012), pp. 146-172 (22 pages).Kenneth A. Rodman, “When Justice Leads, Does Politics Follow? The Realist Limits of Prosecutorial Agency in Marginalizing War Criminals,” Journal of International Criminal Justice 17: 1 (2019), pp. 1-32 (32 pages).
3	Liberal Approaches to International LawCase Study of Liberalism: Territorial Disputes	Andrew Moravcsik, “Liberal Theories of International Law,” in Jeffrey L. Dunoff and Mark A. Pollack, eds., Interdisciplinary Perspectives on International Law and International Relations: The State of the Art (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012), pp. 83-113 (31 pages).Beth A. Simmons, “Capacity, Commitment, and Compliance: International Institutions and Territorial Disputes,” Journal of Conflict Resolution 46: 6 (2002), pp. 829-856 (25 pages).Sean D. Murphy, Principles of International Law, Third Edition (St. Paul: West Academic Publishing, 2018), Chapter 4, pp. 141-157 (para. 1) (17 pages).Mark Raymond and David A. Welch, “What’s Really Going On in the South China Sea?,” Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs 41: 2 (2022), pp. 214-239 (20 pages).
4	Constructivist Approaches to International LawCase Study of Constructivism: The Convention on Cluster Munitions	Jutta Brunnée and Stephen J. Toope, “Constructivism and International Law,” in Jeffrey L. Dunoff and Mark A. Pollack, eds., Interdisciplinary Perspectives on International Law and International Relations: The State of the Art (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012), pp. 119-145 (22 pages).Margarita H. Petrova, “Rhetorical Entrapment and Normative Enticement: How the United Kingdom Turned From Spoiler Into Champion of the Cluster Munition Ban,” International Studies Quarterly 60: 3 (2016), pp. 387-399 (11 pages).
5	Actors of International LawCreating International Law: Treaties, Customary International Law, and Other Sources of International Law	August 21: Research question proposals due by 11:00 am at Wattle TurnitinSean D. Murphy, Principles of International Law, Third Edition (St. Paul: West Academic Publishing, 2018), Chapter 2, pp. 35-79 (45 pages).Sean D. Murphy, Principles of International Law, Third Edition (St. Paul: West Academic Publishing, 2018), Chapter 3, pp. 81-138 (57 pages).
6	The Use of Force: Jus Ad Bellum The Use of Force: Jus In Bello	Sean D. Murphy, Principles of International Law, Third Edition (St. Paul: West Academic Publishing, 2018), Chapter 14, pp. 573-627 (55 pages).Cameron Gable, “The US Drone Policy Under the Obama Administration: A Critical Appraisal,” Yonsei Journal of International Studies 6: 1 (2014), pp. 17-37 (21 pages).
7	Human Rights: The Effects of Core International Human Rights TreatiesHuman Rights: The Hissène Habré (Africa’s Pinochet) Case	September 18: Proposal results and feedback returned via Wattle TurnitinBeth A. Simmons, Mobilizing for Human Rights: International Law in Domestic Politics (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2009), “Chapter 4. Theories of Compliance,” pp. 112-155 (43 pages).Beth A. Simmons, Mobilizing for Human Rights: International Law in Domestic Politics (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2009), “Chapter 7. Humane Treatment: The Prevalence and Prevention of Torture,” pp. 256-266 (para. 1) (10 pages).Reed Brody, “Victims bring a Dictator to Justice: The Case of Hissène Habré,” Brot für die Welt, Analysis 70, (2017) pp. 5-33 (29 pages).
8	Trade: The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and the World Trade OrganizationTrade: The Dispute over Intellectual Property Rights in China	Chad P. Bown, Self-Enforcing Trade: Developing Countries and WTO Dispute Settlement (Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution Press, 2009), pp. 10-21, “Chapter 1. The WTO and GATT: A Principled History” (12 pages).Timothy Webster, “Paper Compliance: How China Implements WTO Decisions,” Michigan Journal of International Law 35: 3 (2014), pp. 525-578 (54 pages).
9	No Lecture - Public Holiday	Forum (October 4) will proceed as normal.
10	International Criminal Justice: The International Criminal Court	October 9: Research papers due by 11:00 am at Wattle TurnitinFilm screening: Documentary: Prosecutor, Barry Stevens (Director) (2011).Beth A. Simmons and Allison Danner, “Credible Commitments and the International Criminal Court,” International Organization 64: 2 (2010), pp. 225-256 (30 pages).Matt Killingsworth, “20 years on, the International Criminal Court is doing more good than its critics claim,” The Conversation, 12 July 2022 (3 pages).
11	Environment: General Principles Environment: Ozone Layer Depletion and Global Warming	Forum ends.Sean D. Murphy, Principles of International Law, Third Edition (St. Paul: West Academic Publishing, 2018), Chapter 12, pp. 489-525 (36 pages).Thomas Hickmann, “Science-Policy Interaction in International Environmental Politics: An Analysis of the Ozone Regime and the Climate Regime,” Environmental Economics and Policy Studies 16: 1 (2014), pp. 21-44 (20 pages).
12	Conclusion and Exam Review	There is no forum in Week 12 due to the CASS's budgetary situation.October 30: Paper results and feedback returned via Wattle TurnitinTake-home final examination during the examination periodNovember 2: Take-home essay exam paper to be released at 2:30 pm via WattleNovember 9: Take-home essays due by 2:30 pm at Wattle Turnitin

Tutorial Registration

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.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Forum Participation	10 %	*	*	1,2,3,4
Research Question Proposal	10 %	21/08/2023	18/09/2023	1,2,3,4
Research Paper	40 %	09/10/2023	30/10/2023	1,2,3,4
Final Examination	40 %	09/11/2023	*	1,2,3,4

* 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

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)

A take-home essay final exam will be administered during the examination period. Specifically, the take-home essay exam paper will be released to you via Wattle (the “Assessments” section) at 2:30 pm, 2 November 2023, and your take-home essays will be due by 2:30 pm, 9 November 2023 at Wattle Turnitin. More details of the final exam will be announced during the semester.

Assessment Task 1

Forum Participation

Due date: Ten (10) forums will be run in weeks 2-11. Value: 10%

Forum participation marks will be based upon evidence of having done the assigned readings, evidence of having thought about the issues, contribution and participation in class and consideration and respect for other class members. Forum questions will be posted on Wattle in advance of each week to help guide thinking and the forum discussion. Please come prepared to share your own questions and thoughts about each week’s course materials, especially the readings, and to participate proactively in the exchange of ideas with your course convener and fellow students.

 

A roll will be called at each forum by the course convener. If you do not attend, it is not possible to gain participation marks. At the end of the semester, 1 point will be deducted from participation for each forum missed after the second (i.e. you can miss 2 forums without penalty). Accordingly, if you attend 6 forums total (missing 4), the maximum score you can get for participation is 8/10, given the 2-point deduction (and this assumes perfect participation for those forums you do attend).

 

Note that if you may arrive late in the forum session, it is your responsibility to double check whether your course convener has marked your presence.

Assessment Task 2

Research Question Proposal

Due date: Monday 21 August 2023, 11:00 am. Value: 10%

Word limit: 900 words of text in length, excluding footnotes (or endnotes), the references, tables, figures, appendices, and the cover sheet, if any, from the word count. Per ANU College of Arts & Social Sciences, an assignment must not deviate from the prescribed word limit either up or down by more than 10%. In other words, the acceptable word count for your paper is minimum 810 and maximum 990 words of text.

Details of task: You must write a research question proposal on a topic of your choice and relating to the themes of the course. In your research paper (your second assessment task), you will write about the causes of an international law phenomenon by making a theoretically-informed argument and supporting it with empirical evidence. Your research question proposal (your first assessment task) is designed to help you choose and finalise the research question for your research paper as early as possible, so that you can focus your efforts on the research paper (worth 40% of your final course grade).

 

To help you avoid basic mistakes, here are some requirements for your topic choice. (1) You must select a major multilateral treaty that currently exists. For instance, the Kyoto Protocol (in full, the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) is unacceptable for your paper since it no longer exists. (2) You cannot write about customary international law, so-called soft law (that is, non-binding international declarations, recommendations, and guidelines like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights), an intergovernmental organisation, or a nongovernmental organisation as your paper topic. However, you may analyse and discuss an intergovernmental or nongovernmental organisation in your paper if this political actor plays a key role in your story of an international law phenomenon. (3) You cannot write about the United States and the Paris Agreement (including the Glasgow Climate Pact) because of the ongoing controversy over its validity under the U.S. Constitution (see Week 5 lecture for more details). (4) You cannot write about a futuristic, predictive, philosophical, or ethical topic since it is not amenable to empirical testing (see Week 1 lecture for more details). (5) Because our course is in International Relations (IR) and political science, you cannot write what is commonly called a legal case analysis/note in the College of Law, that is, a textual analysis that primarily concentrates on the legal reasoning of conflicting parties and the ruling of an international judicial body (for example, the International Court of Justice) in an international legal dispute. In other words, you should write a theoretically-informed and evidence-based political science paper about the causes of an international law phenomenon.

 

Due to the Programs and Courses webpage's word limit, not all the information on Research Question Proposal I wish to offer for you can be displayed in this Class Summary. For the full information, you must see the Course Outline available in our course Wattle. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

 

Your research question proposal must include the following sections:

(1) An introduction

A clear, concise statement of the puzzle you are addressing. What is your research question in one interrogative sentence? Your research question should still contain (i) the name of the international treaty of your interest, (ii) the country and time period of your interest, and (iii) the specific aspect of the treaty phenomenon you focus on (that is, whether you focus on that country’s treaty negotiation position, signing, ratification, non-ratification, compliance, noncompliance, and/or withdrawal).

 

(2) A section describing the dependent variable (that is, the outcome to be explained) and justifying your case selection (that is, why you choose both the topic and your specific country case including the specific time period).

What are you trying to explain? Specifically, what international treaty, country, and time period are you trying to explain? Also, what aspect(s) of that treaty phenomenon are you focusing on? Are you focusing on that country’s treaty negotiation position, signing, ratification, non-ratification, compliance, noncompliance, and/or withdrawal? Or, a combination of these?

Why is your research question important? Also, why are you focusing on that particular international treaty, that particular aspect of the treaty, that particular country, and that particular time period? Remember that you are trying to convince the reader that this is a question worth asking (and answering).

 

Given the word limit, you are required to select only one specialised area of international law (for example, either human rights or the environment, but not both) and no more than two country cases: an in-depth analysis of a single country case is the most feasible and therefore recommended.

 

Please note that after the research question proposal, your topic choice is final and cannot be changed from what you proposed to answer in your proposal. (The only exception will be when a student chose a completely unacceptable and prohibited research question in one’s proposal. In this case, that student should have already made a failing grade on the research question proposal. In other words, you cannot change your topic choice because you change your mind.)

 

Grading criteria: Your research question proposal will be graded based on the following criteria:

(1) the quality of the argument;

(2) the overall quality of writing, including structure, spelling and grammar; and

the quality and appropriateness of the research, including proper attribution and referencing.

Assessment Task 3

Research Paper

Due date: Monday 9 October 2023, 11:00 am. Value: 40%

Word limit: 2,500 words of text in length, excluding footnotes (or endnotes), the references, tables, figures, appendices, and the cover sheet, if any, from the word count. Per ANU College of Arts & Social Sciences, an assignment must not deviate from the prescribed word limit either up or down by more than 10%. In other words, the acceptable word count for your paper is minimum 2,250 and maximum 2,750 words of text.

Details of task: You must write a research paper on the same research question that you proposed to answer in your Research Question Proposal, utilising IR theories of international law you have learned in our course and conducting a rigorous empirical case study as a theory application exercise.

 

Please note that (1) after the research question proposal, your topic choice is final and cannot be changed; (2) you must use and apply one of realist, liberal, or constructivist IR theories of international law (as will be covered in class) as your theoretical perspective; and (3) you must explicitly address the counter-arguments from the other two competing IR theories that you did not choose in (2).

 

Your research paper should include the following sections, which are based on the typical structure of a good political science journal article:

 

(1) An introduction

 What is your research question? Why is it important? What is your thesis in one sentence?

 

(2) A section on your theoretical explanation

 You need to have your own argument and it must be informed by one of the three IR theories of international law (that is, realism, liberalism, and constructivism). Specifically, what is your main argument? What existing literatures do you build on in developing your argument? What is your theoretical story in detail? For instance, you may want to address the following issues, although these are not prescriptive but suggestive or illustrative: who are the main political actors in your explanation?; are they primarily driven by material interests or identities and norms?; how do those actors cause the international law outcome of your interest?

 

For more advice on writing a good IR theory, please read Van Evera (1997, 7-27 (para. 2)) recommended for Week 1.

 

(3) A section on your empirical analysis and findings

The application of your theory to your empirical case. Please note that usually the best research papers have separate sections on theory and empirical analysis, rather than mixing them up.

 

Also, you must explicitly and effectively deal with the counter-arguments from the other two competing IR theories (that is, the two theories that you did not choose in section (2)), and defend why your preferred theory is still superior: You must address each of the two counter-arguments as part of your empirical analysis.

 

For more advice on testing your theory with an empirical case, please read Van Evera (1997, 27 (para. 3)-48) recommended for Week 1.

 

(4) A conclusion

Re-state your main argument. Also, explain why the reader should care about your findings. In the conclusion you may also briefly address policy or normative implications of your findings if you wish to.

 

The aim of this research paper is to demonstrate knowledge of the different IR theories of international law, and to connect these theories to a sophisticated empirical analysis of an international law phenomenon. In other words, you are writing about international law by making a theoretically-informed argument and supporting it with empirical evidence – this is the basis of a good research paper in the social science.

 

Due to the Programs and Courses webpage's word limit, not all the information on Research Paper I wish to offer for you can be displayed in this Class Summary. For the full information (for example, Submission Instructions), you must see the Course Outline available in our course Wattle. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

 

Grading criteria: Your research paper will be graded based on the following criteria:

(1) the quality of the argument including both your theory development and empirical analysis;

(2) the overall quality of writing, including structure, spelling and grammar; and

the quality and appropriateness of the research, including proper attribution and referencing.

Assessment Task 4

Final Examination

Start date: Thursday 2 November 2023, 2:30 pm. A take-home essay exam will be administered during the examination period. Specifically, the take-home essay exam paper will be released to you via Wattle (the “Assessments” section) at 2:30 pm, 2 November 2023. Please note that the start time of the final exam reflects the ANU Examinations Office’s instruction that the final examination should start at either 9:00 am or 2:30 pm.

 

Due date: Thursday 9 November 2023, 2:30 pm. Your course convener will not use Proctorio to administer the final exam. More details of the final exam will be announced during the semester.

 

Value: 40% of the final course grade

 

Grading Criteria:

(1) Your mastery of the course materials, including key theories and concepts;

(2) The quality of your argument; and

(3) The quality of your writing.

 

It is the College policy that all exams are blind marked and they are not returned to the students, nor are comments provided. You may contact the convener within 30 working days of the release of results to learn your specific exam mark, or to request an appeal. The structure of the final exam will be discussed during lecture.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

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

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.

Note that the ANU does not permit late submission or extension for take-home examinations.

Per ANU policy (specifically, Article 25 of Policy: Student assessment (coursework)), “Late submission of take home examinations is not permitted.”

Per ANU policy (specifically, Article 28 of Policy: Student assessment (coursework)), “Extensions of take home examinations are not permitted.”

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Assignments will be returned through the course Wattle site.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted 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.

Resubmission of Assignments

Online Submission: Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) a submission must be through Turnitin. Assignments are submitted using Turnitin in the course Wattle site. You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records.

Students may resubmit their assignments on Turnitin once before the due date if they are not happy with their text-matching report. Turnitin allows only one resubmission per 24 hours. There are no other conditions under which assignments may be resubmitted.  

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).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students