Skip to menu Skip to content Skip to footer
Course profile

Strategic Studies (POLS7228)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Postgraduate Coursework
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Politic Sc & Internat Studies

This course examines the nature, uses and limits of military power as an instrument of political influence in contemporary world politics. Part one of the course introduces students to conceptual debates on the role of military power in the world today. In particular, we focus on debates concerning the supposed transformation of both 'security' and war, and the implications of these debates for the management of violence in the international system. Part two of the course then examines the role of military power, relative to other instruments of statecraft, in shaping international relations between states. We focus here especially on themes of Great Power rivalry, alliances and collective security regimes, nuclear weapons proliferation, and energy security. In part three of the course, we then examine the uses and limits of military power as a means of managing 'new' security challenges, focusing particularly on transnational terrorism and asymmetric conflicts. In part four , we conclude with an extensive reflection of the future of war and military power in world politics.

This course introduces students to a 'strategic studies' perspective on global security issues. Strategic studies constitutes that part of the security studies sub-field concentrating specifically on the role of military power as an instrument of political influence in world politics. Force and the threat of force remain regrettable constants in world politics, and the global security landscape cannot be properly understood without a thorough awareness of the myriad ways diverse state and non-state actors employ military power in the furtherance of their political goals. At the same time, in confronting global security challenges, political leaders are frequently confronted with the insufficiency or unsuitability of military power as a means to mitigate these threats. Upon completion of this course, students will be equipped with a comprehensive understanding of military power's evolving importance as an instrument of statecraft, as well as an enhanced ability to apply a strategic studies perspective to contemporary debates on global security.

Course requirements

Assumed background

There are no official prerequisites for this course. However, POLS7211 International Security ᅠconstitutes an ideal complementary course, which if taken in conjunction with POLS7228 will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the 'security studies' sub-field. ᅠ

Recommended prerequisites

We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:

POLS7211

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

The teaching program will consist of twelve one hour lectures, followed immediately by twelve one hour seminars, commencing from Teaching Week 1.ᅠ

Aims and outcomes

  • Develop a 'strategic studies' sensibility and ability to apply this perspective to the study of global security issues.
  • Understand the uses and limits of military power as an instrument of political influence in world politics.
  • Develop an understanding of the diverse functions of military power (e.g. assurance, deterrence and compellence) beyond war-fighting.
  • Develop an understanding of the complex relationship between military power and other instruments of influence (e.g. diplomacy) in actors' pursuit of their international political goals.
  • Acquire an understanding of different theoretical approaches to the study of the causes of war and develop an ability to apply insights from these to the study of global security issues.
  • Encourage the development of writing and verbal skills through analysis of issues and problems relating to strategic studies and the use of force in world politics.
  • Develop an ability to critically assess a range of academic and other sources pertaining to strategic studies.ᅠ

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Demonstrate broad knowledge relating to international relations and strategic studies issues

LO2.

Evaluate the strength of particular theoretical approaches to strategic studies

LO3.

Assess different perspectives and approaches to the use and limits of military power as an instrument of influence in world politics

LO4.

Apply your knowledge of key issues for a better understanding of current affairs

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Participation/ Student contribution Seminar Participation
  • In-person
10%

Seminar 1 25/07/2024 - 25/07/2024

Seminar 2 1/08/2024 - 1/08/2024

Seminar 3 8/08/2024 - 8/08/2024

Seminar 4 15/08/2024 - 15/08/2024

Seminar 5 22/08/2024 - 22/08/2024

Seminar 6 29/08/2024 - 29/08/2024

Seminar 7 5/09/2024 - 5/09/2024

Seminar 8 12/09/2024 - 12/09/2024

Seminar 9 19/09/2024 - 19/09/2024

Seminar 10 3/10/2024 - 3/10/2024

Seminar 11 10/10/2024 - 10/10/2024

Seminar 12 24/10/2024 - 24/10/2024

Essay/ Critique Short essay 1200 words 20%

16/08/2024 5:00 pm

Essay/ Critique First major essay 2400 words 35%

16/09/2024 5:00 pm

Essay/ Critique Second Major Essay 2400 words 35%

25/10/2024 5:00 pm

Assessment details

Seminar Participation

  • In-person
Mode
Oral
Category
Participation/ Student contribution
Weight
10%
Due date

Seminar 1 25/07/2024 - 25/07/2024

Seminar 2 1/08/2024 - 1/08/2024

Seminar 3 8/08/2024 - 8/08/2024

Seminar 4 15/08/2024 - 15/08/2024

Seminar 5 22/08/2024 - 22/08/2024

Seminar 6 29/08/2024 - 29/08/2024

Seminar 7 5/09/2024 - 5/09/2024

Seminar 8 12/09/2024 - 12/09/2024

Seminar 9 19/09/2024 - 19/09/2024

Seminar 10 3/10/2024 - 3/10/2024

Seminar 11 10/10/2024 - 10/10/2024

Seminar 12 24/10/2024 - 24/10/2024

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Seminar participation forms a crucial component of this course. As such, ten percent of your grade is attached to this assessment activity. Participation is not about making the most insightful comments or getting answers to questions right. It is about airing ideas, asking questions, and contributing to a productive classroom discussion, befitting of postgraduate study. This part of the assessment is a great opportunity for you to boost your overall grade, as students who attend all classes and always chip in with some ideas or thoughts will get full marks. If you attend all classes but never say anything, you will receive no points for this item of assessment. Conversely, if you attend all classes and always contribute, you will get the full 10 percent. The course coordinator and tutor will keep a record of who contributes. 

As there are 12 seminars but only 10 points awarded in total for seminar participation, students can miss two seminars without penalty. 

Students who are unwell or have extenuating circumstances for non-attendance can email the Course Coordinator Dr Andrew Phillips (andrew.phillips@uq.edu.au) with medical or other documentation. Make up work will be assigned in lieu by the Course Coordinator for students to be assigned marks when they cannot attend.

PLEASE NOTE: Students who cannot regularly attend the 4-5:50pm Thursday time slot should reconsider their enrolment in this class.

Assessment tasks are intended to evaluate a student’s abilities, skills, and knowledge. Unless explicitly stated otherwise in the assessment instructions, assessments are to be completed without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT). Failure to comply with this direction may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. 

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Short essay 1200 words

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
20%
Due date

16/08/2024 5:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Students will be asked to address a short essay question engaging core themes covered in the first two weeks of the teaching semester. The essay question will be available via Blackboard on the first day of the semester.

Assessment tasks are intended to evaluate a student’s abilities, skills, and knowledge. Unless explicitly stated otherwise in the assessment instructions, assessments are to be completed without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT). Failure to comply with this direction may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. 

Submission guidelines

The essay must be submitted via TURNITIN on the POLS7228 Blackboard site. TURNITIN cross checks tutorial and essay papers submitted in the course and with those submitted in POLS7228 in previous semesters. Instances of suspected plagiarism are required to be forwarded to the School's Integrity Officer.

In uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.

When you successfully submit your assessment to Turnitin after previewing the uploaded document (to make sure that you have chosen the correct file), you should see the “Submission Complete!” message. After this, a downloadable Digital Receipt will display on your Assignment Dashboard. It is your responsibility to download the Digital Receipt as proof of submission. Turnitin will not send this receipt to you automatically.

If you don’t see the downloadable receipt on your assignment dashboard, you should regard your submission as unsuccessful.

If the submission was not successful:

  1. Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
  2. Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
  3. If you cannot submit again, then email your course coordinator immediately.
Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Unless an extension is granted, penalties for late submission apply. Students are penalised 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item for every calendar day that an assessment item is late.

Marks will be deducted each day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point the submitted item will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is triggered from the time the submission is due.

First major essay 2400 words

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
35%
Due date

16/09/2024 5:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Students will select one topic from a list of research essay questions that will be released in the early weeks of the semester via Blackboard. The essay should be 2400 words long, with a plus or minus 10 percent margin. Any essays longer will suffer a 10% reduction in the total possible grade. 

Assessment tasks are intended to evaluate a student’s abilities, skills, and knowledge. Unless explicitly stated otherwise in the assessment instructions, assessments are to be completed without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT). Failure to comply with this direction may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. 

Submission guidelines

The essay must be submitted via TURNITIN on the POLS7228 Blackboard site. TURNITIN cross checks tutorial and essay papers submitted in the course and with those submitted in POLS7228 in previous semesters. Instances of suspected plagiarism are required to be forwarded to the School's Integrity Officer.

In uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.

When you successfully submit your assessment to Turnitin after previewing the uploaded document (to make sure that you have chosen the correct file), you should see the “Submission Complete!” message. After this, a downloadable Digital Receipt will display on your Assignment Dashboard. It is your responsibility to download the Digital Receipt as proof of submission. Turnitin will not send this receipt to you automatically.

If you don’t see the downloadable receipt on your assignment dashboard, you should regard your submission as unsuccessful.

If the submission was not successful:

  1. Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
  2. Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
  3. If you cannot submit again, then email your course coordinator immediately.
Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Unless an extension is granted, penalties for late submission apply. Students are penalised 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item for every calendar day that an assessment item is late.

Marks will be deducted each day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point the submitted item will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is triggered from the time the submission is due.

Second Major Essay 2400 words

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique
Weight
35%
Due date

25/10/2024 5:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Students will select one topic from a list of research essay questions that will be released towards the middle of the semester via Blackboard. The essay should be 2400 words long, with a plus or minus 10 percent margin. Any essays longer will suffer a 10% reduction in the total possible grade.

Assessment tasks are intended to evaluate a student’s abilities, skills, and knowledge. Unless explicitly stated otherwise in the assessment instructions, assessments are to be completed without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT). Failure to comply with this direction may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. 

Submission guidelines

The essay must be submitted via TURNITIN on the POLS7228 Blackboard site. TURNITIN cross checks tutorial and essay papers submitted in the course and with those submitted in POLS7228 in previous semesters. Instances of suspected plagiarism are required to be forwarded to the School's Integrity Officer.

In uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.

When you successfully submit your assessment to Turnitin after previewing the uploaded document (to make sure that you have chosen the correct file), you should see the “Submission Complete!” message. After this, a downloadable Digital Receipt will display on your Assignment Dashboard. It is your responsibility to download the Digital Receipt as proof of submission. Turnitin will not send this receipt to you automatically.

If you don’t see the downloadable receipt on your assignment dashboard, you should regard your submission as unsuccessful.

If the submission was not successful:

  1. Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
  2. Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
  3. If you cannot submit again, then email your course coordinator immediately.
Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Unless an extension is granted, penalties for late submission apply. Students are penalised 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item for every calendar day that an assessment item is late.

Marks will be deducted each day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point the submitted item will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is triggered from the time the submission is due.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Description
1 (Low Fail)

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student does not address the question, shows no evidence of reading and minimal comprehension of the issues at hand.

2 (Fail)

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student addresses the question poorly and shows very little evidence of reading.

3 (Marginal Fail)

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: The student makes an effort to establish a single major argument for the essay and employs some research which is correlated with the argument. Makes a visible effort to achieve adequate grammar, spelling and punctuation. Evidence of attempting a recognizable narrative flow appears throughout assignment. The student addresses the question and shows evidence of required research and a basic grasp of the issues at hand. However, falls short of satisfying basic requirements for a Pass.

4 (Pass)

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student makes a reasonable effort to provide evidence to support a visible argument and employs an adequate research base to support the argument. Achieves a reasonable, if not completely coherent standard of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. A recognisable narrative flow is sustained throughout the essay. The student answers the question and shows evidence of adequate research and a degree of understanding of the issues at hand.

5 (Credit)

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student provides suitable evidence to support an argument and employs a comprehensive research base that directly relates to the topic, though it may not completely support the argument. Achieves decent levels of competence in grammar, spelling, punctuation and narrative flow. The student answers the question in a direct, well supported fashion and shows evidence of some wide reading and a reasonable understanding of the issues at hand.

6 (Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student demonstrates a very good grasp of the chosen topic and provides a considerable amount of evidence to support a clearly stated argument. The student employs a reasonably extensive and well-organised research base to structure evidence in support of the argument and achieves a high level of competence in grammar, spelling, punctuation and narrative flow. The student answers the question in a direct, reasonably sophisticated fashion, employs wide research and shows a sound understanding of the issues at hand.

7 (High Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student demonstrates a highly sophisticated grasp of the topic and succeeds in addressing the question by providing a high level of evidence to support a clearly stated argument. The student employs an extensive and well organised research base to structure evidence in support of the argument and achieves impeccable levels of grammar, spelling, punctuation and narrative flow. The student answers the question in a direct and elegant fashion, employs significant research and shows a deep understanding of the issues at hand.

Additional course grading information

Grades will be awarded on the following basis:ᅠ

1.ᅠFailᅠ 1 - 19%ᅠ
2. Failᅠ 20 - 44%ᅠ
3. Failᅠ 45 – 49%ᅠ
4. Passᅠ 50 - 64 %ᅠ
5. Creditᅠ 65 - 74 %ᅠ
6. Distinctionᅠ 75 - 84 %ᅠ
7. High Distinctionᅠ 85 - 100 %ᅠ

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

Word Length Penalty

Unless otherwise indicated, in the case of written submissions with a specified word count, you are given a +10% leeway on the upper word limit. If your written submission is over this leeway limit, it will attract a 10 percentage point penalty. For example, if your essay is 1,500 words, you may write up to 1,650 before attracting a word count penalty. If your essay exceeds the upper word limit, it will attract a 10% word count penalty. Therefore, if your essay is worth 40 marks, you will lose 4 marks from your allotted grade. Unless specified, penalties only apply to exceeding the word length, not for failure to write a sufficient amount.

Students should note:

• The Author-date in-text referencing system will count toward the word length;

• References in the Footnote referencing system will not count toward the word length. If you are using footnotes, any content included in footnotes beyond the specific text reference will count towards the word length.

Marking Criteria/Rubric

Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Essay Guide

The School of Political Science and International Studies Essay Guide can be downloaded from the School’s Student Support webpage.

The Guide sets out guidelines you should follow in preparing written assignments. 

Essay Writing Assistance

The School of Political Science and International Studies schedules regular “drop-in” sessions designed to provide one-on-one advice and assistance in essay planning and writing.

There is no need to make an appointment and you are encouraged to bring your essay with you.

The day and time of these sessions will be finalized at the beginning of each semester and published on the Student Support webpage.

Student Services

Student services offer a variety of short courses during the semester which will help you improve your study, research and writing skills and thus your academic performance in this course.

Library Resources

UQ Library offers training in software, assignment writing, research skills, and publishing and research management.

The University’s library holdings for Political Science and International Studies are primarily located in the Central Library.

There is a help desk in the Library. Students are also welcome to contact the BEL/HASS Librarians for assistance.

Email: librarians@library.uq.edu.au

Book a Librarian Appointment (BEL/HASS faculties)

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Filter activity type by

Please select
Clear filters
Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

Seminar

Week 1: Introduction - What is Strategic Studies?

This seminar will introduce the scope of the course, teaching methods and assessment. Substantively, we will discuss the meaning of 'strategy' and the distinctiveness of a 'strategic studies' approach to studying global security issues.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 2

(29 Jul - 04 Aug)

Seminar

Week 2: Force, Strategy, Influence and War

This seminar considers the question: what are the uses and limits of military power as a means of political influence in world politics? We consider the varied nature of military power as a political resource, and evaluate when, where and under what circumstances it can be deployed to advance agents' political goals.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 3

(05 Aug - 11 Aug)

Seminar

Week 3: US Grand Strategy and International Order

This seminar considers the legacy of the Trump revolution on US grand strategy, and its potential impact on the liberal international order that the US has previously sponsored as the centrepiece of its grand strategy since 1945. Prospective strategic implications of US global retrenchment will form a key focus of discussion.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 4

(12 Aug - 18 Aug)

Seminar

Week 4: Chinese Grand Strategy

This seminar considers the evolving grand strategy of China - a rising superpower and potential hegemonic successor to the United States. China's economic statecraft will form a focal point of discussion.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 5

(19 Aug - 25 Aug)

Seminar

Week 5: Australia and Grand Strategy

In this seminar, we consider the challenges that Australia faces in formulating and implementing a grand strategy in a more contested and uncertain Indo-Pacific strategic environment. The management of the ANZUS alliance will form a focal point of discussion.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 6

(26 Aug - 01 Sep)

Seminar

Week 6: Power Politics in Maritime Asia

In this seminar, we consider power politics in the maritime domain of the Indo-Pacific. We consider the present nature of the US-dominated Asian security order, the evolving regional military balance, and the ways in which Great Powers are now contesting that order. We also consider the distinctiveness of strategic rivalry in a maritime context, and the scope for managing regional power transitions short of armed conflict. The longrunning Taiwan Straits dispute will form a focal point of discussion.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 7

(02 Sep - 08 Sep)

Seminar

Week 7: Nuclear Deterrence and Assurance in Asia

This week we focus on the raft of challenges now undermining the global nuclear non-proliferation order. In particular, we focus on the increasingly complex US-China deterrence relationship. We also consider America's increasingly strained extended nuclear assurance relations with key Asian allies, and the prospective longevity of the US nuclear security umbrella in Northeast Asia.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 8

(09 Sep - 15 Sep)

Seminar

Week 8: Power Politics and the war in Ukraine

This week we continue our investigation of power politics in the current global order. We shift our focus from Asia to Europe, considering Great Power rivalry and the ongoing order transition in Eastern Europe and in post-Soviet Eurasia. The ongoing war in Ukraine will be our primary focus of attention.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 9

(16 Sep - 22 Sep)

Seminar

Week 9: 'Grey Area' Conflicts and Information Warfare

This week we consider the strategic challenges that 'grey area' conflicts pose to international peace and security. The use of information warfare as a means of corroding the adversary's cohesion and resolve will form a particular focus of discussion.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Mid Sem break

(23 Sep - 29 Sep)

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

Mid-Semester Break

Mid-semester break - no classes.

Week 10

(30 Sep - 06 Oct)

Seminar

Week 10: Asymmetric Warfare

This week we consider the challenges of asymmetric warfare. Asymmetric conflicts are characterised by significant disparities in adversaries' conventional military capabilities, and a resulting resort to asymmetric tactics (e.g. guerrilla warfare, terrorism, rebel state-building) by insurgents as they seek to overthrow counterinsurgents and establish a new political order. A range of contemporary case studies will inform our discussion.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 11

(07 Oct - 13 Oct)

Seminar

Week 11: Emerging Technologies and Strategic Competition

This week we will examine the impact of emerging technologies on contemporary Great Power strategic competition. The legal and ethical as well as the strategic implications of emerging technologies on global order will also be considered.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 12

(14 Oct - 20 Oct)

No student involvement (Breaks, information)

Independent Study

Independent study - no classes.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Week 13

(21 Oct - 27 Oct)

Seminar

Week 13: Strategy and the Future(s)of War

We conclude the course by considering the key security challenges that are likely to define world politics in the coming decades. Revisiting the course's central theme, we will use this opportunity to reflect on the likely future relevance of military power as an instrument of political influence in world politics. Is war obsolete, enduring or in the process of transformation? Equally, how might transformative pressures (e.g. accelerating climate change, the rise of disruptive technologies, the resurgence of non-Western Great Powers) impact on the relationship between military power and political influence in the emerging global order?

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.