Subject details

At the completion of this subject, students will have:

  1. Identified a potential research area and developed a proposal to engage in this research
  2. undertaken independent learning and research throughout the study period
  3. worked with other students enrolled in the subject to offer critical yet constructive comments on the work of others considered in the workshop components of the subject
  4. analysed various sources in the light of a chosen research topic
  5. used a wide range of digital and written resources related to the chosen essay topic and appropriately acknowledge these resources
  6. produced a major Research Essay reporting on the research undertaken and providing a well-supported argument for the student's perspective
  7. engaged constructively in workshops related to the development of research skills

  • Topics

    • Identification of a research area
    • Formulation of a research question
    • Engaging in Research
    • Referencing
    • Formulating a Research Proposal
    • Presentation of a Research Proposal
    • Discussion on writing skills
    • Preparation of a Work in Progress Report
    • Submission of a draft essay and the incorporation of feedback

  • Study resources

    • Instructional Methods

      • Disscusion forum/Discussion Board
      • Online assignment submission
      • Standard Media

    • Online Materials

      • Audio-Video streaming
      • Online Assessment

Entry Requirements

Equivalent Subjects

You cannot enrol in this unit if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:

  • MAQ-POIX399
  • MAQ-PLT390

Others

POIX333 is a capstone subject and should be one of the last subject taken for a major in this field of study.

Special requirements

  • OtherDetails -
    • Broadband access

This subject was previously known as POIX399 Political Thought in Action.

Please note: This subject is available in Macquarie Semester 3. This is an intensive semester which spans only 9 weeks (including recess). Students are advised to enrol in only one or two subjects in Semester 3.

This subject is required for all students undertaking a politics major but is available to other students who have completed Level 1 and 2 Politics/International Relations subjects, and preferably 1 Level 3 subject. The subject builds on the diversity of earlier subjects in politics and international relations by requiring students to propose and develop a research project based on their prior study of politics and to produce a substantial piece of written work in response to that project under the guidance of an academic in the Department. Emphasis will be placed on the ability to provide reasoned arguments and to present findings in a way that would satisfy a critical audience. All students will be required to propose a viable research question and make both formal and informal written arguments in support of that proposal. They will engage in workshopping their ideas, contribute to the work of other students by engaging in constructive discussion, and formally report on their progress as they work through the research process.

  • Research Proposal (10%)
  • Progress report (20%)
  • Workshops and discussion (10%)
  • Research Essay (60%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

View textbooks

Related degrees

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Arts