Master of International Crisis Management
Crisis Studies at Monash University • The Program • Core Units • Electives • Research Projects • Certificate/Diploma • Dates • ContactNotice Board
Unit Schedule for 2012
APG4657/APG5657 Beyond Conflict: Democracy, Electoral Management and Civil Society
5 – 9 March 2012 (Semester 1)
APG4655/APG5655 Theories of International Crisis Management
19 – 27 March 2012 (Semester 1)
APG4656/APG5656 International Crisis Management in Action
6 – 14 August 2012 (Semester 2)
The Master of International Crisis Management aims to develop the required knowledge, skills and competencies for responding to complex emergencies and post-crisis management. Crises created by both human and natural causes are covered.
It has been designed to meet the needs of professionals for academic training in the currently neglected field of complex crisis management, including the core issues of human security, conflict and natural disasters.
The course introduces students to the principles of multi-disciplinary crisis management through case studies, and stresses the importance of a people-centred approach and a sound understanding of relevant issues such as human rights, vulnerable groups and sustainability.
The specific role of technology and civilian and military responses are analysed by a team of world class scholars and experienced practitioners.
Aims
- To promote analysis of core principles in crisis management
- To provide comprehensive cross cultural perspectives
- To generate familiarity with field-based examples
- To develop critical research, analytical and writing skills for balanced assessments of strategies and policies
- To develop problem solving skills.
Careers with a future
Crisis Management is a complex field requiring a multi-disciplinary approach. Accordingly, this course has a flexible design that allows students to choose electives from a variety of disciplines.
There is a growing recognition for professional development in the field of complex crisis management. Organisations that respond to natural disaster, conflict and other emergencies include the United Nations, non-governmental and civil society organisations, volunteer groups, the security sector, government and donor institutions. Employment opportunities therefore exist in cross-sectoral approaches, emergency rosters, academia and policy development.
Crisis Studies at Monash University
The Master of International Crisis Management provides both a scholarly and practical approach to the theories, principles and frameworks of crisis management. The programme brings together action research and reflective practices and aims to deepen the understanding of international conventions, standards and best practice.
The Monash programme can lead you to a Masters of International Crisis Management in three semesters (full-time) or six semesters (part-time) and provide you with a range of potential career directions.
It is also tailored to the needs of mid-career employees wanting to develop their skills. The student intake typically represents a multi-disciplinary mix of expertise and experience. The workshop format of the course is designed to encourage students to share their experiences and knowledge.
Course code: 4051
CRICOS code: 069268B
The program
This Master program is a 72 point course taken as full-time study over 3 semesters, or part-time study over 6 semesters.
Central to the program are two compulsory core units worth 12 points each:
- APG4655/APG5655 Theories of International Crisis Management
- APG4656/APG5656 International Crisis Management in Action
The core units will be delivered intensively over 1.5 weeks each semester with face-to-face instruction followed by written work over the semester period.
In addition to these two units, students will normally complete the remaining 48 points of the degree with the equivalent of four 12 point electives or research projects.
The Master of International Crisis Management is designed to give you the flexibility to choose from different combinations of units from different disciplines across the faculties to meet your academic and professional requirements.
These options include:
Electives from within the Master of International Crisis Management
- APG4063/APG5063 Rebuilding Livelihoods
- APG4657/APG5657 Beyond Conflict: Democracy, Electoral Management and Civil Society
Professional development
Coursework units that are most relevant to you in a work place setting, chosen from a wide range of electives that total 48 points.
Research
- APG4658/APG5658 and APG4060 are 12 point research projects.
- APG5061 and APG5062 together are a 24 point research project.
In these research projects you will be working closely with a supervisor on a specialised project tailored to your interests.
Suggested Course Structure
Semester One (24 Points):
- Core Unit: APG4655/APG5655 Theories and Principles of International Crisis Management (12 Points)
- Elecitve (equivalent of 12 Points) or APG4658 Research Project (12 Points)
Semester Two (24 Points):
- Core Unit: APG4656/APG5656 International Crisis Management in Action (12 Points)
- APG4063 Rebuilding Livelihoods (12 Points) or APG5061 Master of International Crisis Management Research Project (12 Points)
Semester Three (24 Points):
- APG5657 Beyond Conflict: Democracy, Electoral Management and Civil Society (12 Points)
- Elective or APG5062 Master of International Crisis Management Research Project Research Project (12 Points)
Core units
The two compulsory units form the foundation of the Master of International Crisis Management. As such they provide essential understanding and tools needed to undertake research and towards professional development in the field of crisis management and disaster responses.
Students complete the following units:
Offered in the first semester, this is both a new and critical area of study and provides a multi-disciplinary approach to this new field reflecting the realities on the ground. The unit will be delivered by a range of experts representing the key components of complex crisis management and will provide a critical examination of theories, evidence-based studies and field-based experience.
This unit equips students with the knowledge, skills and competencies to understand the operational aspects of crisis management in complex emergencies and post-conflict situations.
Electives for the Master of International Crisis Management
The remaining 48 points are flexible; they can be filled with a mixture of:
- Electives from within the Master of International Crisis Management
- Coursework in your area of choice (consult with the coordinator for appropriate coursework)
- Supervised research projects (up to 24 points)
Coursework electives
Monash University offers a variety of possible units in disciplines relevant to the Master of International Crisis Management, including for example environmental studies, Business and Management, Media and Communication and so on.
It is impossible to list them all, and in some cases entry into these units from another area (from example into Law) requires the mediation of the Coordinator and demonstration of appropriate background on the part of the Student. This is why we strongly encourage prospective students to discuss interests and ideas with the coordinator in advance, so that an appropriate selection of electives may be tailored.
However, there is also a choice of regularly available electives that students will find useful as a basis for their study of crisis management. We list these below. Other electives are available from the Monash Handbook.
Electives provided by the Master of International Crisis Management course:
- APG4063/APG5063 Rebuilding Livelihoods
- APG4657/APG5657 Beyond Conflict: Democracy, Electoral Management and Civil Society
Electives from other areas of Monash University:
- APG4382/APG5382 Contemporary Issues in Asia
- APG4384/APG5385 Investigating Asia (provides training in research methodologies)
- APG4658/APG5658 International Crisis Management Research Project
- APG4898/APG5898 The European Union and the Developing World
- APG4435/APG5435 European Union: History, debates, politics
- APG4437/APG5437 Business, civil society and lobbying in the European Union
- APG4436/APG5436 Comparative regionalism
- APG4443/APG5443 European Union/Diplomacy and Trade Internship
Research Projects for the Master of International Crisis Management
You may also choose to do up to 24 points of your Master’s program in the form of 12-point research projects or policy papers.
These research units involve working with a supervisor to produce a small thesis (about 9000 words per 12 points) based on extensive research. They are particularly recommended for those who are keen to pursue an interest in a specific area, or who are considering transferring into a postgraduate degree by research, where entry is contingent on a demonstrated ability to conduct substantial research projects.
Certificate or Diploma
You may also exit the Program after one semester (24 credit points) and obtain a Graduate Certificate (but must have completed ONE compulsory unit), or after two semesters (48 credit points) and obtain a Graduate Diploma in International Crisis Management (but must have completed BOTH compulsory units). Students with a Distinction average interested in research may transfer to a Master by research or PhD program in consultation with the coordinator.
Course Delivery
The core units are presented over seven working days from Monday in Week 3 to Tuesday in Week 4. The delivery times and dates of electives vary and you will need to check this information in the course guide and Monash University handbook. The guide and the handbook are both revised annually.
Presenters
The course draws on wide-ranging experts and practitioners from the different sectors. The core units are a mix of guest lectures, workshops or short trainings and group sessions include field visits to NGOs and a site visit.
Unit Dates and Information
Contact Hours and Venue
33 hours of lecture/seminars in block mode including a seminar consisting of 10 min project presentations by each student. Lectures/seminars will take place at Monash Caulfield campus. There will also be field trips.
2012 Semester One
- APG4657/APG5657 Beyond Conflict: Democracy, Electoral Management and Civil Society (Elective Unit, 5 - 9 March 201)
This unit will survey a range of policy issues relevant to building and restoring democratic and electoral processes in post-conflict societies. The unit will provide a historical overview of the processes, international institutions and practice and debates including the liberal peace agenda. Field based case studies and evidence based best practice will be used in workshop formats to support lecture style presentations. This unit will be delivered in partnership with the Australian Electoral Commission. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (6 - 8 March) the classes will be held in the AEC offices in the City. The Australian Electoral Commission's International Services section will act as a professional partner in delivering this unit. The unit will include a field visit to the AEC offices and a workshop component that will draw on the extensive expertise of the AEC's international work, in particular its BRIDGE (Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections) curriculum.
This unit will survey a range of policy issues relevant to building and restoring democratic and electoral processes in post-conflict societies. It will provide a historical overview of the processes, international institutions, practices and debates that promote democracy. Most importantly the unit addresses a key component of the process of rebuilding and stabilisation in countries facing long term conflict by providing a legitimate space for social conflict in place of violent destructive conflict as well as building a system of governance.
2012 Semester Two
This unit surveys a range of action-oriented strategies relevant to complex crisis responses by the international community utilising guest lecturers from various fields including faculties, non-governmental organisations, emergency and security components. The unit provides a historical overview of international responses and interventions to natural disasters, conflict, and human security issues. Topics covered include Needs Assessments, Monitoring and Evaluation, SPHERE Minimum Standards, people-oriented strategies, building capacities, disaster mitigation and preparedness. Field based case studies are used to support seminars.
This unit provides a theoretical and practical overview of key issues in the rebuilding of household economies following a disaster, from short-term income protection during the acute phase of an emergency to longer-term livelihood planning for the recovery phase and beyond. A key framework for addressing poverty and vulnerability in both development and emergency contexts is the Sustainable Livelihoods approach, which will be covered in this innovative new online unit. The Sustainable Livelihoods approach is valuable in all steps of the emergency response cycle including in emergency preparedness, recovery, rehabilitation and exit strategies. The unit is suitable for people who would like to pursue a career working in development or crisis recovery.
Contact information
Sharmini Sherrard
Course Coordinator
sharmini.sherrard@monash.edu
Tel: +61 3 9903 5056