AIS304 - International Futures
Unit details
| Year | 2025 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 1: Cai Wilkinson |
| Prerequisite: | AIS204, AIR200 |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | Nil |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment: | 1 x 2-hour on-campus seminar per week |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment: | 1 x 2-hour online seminar per week |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150-hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site. |
Content
How can international studies help us navigate the challenges of a world increasingly defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA)? In this unit, students will explore this question via a range of scenarios and dilemmas in order to better understand the personal and professional implications of a VUCA world. The unit comprises three parts: in the first, we examine VUCA as a concept, drawing on scholarship from a range of disciplines including International Relations, Politics and Policy Studies, Anthropology, Humanitarian and Development Studies, Communication Studies and Leadership Studies. In the second, students will work in teams to respond to a variety of scenario-based tasks, supported by weekly briefings (lectures) and consultations (seminars) as well as online resources. Finally, we will undergo a debrief process, reflecting on the scenarios and tasks and also returning to the idea of VUCA and the relevance of international studies in responding to the challenges it presents.
Learning Outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Analyse the concept of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) and its implications for international futures | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO4 Critical thinking GLO8 Global citizenship |
| ULO2 | Apply and evaluate interdisciplinary approaches in addressing VUCA challenges | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication GLO4: Critical thinking |
| ULO3 | Collaborate effectively in teams to tackle scenario-based tasks | GLO5: Problem solving GLO6: Self-management GLO7: Teamwork |
| ULO4 | Reflect critically on the personal and professional implications of a VUCA world and the role of international studies | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication GLO4: Critical Thinking GLO8: Global citizenship |
These Unit Learning Outcomes are applicable for all teaching periods throughout the year.
Assessment
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Online Exercise | 1200 words | 30% | Ongoing |
| Assessment 2: Journal | 1600 words | 40% | Week 12 |
| Assessment 3: Team Presentation | 1200 words or equivalent per team member | 30% | End of unit assessment period |
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning resource
There is no prescribed text. Unit materials are provided via the unit site. This includes unit topic readings and references to further information.
Unit Fee Information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.