Assignment Policies and Procedures

Topics and submission dates

Assignment topics, submission dates and lecturers’ special requirements will be detailed in the specific course guides.

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Expectations

Remember that a necessary (but not necessarily sufficient) characteristic of a good piece of academic writing is that it be clearly structured (with an introduction and conclusion), that paragraphs are idea units, that the material you use is relevant to your answer (and that you demonstrate its relevance).

Students are encouraged to consult the Academic Skills and Learning Centre for assistance with essay writing technique, particularly if you are concerned about your writing skills. Also refer to the Macquarie Student Writer’s Friend: A Guide to Essay Writing. Two copies of this guide are available for loan from the GSIA library or copies can be purchased at The Co-op Bookshop.

Length

Essays should conform to the number of words specified by the relevant lecturer. Over-length essays will be penalised. Note that writing more words rarely, if ever, means a better essay.

References and Bibliography

Some lecturers will have a preferred system of referencing. If not specified, most will accept a recognised referencing system as long as it is used correctly and consistently. What is more important is that you acknowledge all your sources where required, and that you have a properly set out bibliography. An essay which is not properly referenced or which does not have a correctly set out bibliography is liable for penalty. You must also reference any Internet sources used. Please refer to a style guide such as the Macquarie Student Writer’s Friend if you are uncertain about referencing.

The bibliographic database program EndNote is widely used at ANU to facilitate the research and citation. The Information Literacy Program provides training and assistance with this and other computer programs and activities.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is considered an extremely serious offence which may result in failure of a subject and, therefore, exclusion from the program. Please make sure that you have read and understood the University policy guidelines on plagiarism. It is your responsibility to check your essay before submitting a hard-copy. Please review the information on Academic Honesty and Plagiarism if you have any questions.

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Submission of Essays/Assignments

• All essays/assignments should have a GSIA essay cover sheet attached and must be submitted via WebCT. Please read the following instructions regarding the use of WebCT.

• Essays will NOT be accepted via email. Please do NOT hand your essay to your lecturer, or directly to the Program Administrator.

• Students undertaking the Peace and Conflict Studies specialisation in Oslo may be required to submit both hard copy and by email – check with individual lecturers.

Extension of Assignment Deadlines

All requests for an extension of the due date of an assignment:

• Must always be addressed in writing (email preferred) to the relevant course lecturer.
• Must always be made in advance of the due date.
• Will only be granted in exceptional circumstances (such as medical grounds).
• Must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation.

All requests for an extension beyond the first day of the exam period (11 June in semester one and 5 November in semester two, 2009) must be addressed to the Director of Studies.

Penalties for Late Submissions

Where an extension has not been sought in advance of the due date, 1 point per day will be deducted from the essay mark (out of 100) without exception.
All assignments must be submitted before the date of the first day of the examination period in each semester. If all assignments are not submitted by this date, and no extension has been sought and granted, the Board of Studies may advise that candidature be terminated.

Return of Essays

All essays will be returned in class by the course lecturer. Please do not contact the Program Administrators concerning the mark you have received, return of essays or the timing of the return of essays. This is a matter that is best directed to course lecturers by email.

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Double-Marking of Essays

All essays which receive a grade of less than 70% are automatically double-marked as such a mark may have significant bearings on future prospects. MIA students wishing to transfer to the MAIR and undertake the thesis need an average of 70% as do MAIR students before they can proceed to the thesis. Likewise, GDIA students wishing to transfer into one of the Masters programs need an average of 70%. Double-marking of essays that fall below 70% also ensures equity in marking across all courses offered in the GSIA program.

Essays that have been double-marked will also be signed by the second examiner. Should you wish to request a re-marking, you should first discuss the matter with your lecturer. If necessary the matter will then go to the Director of Studies.