Special Topics in Strategy and Defence

6 unitsWinterIn Person

Strategic and Defence Studies Centre · ANU College of Asia and the Pacific

About this course

This course will be occasionally scheduled to offer one-off opportunities to study under visiting experts, or to showcase a new teaching area. Information on the particular topic offered under this course will be outlined in the ‘Other Information’ section, including topic title, the topic convenor, and an indication of workload and indicative assessment. The Special Topic is designed to showcase a new area of teaching for the Master of Strategy and Defence/Master of Strategic and Defence Studies and allow students to learn from visiting specialists at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre.

Learning outcomes

1Pursue a sustained, guided critical investigation and evaluation of a topic relevant to Strategy or Defence studies
2Systematically identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodology and/or evidence, analyse data using appropriate methods and tools, and draw appropriate evidence-based conclusions.
3Demonstrate understanding of the major issues in, and concepts associated with the special topic area;
4Evaluate and confidently apply these concepts;
5Critically evaluate approaches to the study of the special topic area;
6Demonstrate effective communication skills.

Assessment

Weights and hurdle requirements come straight from the imported ANU record.

Research Essay

Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4

50%

Short Assignment

Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4

40%

In-Class Participation

Learning outcomes 1, 3, 4

10%

Study expectations

Study information

This course comprises some 130 hours of activity over 12 weeks, both interactive/seminar based and independent research. The course comprises a maximum of 6000 words of assessment or the equivalent. Please note this is a general guide, averaged over the semester and the final hours ultimately depend on the individual's ability in reading and writing.

Texts and reading

Available on class summary

Course essentials

Academic year: 2026
Course subject: STST
Subject name: Strategic Studies
Academic career: PGRD
School: Strategic and Defence Studies Centre
College: ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
Convener: Dr John Blaxland
Delivery: In Person
Unit value: 6 units
EFTSL: 0.125
Last source update: Not listed

View the ANU course source

Fees

Domestic fee paying students: Domestic · 2026 · Course basis; $4,920
International fee paying students: International · 2026 · Course basis; $7,020
Student Contribution Band Code 14: Commonwealth supported · 2026; ANU contribution-band code 14

Areas and attributes

Areas of interest

Policy StudiesStrategic Studies