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Australian Studies

Unit code: QCF200
Contact hours: 4
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs

The unit focuses on the background and cultural context of Australian issues that are common to the majority of people and texts students will encounter in their studies in Australia.

Availability
Semester Available
2013 13TP1 Yes
2013 13TP2 Yes
2013 13TP3 Yes
2013 6TP6 Yes

Sample subject outline - 13 Week Teaching Period - 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

An understanding and appreciation of contemporary Australian society is essential for international students wishing to progress to degree studies at an Australian university.

Aims

In this unit, students undertake a directed exploration of contemporary Australian society, with a focus on critical historical events, current issues and social and cultural norms. Students are encouraged to develop their own analyses of contemporary Australia with reference to various academic and non-academic sources as well as personal experience.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. understand as well as identify and critically engage with different views on social, historical, political and cultural events in Australia; (FGC 2, FGC 5).

  2. demonstrate basic information literacy in an Australian academic context; (FGC 3)

  3. demonstrate basic ability in independent research and in oral presentation skills; (FGC 1, FGC 3)

  4. work with others as part of a group; (FGC 4, FGC 5)

  5. reflect on their personal learning style and cultural values. (FGC 6)


Key: Foundation Graduate Capabilities
FGC 1: Effective communication in a variety of contexts and modes
FGC 2: Knowledge pertinent to a range of subject areas
FGC 3: Skills appropriate to a range of subject areas at the level of entry to the degree
FGC 4: Critical, creative and analytical thinking and effective problem solving for academic and real world contexts
FGC 5: The ability to work independently and collaboratively
FGC 6: Social and ethical responsibility

Content

  • Introduction to Australia (geography, demography)

  • Australian History

  • Indigenous Australia

  • Immigration and Multiculturalism

  • Australian Identities

  • Australian Government

  • Australian Law

  • Australia in a Global Context

    • Approaches to Teaching and Learning

    This unit has four contact hours per week and will involve teaching sessions, field trips to relevant venues such as the Art galleries and Parliament House (when time permits), discussions and debates. Outside scheduled class times, students will have access to tutors during consultation hours, by appointment and by email. Supplementary resources can be accessed via the QCF200 Blackboard site.

    Late Assignment Policy
    Penalties apply for late submission of assignments. Refer to the Foundation Course Guide for details.

    Review of Grades or Academic Rulings
    For rules on how to apply for a review of grade, refer to the Foundation Course Guide.

    Consultation
    The teacher will be available for consultation from Week 2. Times will be advised in class, on the Blackboard site and displayed in a schedule at Reception in the International College. Early consultation is strongly encouraged if difficulties are experienced.

    Exam Timetable
    The exam timetable will be displayed on the Noticeboard on Level 4 by Week 11 of the semester.

    Assessment

    Types of Assessment
    In this unit students will be assessed through formative and summative assessment.
    Formative assessment (FA) items are used to provide feedback to students to assist with their progress and do not count towards final result. This assessment may be done in class time.

    Summative assessment (SA) is any assessment item which is included in the calculation of your grade.

    This unit may require students to submit their assessment items through SafeAssign.
    Please refer to the Week 1 document for this unit.

    Assessment name: Leading Discussion
    Description: Formative.
    This task requires students to lead class discussions about current issues related to the weeks' topics.
    Relates to objectives: 1,2, 3.
    Internal or external: Internal
    Group or individual: Individual
    Due date: to be scheduled

    Assessment name: Research Assignment
    Description: Summative and Formative Assessment
    (a) Reference page (FA).
    (b) 500 word essay (SA - 20%).
    (c) Group oral presentation (SA - 30%).
    Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3.
    Weight: 50%
    Internal or external: Internal
    Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
    Due date: Week 4, 7 & 10

    Assessment name: Final Examination
    Description: Summative.
    The exam will consist of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing.
    Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3.
    Weight: 50%
    Internal or external: Internal
    Group or individual: Individual
    Due date: Week 13

    Academic Honesty

    QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

    A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

    Resource materials

    No prescribed texts for this unit.

    References
    Please refer to the Blackboard site for further information.

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    Risk assessment statement

    There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

    Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

    Last modified: 14-Mar-2013