Units
International Perspectives
Unit code: QCF270
Contact hours: 4 hours per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit is designed to introduce students to a range of matters including economic, social, cultural, political and environmental, which impact on students as an individual and as a global citizen. It is intended to develop students ability to consider these matters in an analytical and informed way and to develop an action research learning approach to a broad range of international perspectives.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 13TP1 | Yes |
| 2013 13TP2 | Yes |
| 2013 13TP3 | 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
International students benefit greatly from consideration of a range of cultural, economic, environmental and political matters that impact on them as individuals and global citizens. These issues or challenges are intended to develop international students' cross-cultural awareness in an increasingly global society.
Aims
The aim of this unit is to introduce international students to an understanding of the complexities of globalisation and its effects on a range of different cultures. At the end of the unit students should have a solid understanding of the challenges facing the global community and be able to express their point of view in an informed manner.
Objectives
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
- Identify and describe a range of issues and concerns related to society, culture, politics, the environment, consumerism and the economy. (FGC1, FGC2)
- Consider, and analyse the significance of a range of viewpoints from a global, national and individual perspective. (FGC1, FGC2, FGC3)
- Select and analyse topics and issues for in-depth analysis of current developments, challenges and concerns. (FGC4, FGC5, FGC6)
- Develop interpersonal communication skills and an awareness of others' points of view in team learning situations. (FGC4, FGC5, FGC6)
- Present a selected viewpoint to inform, challenge and persuade others of its significance. (FGC4, FGC5, FGC6)
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
Weekly Topics
Weeks 1 - 2: Cultural Perspectives
- Globalisation - what does it mean to you?
- Cultural dimensions
- Multicultural societies
- Indigenous cultures
Week 3 - 4: Social Perspectives
- Attendance at referencing workshops (LLA)
- Families and youth
- Worldwide trends (work, family, leisure)
- International communication and global communication systems
- Media trends, social networking.
- Security and surveillance
Weeks 7 - 8: Environmental Perspectives
- Planet under pressure
- Global debates (regarding the environment)
- Sustainability
- Future scenarios and predictions
Weeks 9 - 10: Economic Perspectives
- Consumerism and the economy
- Social change and economic influences
- Measuring well being
Weeks 11 - 12: Political Perspectives
- Systems of government
- Equality and inequality (nationally and internationally)
- Human Rights - what are the challenges?
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The unit consists of 4 hours of class contact per week which include a combination of research, discussion groups, role plays and problem solving activities. A variety of resources will be used, which may include, videos, newspapers, and the world wide web.
In order to succeed in this subject, students are expected to attend all classes, to participate actively in class discussions, to complete all homework and submit work by the due dates and to complete all set assessment tasks.
Students participation in all sessions is mandatory.
Late Assignment Policy
Students will be penalised for the 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 Blackboard and will also be displayed in a schedule at Reception.
Exam Timetable
The exam timetable will be displayed on the Noticeboard on Level 3 by Week 11.
Assessment
Types of assessment
In this unit you will be assessed through formative and summative assessment.
Formative assessment items are used to provide feedback to students to assist with their progress and do not count towards final marks. This assessment could be done in class.
Summative assessment items count towards the final grade for this subject.
This unit may require students to submit their assessment items through SafeAssign.
Please refer to the Week 1 document for this unit.
Assessment name:
Short Response Test
Description:
Formative
Relates to objectives:
1, 2 & 5
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 4
Assessment name:
In Class Writing Task
Description:
Summative
Relates to objectives:
1, 2 & 5
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 8
Assessment name:
Seminar/Role Play
Description:
Summative.
Relates to objectives:
3,4 and 5
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group with Individual Component
Due date:
Week 12
Assessment name:
Final Exam
Description:
Summative
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3 and 5
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 14
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
References
The Course Materials Database for this unit contains reference and resource material.
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.
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
