Unit Outline

We are all looking towards a tomorrow that we cannot predict. The Humanities helps us understand our past, influence our present, and imagine our future. Each year, this unit will tackle a vital cultural, environmental, and/or humanitarian topic from multiple perspectives. Students will work independently and together to engage critically and creatively with the topic, and to build their capacity to make connections between their research and contemporary issues.

In 2024 this unit will consider the theme of Extinction and Survival.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

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


1.	Critically reflect on contemporary issues in the Humanities from disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives
2.	Use a range of research strategies and methodologies to construct, manage and deliver independent research
3.	Demonstrate proficiency in effective communication using a range of media to disseminate knowledge

Alterations as a result of student feedback

This unit is now being taught in an intensive mode based on student feedback about balancing coursework with thesis research in 2021. Future iterations will be informed by your feedback.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Seminar participation	See the MyLO site for the due date	10 %	LO1, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Critical Reflection	See the MyLO site for the due date	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Negotiated Project	See the MyLO site for the due date	50 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Seminar participation

Task Description:

Seminar participation, 10%

Task Length:

ongoing

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate sophisticated comprehension of the seminar resources	LO1, LO3
2	Actively engage in seminar discussion	LO1, LO3

Assessment Task 2: Critical Reflection

Task Description:

Critical Reflection, 1500 words, 40%

Task Length:

1500 words

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identify and reflect critically on the significance of a contemporary issue in the Humanities	LO1, LO2
2	Critically review scholarship on a contemporary issue in the Humanities	LO2
3	Communicate effectively in written form using: a logical and appropriate structure, clear verbal expression, accurate written grammar, punctuation and spelling	LO3
4	Use academic referencing that conforms to the style appropriate to your academic discipline	LO2, LO3

Assessment Task 3: Negotiated Project

Task Description:

Negotiated Project, 3500 words, 50%

Task Length:

3500 words

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

50 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Design a research project that is feasible in terms of length, scope and aims; identifies a suitable research problem and question/s; demonstrates advanced research design and delivery skills	LO1, LO2
2	Show proficiency in conducting research using contemporary humanities research methods.	LO2
3	Communicate effectively in written form using: a logical and appropriate structure, clear verbal expression, accurate written grammar, punctuation and spelling	LO3
4	Use academic referencing that conforms to the style appropriate to your academic discipline	LO2, LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.