Unit Outline

Practical interventions employing arts-based activities, including music, theatre, dance and visual arts, are increasingly being employed nationally and internationally to improve mood and well-being, physical activity and cognitive processing for people with dementia. Arts-based programs have also been shown to have some capacity to enhance communication of emotions and relationships with carers. This unit will explore the evidence-based research on the benefits that can be conferred through the stimulation of sensory perception, reminiscence and subconscious movement using music, theatre, dance and visual arts. These will be dealt with in three separate modules. Students will develop knowledge of model interventions employing music, theatre, dance and visual arts, and each module will also provide an introduction to key elements of successful program design and the range of activities that can be employed.

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	Describe the nature and purposes of a range of arts-based interventions currently used in Dementia Care
2	Analyse how arts-based interventions can contribute to well-being, mood and cognitive processing for those living with dementia
3	Use basic research skills and critical facility in evaluation of case studies and resources
4	Apply formal and informal communication skills and self-reflection to engage in informed debate and complete a range of writing and oral tasks

Alterations as a result of student 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:	Online quizzes	Week 6	15 %	LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 2:	Research assignment	Week 6	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Discussion contribution	Week 12	10 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 4:	Proposal	Week 13	50 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Online quizzes

Task Description:

Three multiple-choice quizzes based on unit learning materials and required readings, providing formative feedback on learning in each module.

These quizzes will be due in weeks 6, 9 and 12 as per your Unit Schedule

Task Length:

45 minutes (3 x 15 mins)

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Employ knowledge and understanding of current arts-based programs in dementia care	LO1
2	Demonstrate understanding of the contribution of arts to wellbeing, mood and cognitive processing in dementia	LO2

Assessment Task 2: Research assignment

Task Description:

This assignment will help you to become familiar with accessing databases and research resources, developing search strategies and formatting references. You will apply these skills to answer specific questions, and to write a short research report.

Task Length:

Approximately 500 words

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Employ academic, credible sources and analyse information to describe a range of arts-based programs for those living with dementia.	LO1, LO3, LO4
2	Demonstrate research skills by identifying and accessing books, journal articles and other research resources using online search engines and UTAS databases.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
3	Acknowledge research sources with referencing in APA style .	LO3
4	Communicate in clear, concise academic writing.	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Discussion contribution

Task Description:

Formal weekly peer discussion engaging with ideas and controversies, utilising some research and creative problem-solving.

Task Length:

Approximately 60 mins per week

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Contribute initiating posts and reply to peers in weekly discussions .	LO4
2	Advance debate and demonstrate relevant knowledge in discussions, expressing ideas clearly and respectfully.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
3	Show understanding of concepts, creativity, research skills and relevant contribution to scholarly discussion in selected post and reply messages	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 4: Proposal

Task Description:

Your proposal will explore recent programs/interventions in your chosen field of the arts being used in dementia care, analyse why they are successful, and then drawing on this research, you will design a written proposal for your own program with an accompanying video discussing key features and design. Passing this task is a hurdle requirement for this unit.

Task Length:

1500 words and video pitch (2-3 min duration)

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

50 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Describe a minimum of two programs/interventions using the same creative art(s) and analyse how aspects of music, visual arts, theatre, drama or dance can improve the mood, well-being and cognitive processing of those living with dementia.	LO1, LO2
2	Design and propose your own program/intervention outlining its objectives and methods.	LO2
3	Evaluate the techniques used, identify risks and expected outcomes of your proposed intervention based on relevant research.	LO3
4	Reference at least five relevant journal articles/books formatted in APA style	LO3
5	Communicate your ideas clearly and coherently in both academic writing observing the word limit and oral form in your presentation.	LO4

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.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

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.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

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.