971104 In-country Study and Fieldwork Project 1: Italy

Description

The In-country Study and Fieldwork Project 1 is the first part of the Bachelor of International Studies Honours Stream. This subject is designed to enable students to live and study in another country and is guided by the principles of cultural immersion and reflection, inquiry-based learning and self-directed learning. It fosters in students a sophisticated capacity for critical reflection – in particular, the ability to identify and question one’s cultural assumptions, values and beliefs within broader contexts, and thus to acknowledge and empathise with the perspectives of people from diverse cultures. Furthermore, it equips students with the tools to develop advanced research skills, by scaffolding learning processes towards a major research project (to be completed in the second semester capstone) that investigates an issue of contemporary relevance for the host society.

During In-Country Study (ICS) at a UTS partner institution, students complete host university classes. In addition to this they design and complete reflective research assessments about the host society. During the period abroad, students are guided by an academic supervisor to devise an appropriate topic for a reflection and a project. To do this they draw on their host country experience, engage with relevant secondary sources to deepen their understanding and conduct a small-scale investigation employing social science or humanities research methods.