University of Technology Sydney

971102 In-country Study and Fieldwork Project 1: France

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: International Studies: International Studies and Global Societies
Credit points: 16 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 99218 Intercultural Communication AND 976411 Contemporary France AND 32 credit points of completed study in spk(s): CBK90483 32 cp French Language and Culture
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

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.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

a. Critically analyse and synthesise knowledge of the historical, political, cultural, social and/or economic situations of the host society.
b. Articulate coherent, well-structured and appropriate spoken and written academic texts including oral skills in both English and the language(s) of the host society.
c. Develop intercultural understanding in a sophisticated manner by critically reflecting upon the behaviours and values in host and home cultures.
d. Design and execute an independent small-scale research project in an international setting by engaging in an advanced way with theory appropriate to the research topic and discipline.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (INT = International Studies CILOs):

  • Understand and employ effective strategies to operate within professional and everyday settings across diverse cultures in Australia and internationally. (INT.1.1)
  • Conduct a major independent applied research project using advanced theoretical and specialised knowledge into international aspects of contemporary societies and cultures. (INT.2.1)
  • Evaluate critically research findings and creatively use applied research methods to understand complex problems. (INT.2.2)
  • Understand and engage with cultural diversities in Australia and internationally. (INT.3.1)
  • Communicate effectively and appropriately in an additional language for everyday and professional purposes. (INT.3.2)
  • Acquire knowledge and skills of Indigenous Australian communication, engagement, research ethics and practices to work effectively with and for Indigenous Australians across a professional context. (INT.4.1)
  • Engage critically with current issues to act in socially responsible ways in Australian and international settings. (INT.5.1)
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in written and spoken language using diverse digital technologies. (INT.6.1)

Content (topics)

Content areas are unique to the specific student project.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Minimum Requirement Task: Host University Classes

Objective(s):

a and b

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Satisfactory completion of approved host university classes 100 a, b INT.1.1, INT.3.2, INT.6.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Assessment task 1: Critical Cultural Reflection

Objective(s):

a, b and c

Weight: 35%
Length:

2500 words

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Depth of engagement with host society 20 a, c INT.5.1
Depth of critical reflection on home and host societies. 50 a, c INT.3.1, INT.4.1
Coherence of organisation, clarity of expression and presentation 30 b INT.6.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Assessment task 2: Project Pilot Study

Objective(s):

a, b, c and d

Weight: 65%
Length:

3000 words (excluding references). For students electing the Virtual Landscape Tour method: 2000 words plus the multimedia component (excluding references).

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Relevance and manageability of research question 15 a, d INT.2.1
Appropriateness of research design and application of method 30 a, d INT.2.2, INT.3.1, INT.3.2
Attentiveness to principles of ethical research including First Peoples 10 a, c, d INT.1.1, INT.4.1, INT.5.1
Depth of critical analysis on findings 25 a, c, d INT.3.1
Coherence of organisation, clarity of expression and presentation 20 b INT.6.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

Students must pass the minimum requirement task - Host University Classes - the experiential learning component of the subject.,. Students who fail to satisfactorily complete the minimum requirement task will be awarded an X- Fail grade (unsatisfactory performance in a compulsory component of the subject) even if other assessment components have been completed successfully. Students must obtain at least 50 marks for all UTS assessment tasks to pass the subject overall.

Required texts

The Assessment Resources folder on UTS Canvas contains essential information and resources for completing your assessments. Among the resources you will find:

  • Comprehensive assessment briefs and rubrics that outline requirements and detailed marking criteria.
  • PDF version of all readings Writing guides
  • Exemplar assignments from past students

Students should be aware of the Policies and Procedures for Assessment of Coursework Subjects.

References

See individual assessment tasks on Canvas for references.