971103 In-country Study and Fieldwork Project 1: Germany
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.
Credit points: 16 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 99218 Intercultural Communication AND 976421 Contemporary Germany AND 32 credit points of completed study in spk(s): CBK90485 32 cp German 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)
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject brings together skills and knowledge gained in Language & Culture classes, Intercultural Communication and Contemporary Society subjects and International Research Methods. Students complete and execute independent reflective research assignments guided by a UTS academic supervisor alongside an agreed-upon course of study at a relevant UTS partner university. Each component of the subject is designed to enhance the development of international knowledges and deepen critical understandings of socio-cultural practices, research skills and ethical procedures.
A critical reflective assessment, completed early in the session at the host university, draws upon real exposure to and experience with students’ host and home cultures. A project pilot study builds research skills on a topic relevant to the host society. This study is informed by a social and cultural enquiry approach through direct engagement with the host society.
Students receive general guidance on these assignments, including research design and ethics, through online resources and through ongoing conversations with their academic supervisor. Canvas Modules provide guidelines, annotated exemplars, and exercises for improving one’s academic writing. Detailed assessment briefs and rubrics are also available online. Specific guidance and feedback from academic supervisors, the main pedagogical component of the subject, is provided via distance supervision and a virtual block teaching session. Students are encouraged to seek advice from their academic supervisor, particularly regarding the selection of the topic for their research assessment. Prompt and comprehensive feedback, including on written communication, aims to support student learning throughout their engagement with the subject.
Considering the distance-learning framework of this subject, students bear additional responsibilities, which include maintaining contact with UTS professional and academic staff and upholding UTS's representation in accordance with both the host university and UTS requirements. It is important to note that assessment deadlines and feedback are aligned with the university calendar of the host society, rather than the UTS academic calendar.
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: |
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: |
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: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
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.