977910 In-country Study and Fieldwork Project 1
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 24 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 979010 Contemporary Society
Description
In-country study is designed to enable students to experience living and studying in another country and is guided by the principles of cultural immersion and reflection, inquiry-based learning and self-reliance. It fosters in students a capacity for critical reflection – in particular the ability to identify and question one's cultural assumptions, values and beliefs, and thus to acknowledge and empathise with the perspective of people from other cultures. Through experiential learning in a partner university, reflective and research assessments, the subject develops students' intercultural capabilities via critical reflection on host and home culture(s). It also scaffolds the learning and work investigating an aspect of contemporary relevance for the host society. Students work with an academic supervisor to devise an appropriate topic for their assessments, engage with relevant secondary sources to deepen their understanding and conduct small-scale investigations using a social science or humanities research methodology.
This subject is specific to students who failed to meet the requirements of the In-Country Study and Fieldwork Project 1 subject taken for their particular country of study and who are remaining in-country and re-attempting the failed subject.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| a. | Demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of the historical, political, cultural, social and/or economic situations of the host society. |
|---|---|
| b. | Develop oral and written communication skills in both English and the language(s) of the host society. |
| c. | Develop intercultural understanding by critically reflecting upon the behaviours and values in host and home cultures. |
| d. | Design and conduct independent, small-scale research in an international setting. |
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):
- Conduct independent research into contemporary societies and cultures. (INT.2.1)
- Evaluate research findings and creatively use research methods in International Studies. (INT.2.2)
- Reflect on and use knowledge of contemporary societies to engage with diverse cultures. (INT.3.1)
- Communicate effectively for everyday and/or professional purposes in an additional language. (INT.3.2)
- Value Indigenous knowledges and sovereignty in Australian and international settings. (INT.4.1)
- Develop capacity to engage with current issues and to act ethically in Australian and international settings. (INT.5.1)
- Communicate clearly and effectively in written and spoken English. (INT.6.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject builds on skills and knowledge gained in Language & Culture classes, Foundations in International Studies or Intercultural Communication and Contemporary Society subjects. Students complete one reflective and two research assignments under the guidance of a UTS academic supervisor in addition to an agreed-upon course of study at a UTS partner university. All aspects of the subject promote the development of international knowledges, understandings of cultural difference, interpersonal skills and ethical practices.
The reflective assessment, completed in the session at the host university, draws upon real exposure to and
experience with students’ host cultures. Students will reflect on preconceived ideas about the host society,
as well as the unchallenged assumptions they might have about culture(s). The research assessments in ICS 1 are scaffolded and build toward a topic of the student’s choosing.
Students are provided with general guidance on these assignments, including research design and ethics, through online resources and through ongoing conversations with their academic supervisor. The Modules on Canvas provide additional information, resources and advice for improving 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 online synchronous and asynchronous face to face supervision. Students should seek advice from their academic supervisor, especially in relation to the selection of the topic for their research assessments. Timely and detailed feedback, including on written communication, will support student learning as they progress through the assessments.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Host University Classes
| Objective(s): | a and b | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | Mandatory task that does not contribute to subject mark | ||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Cultural Report: First Impressions Revisited
| Objective(s): | a, b and c | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 30% | ||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 2,500 words (not less than 2,250 words and not longer than 2,750). | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 3: Literature Review
| Objective(s): | a, b, c and d | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 35% | ||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 2,500 words (not less than 2,250 words and not longer than 2,750). | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 4: Methodology
| Objective(s): | a, b, c and d | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 35% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 2500 words. For students electing the Virtual Landscape Tour: 1500 words plus the multimedia component. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Minimum requirements
Assessment Task 1: Host University Classes evaluates the experiential learning component of this subject. Students must therefore pass Assessment Task 1 and earn a total of 50 marks or more on the remaining assessment tasks. Students who fail Assessment Task 1 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.
Required texts
The assessment resources on Canvas contain 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
- Modules, which contain instructions and exemplar assignments
- PDF versions of all readings
- Writing guides
Students should be aware of the Policies and Procedures for Assessment of Coursework Subjects.
Recommended texts
See individual assessment tasks for recommended references.
References
See individual assessment tasks for references.