992220 In-country Study and Fieldwork Project 1: China

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

UTS: International Studies: International Studies and Global Societies
Credit points: 16 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 99218 Intercultural Communication AND 976111 Contemporary China AND 32 credit points of completed study in spk(s): CBK90480 32cp Chinese 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:

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.