59307 Researching Australia 2
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular semester, 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.
UTS: International Studies: Arts and Social SciencesCredit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Handbook description
This subject is designed specifically for international students in the Australian Language and Culture program. The aim of the subject is to introduce students to a range of intercultural issues and to investigate the cultural features of Australian society through the application of various research methods. Students are asked to use information retrieval and interview techniques to investigate aspects of contemporary Australian society, and present their research both orally and in written report form.
Subject objectives/outcomes
Students are guided to develop their critical reflective skills to compare and contrast aspects of their culture of origin with aspects of Australian culture(s). The subject focuses on the cultural nature of beliefs and practices.
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- use research methods to investigate aspects of Australian culture
- develop English language skills and knowledge required for research
- further develop a critical approach to reading for research
- further develop discussion skills
- produce a final case study report on their research
- plan and maintain an effective study program which utilises university facilities.
Assessment
Assessment Item 1: Class participation
| Objective(s): | To develop communication & research skills. In class, UTS Online, homework |
| Weighting: | 10% |
Assessment Item 2: Listening/writing task,in groups
| Objective(s): | The purpose of this task is to develop listening, interviewing and analytical writing skills. In class |
| Weighting: | 25% |
| Criteria: | content (8/25): demonstrates understanding of talk, main points summarised. analysis (7/25): connects speaker’s experiences to general theories/ comments regarding the migration experience and aspects of culture. organisation (5/25): effective introduction, logical paragraphing, effective topic sentences, effective use of transition signals, effective conclusion. expression (5/25): grammar clearly conveys meaning. |
Assessment Item 3: Case study progress report
| Objective(s): | The purpose of this task is to clarify the focus of your case study. |
| Weighting: | 20% |
| Criteria: | content (10/20): clear statement of proposed research, evidence of research carried out so far, outline of future actions to be taken and/or problem areas identified. academic research (10/20): this will include discussion in detail of between 1 to 3 sources plus a list of at least 3-5 references. |
Assessment Item 4: Case study report
| Objective(s): | The purpose of this task is to investigate and document your findings relating to a migrant community in Australian society. |
| Weighting: | 45% |
| Length: | 2000 - 2500 words |
| Criteria: | content (20/45): addresses a suitable case, demonstrates ability to critically analyse information, demonstrates ability to perceive issues and implications of those issues, gives effective and adequate main points, discussion section provides evidence from wide reading and analysis to argue the main point/s of a unified thesis. organisation (15/45): introduction: sets the scene, establishes the perspectives that will be taken on the topic, establishes the purpose and scope of the report; methodology section shows ability to reflect on your learning; logical paragraphing; effective topic sentences; effective use of transition signals; conclusion draws main points together and discusses implications/significance of the issues raised. All these elements create a cohesive report on a process of substantial research. presentation (10/45): layout, format, referencing are done according to appropriate academic standards. Grammar sufficiently conveys meaning; there are minimal errors. |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, you must
- attempt, complete, and submit each assessment task,
- earn an overall total of 50 marks or more for the subject; and
- attend at least 80% of the subject
Indicative references
Belcher, D., & Connor, U. (Eds.) 2001 Reflections of multiliterate lives. Multilingual Matters, Clevedon,
Bond, M. (Ed.) 1997 Working at the interface of cultures: Eighteen lives in social science. Routledge, London and New York
Danquah, M. N. (Ed.) 2000 Becoming American. Personal essays by first generation immigrant women. Hyperion, New York,
Hage, G. & Couch, R. 1999 The future of Australian multiculturalism: Reflections on the twentieth anniversary of Jean Martin's The Migrant Presence. RIHSS, U of Sydney, Sydney
King, R., Connell, J., & White, P. (Eds.) 1995 Writing across worlds: Literature and migration. Routledge, London and New York,
Mori, K. 1997 Polite lies. On being a woman caught between cultures. Henry Holt, NY
Thurston, J. & Candlin, C. 1997 Exploring academic English: A workbook for student essay writing. NCELTR, Sydney
Vasta, E. & Castles, S. 1996 The teeth are smiling: The persistence of racism in multicultural Australia. Allen & Unwin, Sydney
Wajnryb, R. 1991 Other Voices. Nelson, Melbourne.
