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59308 Australian Society and Culture 1

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 Sciences
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Handbook description

This subject is designed for international students as part of a set of subjects in Australian language and culture. In these subjects, students are introduced to several aspects of Australian society and culture: the indigenous experience; aspects of rural and urban Australia; the history of migration; and the development of multiculturalism. Students explore these aspects through film, documentaries, literature, music, art, sport events, etc.

Subject objectives/outcomes

Students are provided with opportunities to interact with a variety of oral and written texts in order to develop the cultural understanding, skills, knowledge and confidence required to use English and to participate actively in a variety of academic and non-academic settings. Students will explore these aspects through a variety of media.

On successful completion of this subject students will be able to:

  • display knowledge of issues relevant to contemporary Australian society and culture
  • understand the broad social parameters and divisions of contemporary Australian society
  • demonstrate understanding of the cultural features of an Australian tertiary environment
  • show evidence of reflective and critical thinking.

Assessment

Assessment Item 1: Oral report on aspect of Australian society and culture

Weighting: 30 marks
Length: 10 minutes
Criteria:

content (15/30): all required areas covered; main ideas supported by evidence; all material relevant to topic; interesting content; timing within prescribed limit; PowerPoint or OHTs supporting delivery of content
organisation (5/30): introduction – clear topic focus and outline; material logically organised; clear transitions; effective conclusion
presentation (5/30): voice – appropriate volume, pace and intonation; eye contact; suitable body language
expression (5/30): grammatical and lexical accuracy; clarity of meaning

Assessment Item 2: Written report on an influential Australian person or group of peoples

Weighting: 40 marks
Length: 1200 words
Criteria:

content (20/40): all required areas covered; main ideas supported by evidence; all material relevant to topic; analysis of sources; interesting content
presentation (4/40): appropriate layout (title page, headings, size 12 font, 1.5 spacing, page numbers)
organisation (6/40): introduction stated purpose and outline; material logically organised; use of linking words; effective conclusion
expression (5/40): appropriate grammatical structures and lexical choice; no errors of spelling, punctuation or typing
referencing (5/40 marks): use of correct Harvard in-text referencing and reference list conventions

Assessment Item 3: Reflective essay

Weighting: 30 marks
Length: 1000 words
Criteria:

content (15/30): effective and adequate main points; ideas supported by evidence; interesting content; evidence of reflection
presentation (4/30): appropriate layout (title page, size 12 font, 1.5 spacing, page numbers)
organisation (6/30): introduction included topic focus, thesis statement and outline; logical paragraphing; effective topic sentences, use of linking words; effective conclusion
expression and referencing (5/30): appropriate grammatical structures and lexical choice; no errors of spelling, punctuation or typing; correct use of Harvard referencing conventions.

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 80% of the subject .