59309 Australian Society and Culture 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. In this subject, 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, and sporting events.
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 an aspect of Australian society
| Objective(s): | The purpose of this task is to present an aspect of Australian society/culture, in an oral report. In class |
| Weighting: | 30 marks |
| 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 supported delivery of content presentation (5/30): voice – appropriate volume, pace and intonation; eye contact; suitable body language organisation (5/30): introduction – clear topic focus and outline; material logically organised; clear transitions; effective conclusion expression (5/30): grammatical and lexical accuracy; clarity of meaning |
Assessment Item 2: Written report on an influential Australian person or group of peoples
| Objective(s): | The purpose of this task is to provide information on an influential individual or group of Australian peoples. The person/group should be selected from a minority group (Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders, migrants, refugees etc) |
| Weighting: | 30 marks |
| Length: | 1,000 words |
| Criteria: | Assessment criteria: content (15/30): all required areas covered; main ideas supported by evidence; all material relevant to topic; interesting content presentation (4/30): appropriate layout (title page, headings, size 12-13 font, 1.5 spacing, page numbers) organisation (6/30): introduction stated purpose and outline; material logically organised; use of linking words; effective conclusion expression (5/30): appropriate grammatical structures and lexical choice; no errors of spelling, punctuation or typing |
Assessment Item 3: Reflective Essay
| Objective(s): | The purpose of this task is to reflect on and evaluate your experiences in Australia, as a whole. You will write on this in the form of a reflective essay of 1000-1500 words. |
| Weighting: | 40 marks |
| Criteria: | content (18/40): effective and adequate main points; ideas supported by evidence; interesting content; evidence of reflection presentation (4/40): appropriate layout (title page, size 12 font, 1.5 spacing, page numbers) organisation (8/40): introduction included topic focus, thesis statement and outline; logical paragraphing; effective topic sentences, use of linking words; effective conclusion expression (10/40): appropriate grammatical structures and lexical choice; no errors of spelling, punctuation or typing |
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 .
Required texts
Students are provided with a variety of written and oral texts in class.
