977910 In-country Study and Fieldwork Project 1

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, 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.

Subject handbook information prior to 2021 is available in the Archives.

UTS: International Studies: International Studies and Global Societies
Credit points: 24 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 979010 Contemporary Society

Description

In-Country Study and Fieldwork Project (ICS & FP) 1 is the first part of the capstone in the Italy major in the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. It entails language learning and reflective and research assessments about aspects of the chosen culture or society. This subject is guided by the principles of 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 the perspectives of people from other cultures.

This subjects also scaffolds the learning and work toward a major project (to be completed in the second capstone subject) investigating an aspect of contemporary relevance for the aspects of the chosen culture or society. Students work with an academic supervisor to devise an appropriate topic for a project, engage with relevant secondary sources to deepen their understanding and conduct small-scale investigations using social science or humanities research methods.

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.	Communicate effectively in both English and the language(s) of the host society.
C.	Demonstrate 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 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 language learning strategy (this can be auditing classes at UTS, or if preferred enroling in a self-funded language course in Sydney) All aspects of the subject promote the development of international knowledges, understandings of cultural difference, interpersonal skills and ethical practices.

The reflective assessment, describes and analyses a specific aspect of Italian culture (issue, event, text), which sparks a reflection on the cultural differences between Italy and Australia. The research assessments in this subject are scaffolded and build toward a major project in ICS & FP 2 on 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 Academic Skills Modules provide instructional screencasts, annotated exemplars, advice from past students 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 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: Language Classes

Objective(s):	A and B
Weight:	Mandatory task that does not contribute to subject mark
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Satisfactory completion of approved host university classes 100 A, B INT.3.2 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Cultural Report

Objective(s):	A, B and C
Weight:	30%
Length:	2000 words
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Engagement with host society 20 A, C INT.5.1 Depth of critical reflection on host society 50 A, C INT.3.1 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: 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:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Relevance of topic choice and pertinence of scholarly literature 30 A, D INT.2.1 Depth of analysis of literature 40 A, C, D INT.2.2 Coherence of organisation, clarity of expression and presentation 30 B INT.6.1 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:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Relevance and manageability of research question/hypothesis 10 A, D INT.2.1 Appropriateness of research design and application of method 30 A, D INT.2.2 Attentiveness to principles of ethical research, including for First Peoples 10 A, C, D INT.4.1 Depth of critical reflection on findings 20 A, C, D INT.3.1 Coherence of organisation, clarity of expression and presentation 30 B INT.6.1 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 folder on UTS Online 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
• The ICS Academic Skill Modules, which contain instructional screencasts, advice from previous students and annotated exemplar assignments
• PDF versions of all readings
• Writing guides
• Examplar assignments from past students

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.