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Course Outline

SCS300 Social Sciences and Humanities Project

Course Coordinator:Marcus Bussey (mbussey@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2023Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

 Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

In this course you will undertake a research project in order to develop, refine and showcase your knowledge and command of disciplinary expertise. This project will enable you to develop skills of project development, management, coordination and delivery. This course allows you to demonstrate professional skills, academic expertise, and critical practice in a research project that represents the culmination of your learning in your program or major.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Independent Study/Research – Independent study (mixture of reading/reflection/study/project/consultation to be to be negotiated with course coordinator) 3hrs Week 1 13 times
Online
Online – Independent study (mixture of reading/reflection/study/project/consultation to be to be negotiated with course coordinator) 3hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

Criminology and Justice; 

Geography;

History;

International Studies;

Philosophy and Theory;

Sociology;

Sustainability - Enviroment and Society.

What level is this course?

300 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Apply design/creative/critical project development and management skills to your chosen research Empowered
Engaged
Sustainability-focussed
2 Critically evaluate and use problem-solving strategies to address a problem. Creative and critical thinker
Engaged
Sustainability-focussed
3 Manage and produce work for academic/research/industry/community applications. Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Engaged
4 Communicate knowledge, concepts and ideas to various audiences and stakeholders. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Engaged
5 Demonstrate professional ethics and professional responsibly and conduct. Empowered
Ethical

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

192 units

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Completed pre-placement activities stipulated by the Course Coordinator.

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Students will receive regular consultancy and feedback on all tasks. Group work and collaboration will also be supported through mentoring and modelling.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Plan Individual 20% 
1000 words
 Week 4 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Literature Review (or component) Individual 30% 
1500 words
 Week 9 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Oral and Written Piece Individual 50% 
Presentation is 10 minutes
Essay/Artefact: 3000 words or as negotiated with supervisor
 Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Project Plan
Goal: 
In order to introduce you to the research framework required for this course this task is designed for you to demonstrate your research planning. You will define your research question(s), draft an outline of your research project that makes the case for the project and outlines how it will be implemented and communicated.
Product: Plan
Format: 
Develop a project plan. 
The project outline lays out the conceptual framework for the project and describes how the project is to be implemented and reported on.
The project plan must also include a schedule for completion and a summary of how tasks and time will be managed. 
The plan should be submitted in a written format via Canvas.
The format can be negotiated with your project supervisor.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Identification of a relevant problem or opportunity and conceptualisation of a creative and feasible solution or response
 1 2
2 
Clear expression of research questions and goals
 1 2 3
3 
Comprehension of the theoretical and discipline specific skills needed to execute the project
 3 4 5
4 
Level of detail and achievability of proposed schedule and project management
 1 2 5
All - Assessment Task 2:Literature Review
Goal: 
The Social Sciences/Humanities Project is where you demonstrate disciplinary mastery. Key to this mastery is your ability to produce a conceptually clear literature review which summarises key theory, concepts and also significant contributions to your field. The goal of this task is to produce such a review of the field, link the review to your research questions and indicate how your final submission (Task 3) will contribute to the field of your research.
Product: Literature Review (or component)
Format: 
The Literature Review should use sub-headings to organise your material.
It is likely to also form part of your final submission.
It can use relevant software such as Concept mapping tools like Miro Board or similar or freehand mind-mapping
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
The conceptual coherence of your literature review
 1 2 4
2 
Critical reflection on reviewed material in light of research questions
 2 4 5
3 
The accuracy and relevance of your reviewed material
 4
4 
Your appreciation of the theoretical issues that shape scholarly interpretation and analysis
 1 2 3 4
5 
Your ability to write clearly, accurately and to the set word count
 4 5
6 
Correct Referencing
 5
All - Assessment Task 3:Social Sciences/Humanities essay/artefact
Goal: 
The goal of this task is to present your final essay/artefact and demonstrate discipline specific expertise.
Product: Oral and Written Piece
Format: 
The format of your presentation will depend on your project and must be negotiated with your project supervisor. You will present your project's key findings to a designated 'audience/client'. You will use appropriate professional presentation tools and should demonstrate effective communication with your audience. Your presentation will include a project title, and identify the key findings/implications of the essay/artefact. Weighting is 10% presentation and 40% final essay/artefact.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Application of discipline specific skills to develop an effective project that addresses a problem or opportunity
 1 2 3 4 5
2 
Quality and creativity of thinking, communication and practice
 2 4
3 
Extent to which project’s presentation engages the substance of the essay/artefact.
 1 3
4 
Your ability to communicate intent, information and argument in a concise and structured
manner
 3 4 5
5 
Your ability to write clearly, accurately and to the set word count
 2 4 5
6 
Correct referencing
 5

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Students must have completed 192 EFTSL of study and have approval from course coordinator

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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