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Unit of study_

EUST4113: Theories and Methods in European Studies

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

In this unit, students will learn to think about the nature of research, and especially research in European Studies, and learn techniques for preparing their Honours thesis. In order to realise this objective, we will survey the major research questions, directions, approaches and assumptions about 'Europe' that have developed in the humanities and social sciences since the end of World War II. This material will include, but not be limited to, the specific field of European integration studies.

Unit details and rules

Unit code EUST4113
Academic unit European Studies
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Bronwyn Winter, bronwyn.winter@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Francesco Borghesi, francesco.borghesi@sydney.edu.au
Avril Alba, avril.alba@sydney.edu.au
Cat Moir, cat.moir@sydney.edu.au
Michael Abrahams-Sprod, michael.abrahams-sprod@sydney.edu.au
Brangwen Stone, brangwen.stone@sydney.edu.au
Vek Lewis, vek.lewis@sydney.edu.au
Lucia Sorbera, lucia.sorbera@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Textual analysis
Analysis of a theoretical text to be chosen from a set list.
25% Formal exam period
Due date: 09 Jun 2020 at 23:59
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Research essay
Essay on topic related to broad area of thesis research
50% Mid-semester break
Due date: 17 Apr 2020 at 23:59
3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Presentation Presentation
Presentation of thesis topic
25% Multiple weeks 1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Work demonstrates an excellent analytical framework discussed in depth and knowledgeable engagement with the topic; uses a wide range of primary and secondary sources to excellent effect; provides a thoughtful and original discussion of well-chosen examples/case studies; makes skilled use of writing style appropriate to the task; shows a high level of creativity and critical thinking.

Distinction

75 - 84

Work demonstrates a sound analytical framework discussed to some depth and knowledgeable engagement with the topic; uses a wide range of primary and secondary sources to good effect; provides a coherent and in-depth discussion of well-chosen examples/case studies; makes skilled use of writing style appropriate to the task; shows originality and depth of reflection.

Credit

65 - 74

Work demonstrates a sound analytical framework and knowledgeable engagement with the topic; uses a good range of primary and secondary sources to good effect; discusses well-chosen examples/case studies in some detail; employs a clear and mostly correct writing style appropriate to the task; shows original and critical thinking.

Pass

50 - 64

Work demonstrates at least a minimal analytical framework and engagement with the topic; a clear and coherent discussion in a writing style appropriate to the task; uses a limited but well-chosen range of primary and secondary sources and demonstrates a reasonable understanding of them; uses appropriate examples.

Fail

0 - 49

Work has no analytical framework and demonstrates insufficient engagement with the topic and primary and secondary sources; responses do not reflect the subject, are unclear or confused, and do not reveal an adequate understanding of the topic or sources.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to methodology & overview of unit Seminar (2 hr) LO3
Week 02 Intellectual history and critical theory Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 03 Interdisciplinary methodologies in social sciences and cultural studies, including critical discourse analysis Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 04 Textual analysis (literary and philosophical texts) Seminar (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Feminist epistemologies Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 06 Historical method and historiography Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Methods in oral history Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 08 Using primary sources and archival material Seminar (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 09 Material culture and memorialisation Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 10 Literature and theatre studies in transnational context Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Intercultural and historical influence in literature Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Media and cinema studies in transnational context Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Thesis presentations Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
  • Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
  • Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Please refer to Canvas site for all information on readings.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. accurately, succinctly and comprehensively describe, with detailed reference to examples, the ways in which concepts of culture, nation, region and society have been formulated in relation to different histories and global environments with particular reference to Europe and the EU
  • LO2. critically analyse and interpret a range of primary and secondary sources in relation to analyses of European cultures, histories and societies in clear, accurate and succinct language at appropriate levels of theoretical and methodological sophistication
  • LO3. construct arguments and hypotheses in response to specific research questions
  • LO4. undertake individual scholarly research in areas related to the Honours project
  • LO5. apply relevant disciplinary and methodological approaches
  • LO6. make informed contributions to group discussions of relevant material and provide critical and/or analytical reflections on group discussions and assignments

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In response to both student and staff feedback, this unit has been revised in collaboration with all participating staff to strengthen its focus and provide improved assessment guidelines.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.