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Unit outline_

FASS1000: Studying Arts and Social Sciences

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

What does it mean to study Arts and Social Sciences? In this unit, we begin with a central claim: that the disciplines that make up Arts and Social Sciences are fundamental to understanding our world and the challenges it faces. Through a set of engaging topics, we ask the foundational questions underpinning our areas of study: what does it mean to be part of a university community? How do we think, read, create, speak, and act, critically? How do we engage in and solve complex, often multifaceted problems, individually and in collaboration with others? How will you build the key communication and interpersonal skills to make a difference in a complex and challenging world?

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Arts and Social Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Eleanor Cowan, eleanor.cowan@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Tutorial quiz A3: Problem Solving
Problem-based learning
40% Multiple weeks 2500 words (equivalent)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO2
Online task LIBR1000 Quiz: Understand your information need
#earlyfeedbacktask
0% Week 02
Due date: 07 Mar 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 04 Apr 2025
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO3
Online task LIBR1000 module: Use the Library Catalogue effectively
Online task
2.5% Week 02
Due date: 07 Mar 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 01 Jun 2025
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO3
Assignment A1: A Personal Reflection
Individual reflection on a single object or site on campus or in the 'Our Sydney' virtual map
15% Week 04
Due date: 21 Mar 2025 at 23:59
500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Online task LIBR1000 module: Reference your sources: What & Why
Online task
2.5% Week 05
Due date: 28 Mar 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 01 Jun 2025
15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4
Assignment AI Allowed A2: Critical Analysis Task
Critical analysis and argument formation in the age of AI
30% Week 07
Due date: 11 Apr 2025 at 23:59
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO3
Participation Tutorial Participation
Tutorial participation- co-designed rubric
10% Weekly 500 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO5
AI allowed = AI allowed ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas. 

A3: Problem Solving

You will complete a weekly in-class tutorial quiz from week 2 to week 13. Your final mark for this assignment will come from your ten best tutorial quiz results.

Simple extensions are not available for this in-class task.

Special consideration for this task must be mark adjustment for the specific week you are away (replacement tasks are not available). 

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

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

 

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

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late Penalties Work not submitted on or before the due date is subject to a penalty of 5% per calendar day late. If work is submitted more than 10 days after the due date, or is submitted after the return date, the mark will be 0. Details of the Faculty Resolutions and Provisions regarding late work: Undergraduate: https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/arts/governance/faculty_resolutions.shtml

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.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Context Lecture (Asynchronous): Why Arts and Social Sciences Matters Online class (0.5 hr)  
Purpose Lecture (1.5 hr)  
What is different about University? Introductions; Unit Overview; Assessment: breakdown and hints Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 02 Context Lecture (Asynchronous): Narratives of Belonging and Exclusion Online class (0.5 hr)  
Belonging and becoming Lecture (1.5 hr)  
What is a tutorial? Historicising Space and Place at the University of Sydney: 'Our Sydney' virtual map; Assessment 1 Workshop; academic integrity Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 03 Context Lecture (Asynchronous): Critical Ideas, Critical Cultures Online class (0.5 hr)  
Thinking and Acting Critically Lecture (1.5 hr)  
What is a lecture? Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 04 Context Lecture (Asynchronous): AI Online class (0.5 hr)  
Artificial Intelligence: Intelligence, consciousness and existential risk Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Critical Thinking and seeing things from different perspectives; Degree Plan Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 05 Context Lecture (Asynchronous): Gender Online class (0.5 hr)  
Feminism is for everybody Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Critical Reading; Argumentation and Synthesis: Source and Authority Assessment 2 workshop Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 06 Context Lecture (Asynchronous): Purpose revisited Online class (0.5 hr)  
Purpose revisited Lecture (1.5 hr)  
What is a Unit of Study Survey? Listening and being heard Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 07 Context Lecture (Asynchronous): The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Online class (0.5 hr)  
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Arguing well; academic integrity workshop Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 08 Context Lecture (Asynchronous): The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Online class (0.5 hr)  
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Arguing well; Assessment 3 group contract Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 09 Context Lecture (Asynchronous): The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Online class (0.5 hr)  
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Arguing well; Assessment 3 workshop Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 10 Context Lecture (Asynchronous): The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Online class (0.5 hr)  
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Arguing well; Assessment 3 Workshop Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 11 Context Lecture (Asynchronous): The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Online class (0.5 hr)  
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Arguing well; Assessment 3 workshop Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 12 Context Lecture (Asynchronous): The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Online class (0.5 hr)  
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Lecture (1.5 hr)  
Arguing well; Targeted support for Assessment 3 Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 13 Context Lecture (Asynchronous): Completing the FASS1000 Narrative: the Arts and Social Sciences: Where to from now? Online class (0.5 hr)  
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Lecture (1 hr)  
Reflecting on FASS1000: Sharing Personal Stories Tutorial (1 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

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.

If a unit of study has a participation mark, your attendance may influence this mark.

For more information on attendance, see Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences – Student Attendance at Classes Provisions 2025.

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

See Canvas for full details on required readings, suggested readings, and further materials.

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. Evaluate key arguments concerning the purpose of the University and the role of the study of Arts and Social Sciences in contributing to this purpose.
  • LO2. Understand how university rules and procedures apply to your behaviour and assessment (including what academic honesty means).
  • LO3. Develop and demonstrate skills of critical thinking, critical reading, and research practice in engaging with a diverse set of texts and media forms (including AI generated material).
  • LO4. Understand and apply skills of arguing well including techniques of persuasion, use of evidence/data, oral and written communication and creative thinking.
  • LO5. Collaborate competently and appropriately in University settings.

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.

Following student feedback from S2, 2024, we continue to develop the lecture programme and have linked tutorials in week 1-6 closely to transition activities. We made considerable changes to A3 in 2025. We continue to co-develop participation assessment with students and have already introduced an Early Feedback task.

For detailed information on unit structure, topics, content, and assessment structures and requirements, please visit the unit Canvas site.

And for any further assistance, please contact your tutor or the unit coordinators.

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.