Outline

Overview

Great Books exist in our minds and memories as the repositories of experiences, values and beliefs. They are to be found in all cultures from the earliest oral narratives to the digitized works of the present. FASS2200 introduces you to the foundational narratives of the major civilisations of China, India, the Middle-East, and the West. We then consider the ways in which these civilisations engage with history, change and modernity in their literatures. Weekly lectures provide theoretical and intellectual continuity along with input from specialists in the relevant traditions. Tutorials emphasise group discussion and critical analysis of texts from antiquity to the present.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Arts and Social Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	must be in the Dalyell stream
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Peter Morgan, peter.morgan@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Examination A written examination of 1000 words requiring demonstration of learning outcomes 1-5 in relation to selected texts studied.	20%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Weekly responses Tutorial questions	10%	Ongoing	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task 10 question multiple choice. #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 23:59	15 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Short writing task (1) Written submission	10%	Week 04 Due date: 20 Mar 2026 at 23:59	750 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Short writing task (2) Written submission	20%	Week 09 Due date: 01 May 2026 at 23:59	750 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Independent essay Written submission	40%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

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

Please see the FASS2200 Canvas page for detailed assessment instructions.

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 of outstanding quality, demonstrating an excellent standard of written English and of criticism, logical argument, interpretation of materials or use of methodology. Evidence of extensive independent – and where appropriate, collaborative – research and use of relevant primary and secondary sources, a thoughtful structure, substantial additional work and independent learning. Detailed and demonstrated awareness of professional appropriateness and cultural sensitivity. NB. This grade may be given to recognise particular originality, interdisciplinarity, or creativity.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of superior quality, demonstrating a command of language, sound grasp of content, efficient organisation and selectivity. Evidence of relevant research, additional work and independent learning. Appropriate use of relevant primary and secondary sources, a thoughtful structure, substantial additional work and independent – and where appropriate, collaborative – learning. Demonstrated awareness of professional appropriateness and cultural sensitivity.
Credit	65 - 74	A sound performance, competent and appropriate. Work that is well written and demonstrates good research skills. Demonstrates a clear grasp of the basic skills and knowledge. Evidence of independent research and use of relevant primary and secondary sources, a thoughtful structure, substantial additional work and independent learning. Work of good quality, showing more than satisfactory achievement. General clarity of expression and professional appropriateness and cultural sensitivity.
Pass	50 - 64	A satisfactory attempt to meet the demands of the assignment. Demonstrates understanding and command of basic skills, core knowledge, and appropriate primary and relevant resources. The assignment may have significant weaknesses (e.g. poor time-keeping skills, lack of engagement with chosen materials), or may not be wholly successful or coherent in terms of delivery or clarity of expression, but shows at least satisfactory achievement in more important aspects.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

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 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. 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction and Foundations 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction and Foundations 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Foundations 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Foundations 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	The Beginnings of Modernity 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	The Beginnings of Modernity 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	The Beginnings of Modernity 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	The Beginnings of Modernity 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	The Modern Self 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	The Modern Self 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	The Modern Self 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	The Modern Self 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	The Modern Self 3	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	The Modern Self 3	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	The Modern Self 4	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	The Modern Self 4	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	The Modern Self - Global Perspectives 1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	The Modern Self - Global Perspectives 1	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	The Modern Self - Global Perspectives 2	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	The Modern Self - Global Perspectives 2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	The Modern Self - Global Perspectives 3	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	The Modern Self - Global Perspectives 3	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	The Modern Self - Global Perspectives 4	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	The Modern Self - Global Perspectives 4	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	The Modern Self - Global Perspectives 5 & Review	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	The Modern Self - Global Perspectives 5 & Review	Tutorial (1 hr)

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

Complete list has been sent to all enrolled students and is available on Canvas site.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. demonstrate awareness and understanding of primary texts, unit themes, and related topics
LO2. show familiarity with theoretical and critical perspectives and be able to discuss and apply them to primary texts and related topics
LO3. critically evaluate primary texts and related materials in the cultural, political, geographical, social, and historical contexts in which they were produced
LO4. plan for and meet goals and deadlines, both independently as a team member
LO5. demonstrate advanced skills in research and critical thinking and analysis to link information in an original way

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Updated

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

FASS2200: Great Books and Radical Texts

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links