Outline

Overview

Modern science is one of many diverse traditions of producing knowledge about the empirically encountered world. All these ways of knowing are embedded in different cultures in different times and places and cannot be understood without an appreciation of this embedding. This unit examines how knowledge is produced across cultures and histories. It asks how different forms of knowledge function for different societies, including indigenous groups, and it highlights processes of connection and exchange between different knowledge systems. Students will gain insights into the culturally produced practices and settings of modern science, Indigenous knowledge systems, and historical traditions such as magic or healing in different geographical contexts. Critical analysis, historical skills, philosophical investigation, and comparative appraisal will be brought to bear on these topics. 

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	History and Philosophy of Science Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points from (2000-level units or 3000-level units)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Daniela Helbig, daniela.helbig@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	Journal 2 Reflections in digital-visual format. This assessment is compulsory and must be attempted.	20%	Formal exam period Due date: 18 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 28 Nov 2026	1,500 words or equivalent.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Digital Storytelling This assessment is compulsory and must be attempted.	15%	Week 03	10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Place-based knowledge oral test This assessment is compulsory and must be attempted	15%	Week 05	10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Journal 1 Reflections in digital-visual format. This assessment is compulsory and must be attempted	20%	Week 07 Due date: 20 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Sep 2026	1,500 words or equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Digital Storytelling This assessment is compulsory and must be attempted	15%	Week 09	10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Institutional transformation oral test This assessment is compulsory and must be attempted	15%	Week 11	10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

In-person practical performance test: demonstrate your competence in applying course concepts practically in digital storytelling

Interactive oral: demonstrate your understanding of course concepts in conversation

Portfolio or journal: reflect on course concepts and materials in digital-visual format

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded for work that meets the main assessment requirements, and demonstrates excellent understanding of the course concepts, and a very good proficiency in applying appropriate methodology and theoretical concepts to the topic. The work reflects the ability to develop a sound argument and express it clearly in writing or oral presentation and shows excellent knowledge of the subject area as well as independent thought.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded for work that meets the main assessment requirements, and demonstrates clear understanding of the course concepts, and good proficiency in applying appropriate methodology and theoretical concepts to the topic. The work reflects the ability to develop a sound argument and express it clearly in writing or oral presentation.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded for work meets the main assessment requirements, and demonstrates solid understanding of the course concepts, and the ability to apply appropriate methodology and theoretical concepts to the topic.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded for work that meets the main requirement as outlined in the assessment description and demonstrates basic understanding of the course material and concepts and the ability to apply appropriate methodology and theoretical concepts to some degree to the topic.
Fail	0-49	For work that does not 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	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 02	Storytelling	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	Aboriginal Sydney in the present and past	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 03	Place: Campus walk	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 03	Place: Campus Walk	Assessment (2 hr)
Week 04	Gamay Rangers, La Perouse	Fieldwork (6 hr)
Week 04	Knowledge as practice	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 05	Content of previous weeks	Assessment (2 hr)
Week 06	Local and universal knowledge	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 06	Local and universal knowledge	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 07	Preparation for Journal Assignment	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 07	Preparation for Journal Assignment	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 08	Language revitalisation	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 08	Language revitalisation	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 09	Knowledge on Display	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 09	Content of previous weeks	Assessment (2 hr)
Week 10	Australian Museum	Fieldwork (5 hr)
Week 11	Language Endangerment	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 11	Content of previous weeks	Assessment (2 hr)
Week 12	Institutional transformation	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 12	Institutional transformation	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 13	Conclusion	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 13	Conclusion	Workshop (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Your attendance and active engagement in all scheduled activities ---seminars, workshops, and field experiences --- is essential for your learning in this Unit of Study.

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.

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. Gain an overview of historical and culturally situated cognitive practices
LO2. Analyse comparatively historical and cultural knowledge systems
LO3. Develop cultural competence in understanding knowledge systems
LO4. Generate a synthetic understanding of knowledge generation and transmission in a variety of cultural and historical contexts

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.

This is the first time this unit is offered.

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

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

HPSC3011: Knowing the World:Indigenous Knowledge and Sci

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links