Unit outline_

INGS2601: Transnational Actors and Networks

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit will consider the interactions of four groups of 'transnational actors' in the transnational public sphere: civil society, political, market and media, with a core focus on civil society interventions in the global political conversation. We will examine the communicative and cultural tools used to frame issues in particular ways, and look at tensions between the global, the regional, and national and the local within these conversations. The unit is taught by the School of Languages and Cultures.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Languages and Cultures
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
12 credit points at 1000 level in Global Studies
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Ruben Perez-Hidalgo, ruben.perez-hidalgo@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Ruben Perez-Hidalgo, ruben.perez-hidalgo@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Research analysis Report 2 on current issues
Second report responding and researching to an assigned current issue in relation to the third thematic block of of the unit
25% Formal exam period
Due date: 17 Nov 2025 at 23:00

Closing date: 24 Nov 2025
1500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO5 LO2
Performance group assignment Video-podcast presentation
Group presentation in the form of a video-podcast
25% Formal exam period
Due date: 24 Nov 2025 at 23:00

Closing date: 01 Dec 2025
Equivalent to 1500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
In-class quiz Early Feedback Task Early Feedback Task
In-class quiz on basic concepts
0% Week 02 10 minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Research analysis Report 1 on current issue
First report responding and researching to an assigned current issue in relation to the first thematic block of of the unit
25% Week 06
Due date: 14 Sep 2025 at 23:00

Closing date: 21 Sep 2025
1500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Written work Media analysis
Analysis of the media treatment of a transnational other discussed in the second thematic block of the unit, week 6-9
25% Week 10
Due date: 19 Oct 2025 at 23:00

Closing date: 26 Oct 2025
1500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO2 LO3
group assignment = group assignment ?
early feedback 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

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

 

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 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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction and overview Lecture (1 hr)  
1. Tutorial administration and discussion of expectations; 2. Overview of assessments Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 02 Transnational visual cultures: Revolutionaries Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Discussion on the transnational visualization of revolution Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Transnational visual cultures: New techno-elites Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Discussion on the transnational visualization of techno-elites Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Transnational visual cultures: Global neoliberal subjects Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Discussion on the transnational visualization of the impact of neoliberalism Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Workshop on current report 1 Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 06 Lecture on media framings of trans/national others in theory: Media persuasion Tutorial discussion on how the media can and cannot persuade global audiences Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Media framings of trans/national others: Colorblindness and whiteness Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Discussion on how the media represents race transnationally Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Media framings of trans/national others: Migration exclusions/inclusions Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Discussion on how the media represents migrants and global migrations Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Media framings of trans/national others: Meritocracy vs. Inequality Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Discussion on how merit and inequality are represented in transnational media discourses Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Populism as a transnational movement Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Discussion on the definition of populism and its transnational features Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Populism and social media Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Discussion on the affinities between social media and populist attitudes Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Populism and gender Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Discussion on the affinities between toxic masculinities, traditional gender roles ("tradwives") and far-right populism Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Workshop on current report 2 and Q&A for final assignment, video-podcast Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2

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.
  • Lectures and tutorials:  Lectures will be in person and highly interactive. Relatedly, coming to tutorials is both expected and required.
  • 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

All reading materials will be available on Canvas.

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. apply a range of theoretical concepts including representation, framing, soft power, mobility and cultural, social and symbolic capital in analysing issues in global, local and regional politics
  • LO2. build on concepts, debates and issues in the analysis and politics of globalisation introduced in INGS1001 and INGS1002 to develop skills in interdisciplinary approaches
  • LO3. discuss the impacts of networks of corporate, media and civil society actors in framing issues in the transnational public sphere, and their interactions with the state
  • LO4. demonstrate a capacity to discuss the impacts of class, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and language(s) in international and transnational relations
  • LO5. demonstrate skills in research, discussion and argumentation, and in presentation of complex international studies topics to a broad audience.

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.

Changes in content given the feedback from the last two years, which essentially pointed out the scattered nature of the materials and the lack of thematic cohesion. Further efforts to make assignments more relevant and easier to comprehend (specifically regarding the reports on current issues)

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.