Unit outline_

INMS3608: Indonesia in Search of Modernity

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

This unit is designed for native speakers, near native speakers and advanced learners of Indonesian. It is one of six advanced units offered on a rotating basis, which can be taken in any order. Drawing on English and Indonesian language academic publications and other Indonesian-language resources, students will engage in research, writing and scholarly discussion in Indonesian on the disruption of Indonesians' traditional relationships with their natural and social environment by urbanisation, globalisation and rapid technological transformation.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Indonesian Studies
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
INMS3102 or INMS3602
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Dwi Noverini Djenar, novi.djenar@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
In-class quiz Weekly Task
in-class quiz - open
20% Multiple weeks 10 x 150 words in Indonesian AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test Oral Test 1
Live oral test - secured
15% Week 07 750 words in Indonesian AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Case studies Essay Portfolio
written submission
10% Week 09
Due date: 03 May 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 03 May 2026
500 words in Indonesian AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Case studies Research assignment
submission comprising oral and written components
40% Week 11
Due date: 17 May 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 17 May 2026
1000 words in Indonesian AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test Oral Test 2
Live oral test - secured
15% Week 13 750 words in Indonesian AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas and will be discussed during class.

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.

 

WRITTEN ASSESSMENT: 

Knowledge of content: -/100

Clarity of argument and evidence: -/100

Structure of essay: -/100

Vocabulary range and accuracy: -/100

Grammatical accuracy: -/100

Presentation (spelling & other typographical errors): -/100

Referencing: -/100

 

ORAL ASSESSEMENT:

Presentation style: structure, creativity, engagement: -/100

Thematic engagement: -/100

Demonstrated knowledge of course content: -/100

Level of fluency during presentation: -/100

Vocabulary range and accuracy: -/100

Grammatical accuracy: -/100

Intonation and pronunciation: -/100

Responses to questions / requests for clarification: -/100

 

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.

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:

(1) It is expected that, unless an application for a simple extension or special consideration has been approved, students will submit all assessment for a unit of study on the due date specified. If assessment is completed or submitted within a period of extension, no academic penalty will be applied to that piece of assessment. (2) If an extension is either not sought, not granted or is granted but work is submitted after the extended due date, the late submission of assessment will result in an academic penalty as outlined in section 7A of the Assessment Procedures 2011.

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
Weekly Web seminar Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Guest lecture / supplementary media Lecture (1 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: Seminars will be recorded and may be made available to students online. However, you should not rely on seminar recording to substitute your in-class 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 for details.

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. LO1. Demonstrate a high standard of competence in Indonesian language and the ability to communicate effectively and persuasively in a range of registers.
  • LO2. LO2. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of Indonesian society and the ability to discuss issues pertaining to history, politics, socio-economics and development articulately and persuasively.
  • LO3. LO3. Demonstrate intercultural competence and the ability to work effectively and confidently across diverse groups and linguistic environments.
  • LO4. LO4. Demonstrate critical thinking, information and digital literacy, and the ability to exercise ethical judgments.
  • LO5. LO5. Effectively apply theoretical insights and empirical knowledge from Indonesian Studies to issues encountered in an interdisciplinary context.
  • LO6. LO6. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the historical, socio-economic, cultural and political aspects of 'modernity' in Indonesia, and frame this expertise within the broader field of Asian Studies.

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.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Please refer to Canvas.

Work, health and safety

There are no specific WHS requirements for this unit.

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.