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Unit of study_

RLST3610: New Discoveries in Religion in Antiquity

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal day] - Remote

The unit will discuss a series of new discoveries regarding religion in antiquity, such as manuscripts, artefacts or ritual sites. These often derive from archaeological work or the antiquities market and involve various types of controversy such as matters of authenticity, dating, ownership. The unit will consider the impact of the find; the nature of academic debate; issues of ethics and funding; research and career development. In the latter part of the unit students will trial a proposal for a project of their own in preparation for future research training.

Unit details and rules

Unit code RLST3610
Academic unit Studies in Religion
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
12 credit points at 2000 level in Studies in Religion
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Iain Gardner, iain.gardner@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Giselle Bader, giselle.bader@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Essay A (Content)
Formal essay
40% Week 05
Due date: 24 Mar 2022 at 17:00
2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Assignment Essay B (method/theory)
Formal essay
40% Week 08
Due date: 14 Apr 2022 at 17:00
2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3
Assignment Research proposal
Short answers
20% Week 13
Due date: 26 May 2022 at 17:00
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5

Assessment summary

Essay A: In this assignment you are asked to write a description and analysis of a specific ‘New Discovery’ either studied in this course or one that interests you (your selection must be approved by your instructor). This essay should follow the historical, scholarly, and media trajectory of this discovery.

Essay B: A choice of one from a variety of set questions.

Research Proposal: In this assignment you are asked to submit a research proposal relating to new discoveries in religion in antiquity. Your proposal can be site or artefact specific or a broader theoretical or critical approach.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Learning outcomes demonstrated at an exceptional standard

Distinction

75 - 84

Learning outcomes demonstrated at a very high standard

Credit

65 - 74

Learning outcomes demonstrated at a good standard

Pass

50 - 64

Learning outcomes demonstrated at an acceptable standard

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.

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 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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes

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 readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, 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. Demonstrate knowledge of selected new discoveries regarding religion in antiquity
  • LO2. Evaluate the impact of selected new discoveries on the discipline of studies in religion and related fields
  • LO3. Assess the nature and course of academic debate arising from new discoveries regarding religion in antiquity
  • LO4. Understand the ethical issues that arise regarding cultural heritage, the antiquities trade and academic professionalism
  • LO5. Construct a research proposal for a project and funding relevant to the study of ancient religions

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.

The unit is revidsed in light of previous student feedback

More information regarding this unit will be provided in class.

Disclaimer

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