Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor Andrew Siedlecki andrew.siedlecki@mq.edu.au Contact via andrew.siedlecki@mq.edu.au
Credit points	Credit points 3
Prerequisites	Prerequisites Permission of Executive Dean of Faculty
Corequisites	Corequisites PLH324
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description Students are required to individually research a particular subject under the guidance of a staff member in the Polish Studies program. They are required to produce a carefully articulated research paper of 5000 words in Polish or 6000 words in English. The research topic must be approved by the unit convenor. Topics can be chosen from most fields of Polish culture including: language, literature, history, politics, art, theatre, education, sport, and social issues.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

Demonstrate research initiative and conduct research in an efficient and timely manner.
Undertake an in-depth study, using appropriate research techniques, of an approved aspect of Polish language and culture.
Identify and retrieve relevant scholarly resources for the chosen topic and utilise them to support personal analysis and/or argument.
Generate well-informed, well-structured and well-articulated analytical research with correct and relevant references.
Write up, in the form of a scholarly paper conforming to appropriate academic conventions, the results of the in-depth study referred to in the previous learning outcome.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Due
Preliminary work	20%	15 August
Draft research paper	35%	17 October
Final research paper	45%	8 November

Preliminary work

Due: 15 August
Weighting: 20%

Preliminary work towards the final research paper includes a (brief) essay outline, an abstract and a bibliographical investigation. The preliminary work will be marked by the supervisor alone.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate research initiative and conduct research in an efficient and timely manner.
Identify and retrieve relevant scholarly resources for the chosen topic and utilise them to support personal analysis and/or argument.

Draft research paper

Due: 17 October
Weighting: 35%

Students enrolled in this unit will have to produce a carefully articulated research paper of 5000 to 6000 words, written either in English or in Polish. Bibliography is not included in the word count. To gain an idea of what is expected, students may want to identify a published scholarly paper of the appropriate length that they find approachable, interesting and thought-provoking. The aim is to produce something similar. An advanced draft is to be submitted in week 10, taking into account feedback received in weeks 4 to 9. The draft will be marked by the supervisor alone.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate research initiative and conduct research in an efficient and timely manner.
Undertake an in-depth study, using appropriate research techniques, of an approved aspect of Polish language and culture.
Identify and retrieve relevant scholarly resources for the chosen topic and utilise them to support personal analysis and/or argument.
Generate well-informed, well-structured and well-articulated analytical research with correct and relevant references.
Write up, in the form of a scholarly paper conforming to appropriate academic conventions, the results of the in-depth study referred to in the previous learning outcome.

Final research paper

Due: 8 November
Weighting: 45%

The final submission (line spacing 1.5) will be marked by the supervisor in the Polish Studies programme. The following marking rubric will be used:

Fail

Pass

Credit

Distinction

High Distinction

Research question articulated

/10

Inadequately defined and unjustified

Adequately defined, not well justified

Reasonably well defined and reasonably well justified

Clearly defined and justified

Original, clearly defined and well justified

Argument/development of ideas

/20

The argument is unclear and the development of ideas is not logical. The lack of structure hinders comprehension of the main arguments of the essay.

Some flaws in development and flow of argument and ideas. Some structural flaws but the writing is generally structured in paragraphs and there is general coherence.

Reasonably clear and logical argument. Ideas reasonably well developed. Good structure.

Very clear and logical argument. Consistent flow and development of ideas. Very good structure.

Exceptionally clear, logical and original argument. Ideas clearly developed throughout the essay. Outstanding structure.

Evidence/Research

/20

Inadequate use of evidence, examples to support main argument.

Adequate used of evidence, examples to support the argument. Sometimes not successfully integrated into body of essay.

Reasonable use of evidence, examples to support argument, generally well integrated into body of essay.

Evidence and examples used very well to support argument and very well integrated into body of essay.

Original use of evidence and examples to support argument, expertly woven into essay.

Analysis/Conclusion

/20

Poor analysis of topic, research question not adequately answered, conclusion does not draw the strands of the essay together.

Adequate analysis, a conclusion that draws most strands of the essay together but lacks consistency.

Reasonably good analysis, some inconsistencies, a conclusion that generally draws the essay together linking the research question, argument and evidence.

Excellent analysis which demonstrates some critical thinking, a conclusion that draws the essay together linking the research question, argument and evidence.

Outstanding analysis which demonstrates independent critical thinking, a conclusion that expertly draws the essay together linking the research question, argument and evidence.

Writing style

/20

Incomprehensible.

Language impedes comprehension of argument.

Adequate use of language to discuss the argument. Grammatical and stylistic errors present but not to the degree to impede comprehension.

Reasonably good use of language to discuss the argument. Some grammatical and stylistic errors present but not to the degree to impede comprehension.

Very good use of language to discuss the argument. Generally correct but with some errors present.

Exceptional use of language to discuss the argument.

Referencing

/10

Little or no clear referencing used. Conventions of referencing not respected or very inconsistent. Insufficient bibliography for topic.

Limited range of bibliographical sources. Conventions of referencing generally respected with some errors or inconsistencies noted.

Variety of sources used. Conventions of referencing generally respected.

Relevant, very good quality bibliography with sufficiently wide range of sources listed, consistent referencing system used.

Excellent referencing, extensive, high quality bibliography demonstrating wide reading on topic, consistent referencing system used throughout the essay.

Late assignment policy:

As a general rule, extensions will not be granted without a valid and documented reason (e.g. medical certificate). Late submissions will be penalised by 5% for each day (including weekends) the assignment task is late.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate research initiative and conduct research in an efficient and timely manner.
Undertake an in-depth study, using appropriate research techniques, of an approved aspect of Polish language and culture.
Identify and retrieve relevant scholarly resources for the chosen topic and utilise them to support personal analysis and/or argument.
Generate well-informed, well-structured and well-articulated analytical research with correct and relevant references.
Write up, in the form of a scholarly paper conforming to appropriate academic conventions, the results of the in-depth study referred to in the previous learning outcome.

Delivery and Resources

Classes

There are no classes in this unit.

Learning and Teaching Strategy

This unit is aimed specifically at students whose results in other units indicate a clear potential for advanced study at MRes (Master of Research) level and beyond.
The research topic must be approved by the unit convenor, on the basis of specific proposals put forward by students seeking enrolment in the unit. In defining a proposal, students will be guided by their own interests and casual reading. Early consultation with the convenor (before the start of the relevant semester, if at all possible) is essential. The convenor’s decision will be based on available staff expertise and will involve the appointment of an appropriate supervisor for the project.
Students must pay particular attention to the structure of the research paper. As a general rule, the supervisor will assist with methodology and structure rather than with content.
Students must be aware that a fair level of sophistication will be expected in the presentation of arguments, and therefore Polish should only be chosen by those who are confident of possessing the required stylistic skills. If in doubt, students should consult their supervisor.
Students must refrain from reproducing widely available, encyclopaedic or popular material, and are expected instead to present an interesting and well-argued study of the subject. Original arguments will be rewarded, as long as they are well substantiated.

Resources

There are no required and/or recommended texts or materials for this unit. Relevant resources should be located at the Macquarie University Library and on internet. The Library holds an extensive collection of monographs and journals, many of which are also available on-line. In exceptional circumstances, items can be obtained through interlibrary loan. For more information on the library and its print and on-line resources, see http://www.mq.edu.au/library.
Google Scholar (http://scholar.google.com) may be an appropriate starting point for the search of relevant literature, as other search engines are likely to return too many hits. An excessive number of hits on Google Scholar is generally indicative of a research topic which is too broad and must be narrowed down.
All resources referred to in the research paper must be acknowledged in the bibliography. Appropriate and consistent referencing is of utmost importance. The supervisor will provide indications as to the most appropriate referencing style for the chosen topic.

Technology used and required

Standard requirements apply. You are deemed to have regular computer and internet access to carry out the tasks associated with the research project. Computing skills required for this unit are limited to word processing skills and familiarity with the use of internet resources.

Unit Schedule

There are no classes in this unit. Regular contact with their supervisor (on average fortnightly) will ensure that students remain focused on their chosen topic, and that their research activities (based on extensive reading) are concentrated on a deeper rather than wider level of knowledge.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Generate well-informed, well-structured and well-articulated analytical research with correct and relevant references.
Write up, in the form of a scholarly paper conforming to appropriate academic conventions, the results of the in-depth study referred to in the previous learning outcome.

Assessment task

Final research paper

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate research initiative and conduct research in an efficient and timely manner.
Undertake an in-depth study, using appropriate research techniques, of an approved aspect of Polish language and culture.
Identify and retrieve relevant scholarly resources for the chosen topic and utilise them to support personal analysis and/or argument.
Write up, in the form of a scholarly paper conforming to appropriate academic conventions, the results of the in-depth study referred to in the previous learning outcome.

Assessment task

Final research paper

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate research initiative and conduct research in an efficient and timely manner.
Undertake an in-depth study, using appropriate research techniques, of an approved aspect of Polish language and culture.
Identify and retrieve relevant scholarly resources for the chosen topic and utilise them to support personal analysis and/or argument.
Generate well-informed, well-structured and well-articulated analytical research with correct and relevant references.
Write up, in the form of a scholarly paper conforming to appropriate academic conventions, the results of the in-depth study referred to in the previous learning outcome.

Assessment tasks

Preliminary work
Draft research paper
Final research paper

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate research initiative and conduct research in an efficient and timely manner.
Undertake an in-depth study, using appropriate research techniques, of an approved aspect of Polish language and culture.
Identify and retrieve relevant scholarly resources for the chosen topic and utilise them to support personal analysis and/or argument.
Generate well-informed, well-structured and well-articulated analytical research with correct and relevant references.
Write up, in the form of a scholarly paper conforming to appropriate academic conventions, the results of the in-depth study referred to in the previous learning outcome.

Assessment tasks

Preliminary work
Draft research paper
Final research paper

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate research initiative and conduct research in an efficient and timely manner.
Undertake an in-depth study, using appropriate research techniques, of an approved aspect of Polish language and culture.
Identify and retrieve relevant scholarly resources for the chosen topic and utilise them to support personal analysis and/or argument.
Generate well-informed, well-structured and well-articulated analytical research with correct and relevant references.
Write up, in the form of a scholarly paper conforming to appropriate academic conventions, the results of the in-depth study referred to in the previous learning outcome.

Assessment tasks

Draft research paper
Final research paper

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate research initiative and conduct research in an efficient and timely manner.
Undertake an in-depth study, using appropriate research techniques, of an approved aspect of Polish language and culture.
Identify and retrieve relevant scholarly resources for the chosen topic and utilise them to support personal analysis and/or argument.
Write up, in the form of a scholarly paper conforming to appropriate academic conventions, the results of the in-depth study referred to in the previous learning outcome.

Assessment tasks

Preliminary work
Draft research paper
Final research paper

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Generate well-informed, well-structured and well-articulated analytical research with correct and relevant references.
Write up, in the form of a scholarly paper conforming to appropriate academic conventions, the results of the in-depth study referred to in the previous learning outcome.

Assessment tasks

Preliminary work
Draft research paper
Final research paper

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Assessment task

Final research paper