Students

INTS304 – Global Issues

2014 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Martina Mollering
Contact via martina.mollering@mq.edu.au
W6A213
By appointment
Cathy Mewes
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
INTS300 or EXLW420
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit is designed to summarise and consolidate students' international and cross-cultural experience as gained through their language and culture study and their study abroad program. In this unit students compile and present a portfolio which forms the basis for guided discussions throughout the semester.

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:

  • ability to reflect on, discuss and assess their incultural experiences during their study-abroad program and during their course of studies more generally
  • ability to reflect critically on different concepts of culture
  • an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • ability to reflect on their language biography
  • ability to assess their language and communicative skills in their target language
  • sharing ofthe study and research experiences gained overseas with their fellow students and gaining of insights from their experiences
  • further development of their research skills by presenting research on a topic in the form of an oral presentation and an essay, using conventions of academic research, such as referencing
  • reflection on the skills gained during the course of their studies with a view to career planning

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Portfolio 30% 16 November 2014
Presentation 30% 11/12 October 2014
Essay 30% 21 September 2014
Seminar Participation 10% ongoing

Portfolio

Due: 16 November 2014
Weighting: 30%

Throughout the semester, students will be working on a portfolio that will bring together their international and cross cultural experiences as gained through their language and culture study and their study abroad program. The portfolio must include, but is not limited to:

  • Autobiography of Intercultural Encounters
  • Intercultural Reflection
  • Language Portfolio
  • Brief Profile of Host Country/Host City/Host University
  • Resume

On successful completion you will be able to:
  • ability to reflect on, discuss and assess their incultural experiences during their study-abroad program and during their course of studies more generally
  • ability to reflect critically on different concepts of culture
  • an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • ability to reflect on their language biography
  • ability to assess their language and communicative skills in their target language
  • reflection on the skills gained during the course of their studies with a view to career planning

Presentation

Due: 11/12 October 2014
Weighting: 30%

In the second half of the semester, on Saturday, 12 October and Sunday 13 October, each student will give a 15 minute presentation on their studies while on their semester-abroad. This presentation will focus on the content studied (a topical cultural, political or historical aspect of the country in which they spent their semester abroad), as well as on the experience of studying in a second language in a study-abroad context.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • ability to reflect on, discuss and assess their incultural experiences during their study-abroad program and during their course of studies more generally
  • ability to reflect critically on different concepts of culture
  • an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • sharing ofthe study and research experiences gained overseas with their fellow students and gaining of insights from their experiences
  • further development of their research skills by presenting research on a topic in the form of an oral presentation and an essay, using conventions of academic research, such as referencing

Essay

Due: 21 September 2014
Weighting: 30%

In their essays students will present a topical cultural, political or historical aspect of the country in which they spent their semester abroad. Students will be required to select a topic of their own chosing and to build an argument in the context of the chosen topic.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • ability to reflect critically on different concepts of culture
  • an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • further development of their research skills by presenting research on a topic in the form of an oral presentation and an essay, using conventions of academic research, such as referencing

Seminar Participation

Due: ongoing
Weighting: 10%

Preparation of readings for classes and active participation in seminar discussions


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • ability to reflect on, discuss and assess their incultural experiences during their study-abroad program and during their course of studies more generally
  • ability to reflect critically on different concepts of culture
  • an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • ability to reflect on their language biography
  • ability to assess their language and communicative skills in their target language
  • sharing ofthe study and research experiences gained overseas with their fellow students and gaining of insights from their experiences
  • further development of their research skills by presenting research on a topic in the form of an oral presentation and an essay, using conventions of academic research, such as referencing
  • reflection on the skills gained during the course of their studies with a view to career planning

Delivery and Resources

INT304, “Global Issues”, is offered internally in second semester. Assessment is by coursework. The unit includes a 2 hour seminar on 18 August, 25 August,  1 September, 8 September, 15 September and a block seminar, running from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, 11 October and Sunday, 12 October.

The unit will be taught in English; all assessment components should be submitted in English.

Attendance of seminars is compulsory. Students who miss more than two seminars without evidence of an unforeseen and serious disruption (e.g. illness, supported by a medical certificate) may be excluded from the unit. Ongoing work commitments are no valid reason for missing classes. It is expected that you prepare for each seminar as advised in class in order to be able to actively participate in in-class discussions. Attendance at both days of the block seminar on 11 and 12 October is compulsory.

 The unit INTS304 is supported by iLearn (log in : ilearn.mq.edu.au) which you should frequent regularly for updates. All unit materials will be made available via iLearn.

 

Unit Schedule

Semester Overview

Week

Topic

18 August

Introduction

25 August

Autobiography of Intercultural Encounters

Study-Abroad and Intercultural Encounters

1 September

Career Advisor’s Session

8 September

Invited Speaker: DFAT

Introduction to Language Portfolio

15 September

ESSAY: due on  21 September

Invited Speaker:

German Consul General: Mr Steinbach

Saturday 11 October & Sunday 12 October

Student Presentations

PORTFOLIO: due on 16 November

 
   
 

 

   
   
   
   

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

  • ability to reflect on, discuss and assess their incultural experiences during their study-abroad program and during their course of studies more generally
  • ability to reflect critically on different concepts of culture
  • an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • ability to reflect on their language biography
  • ability to assess their language and communicative skills in their target language
  • sharing ofthe study and research experiences gained overseas with their fellow students and gaining of insights from their experiences
  • reflection on the skills gained during the course of their studies with a view to career planning

Assessment task

  • Portfolio

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

  • ability to reflect on, discuss and assess their incultural experiences during their study-abroad program and during their course of studies more generally
  • an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • ability to reflect on their language biography
  • sharing ofthe study and research experiences gained overseas with their fellow students and gaining of insights from their experiences
  • further development of their research skills by presenting research on a topic in the form of an oral presentation and an essay, using conventions of academic research, such as referencing
  • reflection on the skills gained during the course of their studies with a view to career planning

Assessment tasks

  • Portfolio
  • Essay

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

  • ability to reflect on, discuss and assess their incultural experiences during their study-abroad program and during their course of studies more generally
  • ability to reflect critically on different concepts of culture
  • an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • ability to reflect on their language biography
  • ability to assess their language and communicative skills in their target language
  • sharing ofthe study and research experiences gained overseas with their fellow students and gaining of insights from their experiences
  • further development of their research skills by presenting research on a topic in the form of an oral presentation and an essay, using conventions of academic research, such as referencing
  • reflection on the skills gained during the course of their studies with a view to career planning

Assessment tasks

  • Portfolio
  • Presentation
  • Essay
  • Seminar Participation

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

  • ability to reflect on, discuss and assess their incultural experiences during their study-abroad program and during their course of studies more generally
  • ability to reflect critically on different concepts of culture
  • an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • ability to reflect on their language biography
  • ability to assess their language and communicative skills in their target language
  • sharing ofthe study and research experiences gained overseas with their fellow students and gaining of insights from their experiences
  • further development of their research skills by presenting research on a topic in the form of an oral presentation and an essay, using conventions of academic research, such as referencing
  • reflection on the skills gained during the course of their studies with a view to career planning

Assessment tasks

  • Portfolio
  • Presentation
  • Essay
  • Seminar Participation

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

  • ability to reflect on, discuss and assess their incultural experiences during their study-abroad program and during their course of studies more generally
  • ability to reflect critically on different concepts of culture
  • an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • ability to reflect on their language biography
  • ability to assess their language and communicative skills in their target language
  • sharing ofthe study and research experiences gained overseas with their fellow students and gaining of insights from their experiences
  • further development of their research skills by presenting research on a topic in the form of an oral presentation and an essay, using conventions of academic research, such as referencing
  • reflection on the skills gained during the course of their studies with a view to career planning

Assessment tasks

  • Portfolio
  • Presentation
  • Essay
  • Seminar Participation

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

  • ability to reflect critically on different concepts of culture
  • an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • sharing ofthe study and research experiences gained overseas with their fellow students and gaining of insights from their experiences
  • further development of their research skills by presenting research on a topic in the form of an oral presentation and an essay, using conventions of academic research, such as referencing
  • reflection on the skills gained during the course of their studies with a view to career planning

Assessment tasks

  • Portfolio
  • Essay

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

  • ability to reflect on, discuss and assess their incultural experiences during their study-abroad program and during their course of studies more generally
  • an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • ability to reflect on their language biography
  • ability to assess their language and communicative skills in their target language
  • sharing ofthe study and research experiences gained overseas with their fellow students and gaining of insights from their experiences
  • further development of their research skills by presenting research on a topic in the form of an oral presentation and an essay, using conventions of academic research, such as referencing
  • reflection on the skills gained during the course of their studies with a view to career planning

Assessment tasks

  • Portfolio
  • Presentation
  • Essay
  • Seminar Participation

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • ability to reflect on, discuss and assess their incultural experiences during their study-abroad program and during their course of studies more generally
  • ability to reflect critically on different concepts of culture
  • an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • sharing ofthe study and research experiences gained overseas with their fellow students and gaining of insights from their experiences
  • further development of their research skills by presenting research on a topic in the form of an oral presentation and an essay, using conventions of academic research, such as referencing
  • reflection on the skills gained during the course of their studies with a view to career planning

Assessment tasks

  • Portfolio
  • Presentation

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:

Learning outcomes

  • ability to reflect on, discuss and assess their incultural experiences during their study-abroad program and during their course of studies more generally
  • ability to reflect critically on different concepts of culture
  • an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • sharing ofthe study and research experiences gained overseas with their fellow students and gaining of insights from their experiences
  • reflection on the skills gained during the course of their studies with a view to career planning

Assessment tasks

  • Portfolio
  • Presentation