An essay requires the systematic investigation of a topic and the development of a written argument. Essays assess cognitive and research skills. Essays are expected to develop coherent arguments, be founded on thorough research, and provide insight into the topic area.

The specific topic of the individual essay will be presented on iLearn.

This assignment should be submitted in hardcopy in class and in an electronic copy to the university’s plagiarism checking software, Turnitin. Title your document with your surname and student number, e.g., Smith20062007. Turnitin can be found on the subject’s iLearn website. Turnitin currently accepts MS Word(xxx.doc) format. (i.e. not PDF, PowerPoint, etc). For more information see:  http://www.turnitin.com/static/training.html.

No extensions will be granted. Late tasks will be accepted up to 120 hours after the submission deadline.  There will be a deduction of 10% from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for special consideration is made and approved.

The students are responsible for forming groups of 4 people (if groups do not even up the lecturer of your class may change the composition of your group). Some time for forming groups will be provided in class but additional initiatives may be required on the students’ part to assure team membership. The students should strive to create balanced groups with regards to gender, ethnicity and other characteristics.

The first task for the group is to agree on a group contract and to appoint a group leader who is responsible for the communication with the lecturer (and for submitting the group's work). The contract should outline the expectations and responsibilities of the group members. A copy of the group contract containing the full name, student number and signature of all group members must be submitted in class no later than week 4. Remember to keep copies of the contract for the group members. The group will have the possibility to make a peer assessment of the contribution of each member and the individual marks may be adjusted accordingly by the lecturer in charge.

The group assignment consists of 3 short written assignments, 2 short presentations in class as well as active participation as a group in discussions during lectures and tutorials in lecture 4 through 13. Group participation will be assessed based on the group’s ability to:
Contribute with relevant reflexions and comments
Spur further discussions and interest in the topic
Contribute creative and thought provoking comments and answers
Provide relevant and accurate information related to the discussion
Facilitate other students learning

The topic, focus and assessment criteria of your three essays will be presented in class and on iLearn.

Assignment 1 & 3 are to be presented orally by the groups in class (during the same session as the  written parts are due). The presentations should be brief and to the point. Each group only has 5 minutes at their disposal. In order to convey your argument in 5 minutes your presentations should be well prepared and rehearsed. The group can let one two three or all members present. You will have no access to Powepoint, but may bring or use other visual aids provided that they do not require time to set up at the beginning of the presentation.

The written parts of this assignment should be submitted in hardcopy in class and in an electronic copy to the university’s plagiarism checking software, Turnitin (part 2 can be submitted only in electronic form as due date is during mid-semester break). Title your document with your surname and student number, e.g., Smith20062007. Turnitin can be found on the subject’s iLearn website. Turnitin currently accepts MS Word(xxx.doc) format. (i.e. not PDF, PowerPoint, etc). For more information see:  http://www.turnitin.com/static/training.html.

No extensions will be granted. Late tasks will be accepted up to 120 hours after the submission deadline.  There will be a deduction of 10% from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for special consideration is made and approved. In addition, each individual group member must attend at least 6 of the group based sessions (week 4-13) in order to get the group mark for presentations and active participation in discussions.

The final examination is designed to assess the students’ body of knowledge and critical thinking skills. The examination consists of questions requiring written responses. These questions require some elaboration and explanations of how concepts can be applied in practice. The exam is of three (3) hours duration and will be held in the examination period. The exam examines the range of topics covered in the lectures and readings.

The only exception to not sitting an examination at the designated time is because of documented illness or unavoidable disruption. In these circumstances you should consider applying for Special Consideration. If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Special Consideration process the examination will be scheduled after the conclusion of the official examination period. You are advised that it is Macquarie University policy NOT to set early examinations for individuals or groups of students. All students are expected to ensure that they are available until the end of the teaching semester, which is the final day of the official examination period. Extension requests detailing process and conditions – extensions will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, business and university workload is not acceptable. A medical or other certificate is required prior to the submission date.