Students

EUL 101 – Societies of Europe

2015 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Blanche Menadier
Contact via blanche.menadier@mq.edu.au
W6A 327
Tuesday 3:00 - 4:00 pm and Friday 1 - 2 pm
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit is a general education unit, team taught in English. It encourages students to develop intercultural competency by providing them with cultural information about a range of societies in Europe and inviting them to explore these issues in further depth through guided research for written tasks. The unit is divided into sections according to individual cultures which offer information about a range of factors that shape the society concerned. Through the lectures, tutorials, online discussions and their own research, students are able to gain an overview and a better understanding of Europe and its diverse cultures. Assessment is by coursework.

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:

  • to obtain factual knowledge about a range of European cultures, including about selected current issues affecting Europe
  • to analyse and reflect critically on past and present concepts of European and national cultural identities
  • to gain an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • to engage with relevant key concepts arising from cultural studies in a European context
  • to develop your research skills on a topic provided, with initial guidance through lectures and tutorials
  • to become familiar with the basic conventions of academic research, such as referencing and quoting correctly
  • to work and collaborate with others effectively

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Essay 1 30% 21 September
Essay 2 35% 16 November
Participation 25% Ongoing
Online discussion 10% Ongoing

Essay 1

Due: 21 September
Weighting: 30%

Essay 1: The essays must be submitted before or at the time specified.  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 the assignment task is late (including weekends). No assignments will be accepted after assignments have been corrected and feedback has been provided. Assignment tasks handed in early will not be marked and returned before the due date.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • to obtain factual knowledge about a range of European cultures, including about selected current issues affecting Europe
  • to analyse and reflect critically on past and present concepts of European and national cultural identities
  • to gain an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • to engage with relevant key concepts arising from cultural studies in a European context
  • to develop your research skills on a topic provided, with initial guidance through lectures and tutorials
  • to become familiar with the basic conventions of academic research, such as referencing and quoting correctly

Essay 2

Due: 16 November
Weighting: 35%

Essay 2: The essays must be submitted before or at the time specified.  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 the assignment task is late (including weekends). No assignments will be accepted after assignments have been corrected and feedback has been provided. Assignment tasks handed in early will not be marked and returned before the due date.

We strongly recommend that you take into account the individual feedback provided for Essay 1 as well as the general feedback provided in the tutorials.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • to obtain factual knowledge about a range of European cultures, including about selected current issues affecting Europe
  • to analyse and reflect critically on past and present concepts of European and national cultural identities
  • to gain an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • to engage with relevant key concepts arising from cultural studies in a European context
  • to develop your research skills on a topic provided, with initial guidance through lectures and tutorials
  • to become familiar with the basic conventions of academic research, such as referencing and quoting correctly

Participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 25%

The Tutorial Participation Mark is based on

- contributions to tutorial discussions that reflect an informed view, which you have developed based on your attendance of the relevant lecture and on the reading set for a particular tutorial and 

- a group presentation of one of the set reading texts (introduce the text briefly to class [5-10min.]; explain the key ideas and any unfamiliar terms and prepare a discussion question for the your tutorial group).

Please read the information under "Delivery and Resources" for further information, particularly on attendance requirements.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • to obtain factual knowledge about a range of European cultures, including about selected current issues affecting Europe
  • to analyse and reflect critically on past and present concepts of European and national cultural identities
  • to gain an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • to engage with relevant key concepts arising from cultural studies in a European context
  • to develop your research skills on a topic provided, with initial guidance through lectures and tutorials
  • to become familiar with the basic conventions of academic research, such as referencing and quoting correctly
  • to work and collaborate with others effectively

Online discussion

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%

Online Discussions are designed to generate the informal exchange of ideas which have arisen from the lecture topics and readings. Students will be assessed on the relevance of their contributions. Late submission will not be considered.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • to obtain factual knowledge about a range of European cultures, including about selected current issues affecting Europe
  • to analyse and reflect critically on past and present concepts of European and national cultural identities
  • to gain an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • to engage with relevant key concepts arising from cultural studies in a European context
  • to work and collaborate with others effectively

Delivery and Resources

The unit includes a weekly 1 hour lecture (from Week 1) and a 1 hour tutorial (from Week 2).

For lecture times and locations please cf. the Timestables Portal.

Please attend the tutorial group in which you have enrolled.

 

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

As this unit involves a series of lectures in preparation for independent research. Attendance at all lectures is highly recommended, attendance at tutorials is compulsory. Students who miss more than two tutorials without evidence of an unforseen and serious disruption (e.g. illness, supported by a medical certificate) will not be able to pass the unit. Ongoing work commitments are not a valid reason for missing classes.

It is expected that you prepare for each lecture and tutorial with the help of the set reading material which can be accessed via the iLearn online platform. Each lecture and tutorial will then offer further information, references and relevant internet sources thus guiding you towards more independent research.

Weekly lectures commence in Week 1 and are recorded (Echo). Please note that the recorded lectures are predominantly catering for those students who have a timetable ‘clash’. We strongly recommend that you attend the live lecture.

Lecture recordings will be released in line with the course’s progression and will be available for 2 weeks after the relevant lecture.

You will be supplied with references by each individual lecturer. In addition to taking notes in class, please use iLearn and the E-Reserve (Library) link in iLearn to obtain the necessary information.

Please familiarise yourself with the material available in the library by attending one of the library information tours offered at the start of each semester.

 

While the lectures introduce you to specific European cultures which illustrate a broader cultural issue, the tutorials provide you with the opportunity to explore the relevant topic in more depth and to enhance your essay writing skills. Adequate preparation for the tutorials will allow you to explore the relevant topic in more depth through active participation in group discussion which in turn creates an ideal base for more independent research when preparing for your essays. In addition to becoming actively involved in the lectures and tutorials, it is also recommended that you broaden your understanding of each culture by undertaking the suggested additional reading (s. iLearn).

 In order to stay informed about the organisation and content of the course, you are expected to visit the iLearn site for EUL 101 at least once a week to obtain all updated information.

This unit has an online presence. Login is via: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/ Students are required to have regular access to a computer and the internet. Mobile devices alone are not sufficient. - For technical support go to: http://mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/informatics/help - For student quick guides on the use of iLearn go to: http://mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/guides.htm

Unit Schedule

This unit can be integrated into a relevant degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of International Studies, or can be undertaken as a people unit by students from outside the discipline who wish to broaden their studies.

Italy: Typically Italian? Between stereotypes and 'reality'

Week Topic Staff member/Lecturer

Week 1

27 July

Introduction and Overview

  • 'Societies of Europe': national and transnational identitiies
  • Course outline
  • Essay writing skills
Dr Blanche Menadier

Week 2

3 Aug

National unity and internal difference: The example of Spain

 

Dr Jane Hanley

Week 3

10 Aug

Greece: from the past and into the present

Dr Blanche Menadier

Week 4

17 Aug

 Germany: Cultural Memory and Cultural Diversity

 

 Dr Ulrike Garde

Week 5

25 Aug

  Reviving language, claiming (national) identity: Irish, Welsh and Cornish  Prof John Simons

Week 6

31 Aug

 France: Migrant Culture and Writing in France  Dr Alex Kurmann

Week 7

7 Sept

Italy: Typically Italian? Between stereotypes and ‘reality’ Mr Gianluca Alimeni
   
Session Break Essay 1 due  

Week 8

28 Sept

Russia: a case study of a changing nation Dr Marika Kalygula

Week 9

5 October

No lecture but tutorials as usual  Monday is a public holiday

 

Week 10

12 October

 Croatians: Multicultural European nation

 Dr Danijel Dzino

Week 11

19 October

 Europe today: Current developments and challenges in ageing populations

 A/Prof Michael Fine

Week 12

26 October

Poland

Dr Andrew Siedlecki

Week 13

2 November

Europe and the European Union Dr Blanche Menadier

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/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

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

Please submit requests for extensions via the above link as Disruption to Studies. Please note that unless you have documentary evidence of disruption to your studies (medical certificate, etc), you will not be granted an extension.

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

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 outcome

  • to develop your research skills on a topic provided, with initial guidance through lectures and tutorials

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Online discussion

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

  • to gain an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • to become familiar with the basic conventions of academic research, such as referencing and quoting correctly

Assessment tasks

  • Essay 1
  • Essay 2
  • Participation

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 outcome

  • to engage with relevant key concepts arising from cultural studies in a European context

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Online discussion

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

  • to obtain factual knowledge about a range of European cultures, including about selected current issues affecting Europe
  • to analyse and reflect critically on past and present concepts of European and national cultural identities
  • to gain an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • to engage with relevant key concepts arising from cultural studies in a European context
  • to develop your research skills on a topic provided, with initial guidance through lectures and tutorials
  • to become familiar with the basic conventions of academic research, such as referencing and quoting correctly

Assessment tasks

  • Essay 1
  • Essay 2
  • Participation
  • Online discussion

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

  • to analyse and reflect critically on past and present concepts of European and national cultural identities
  • to gain an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • to engage with relevant key concepts arising from cultural studies in a European context
  • to develop your research skills on a topic provided, with initial guidance through lectures and tutorials

Assessment tasks

  • Essay 1
  • Essay 2
  • 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

  • to engage with relevant key concepts arising from cultural studies in a European context
  • to develop your research skills on a topic provided, with initial guidance through lectures and tutorials
  • to work and collaborate with others effectively

Assessment tasks

  • Essay 1
  • Essay 2
  • Participation

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

  • to analyse and reflect critically on past and present concepts of European and national cultural identities
  • to develop your research skills on a topic provided, with initial guidance through lectures and tutorials
  • to become familiar with the basic conventions of academic research, such as referencing and quoting correctly
  • to work and collaborate with others effectively

Assessment tasks

  • Essay 1
  • Essay 2
  • Participation
  • Online discussion

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

  • to analyse and reflect critically on past and present concepts of European and national cultural identities
  • to gain an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • to engage with relevant key concepts arising from cultural studies in a European context
  • to develop your research skills on a topic provided, with initial guidance through lectures and tutorials
  • to become familiar with the basic conventions of academic research, such as referencing and quoting correctly
  • to work and collaborate with others effectively

Assessment tasks

  • Essay 1
  • Essay 2
  • Participation

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

  • to gain an appreciation of cultural diversity and a range of issues related to cultural and cross-cultural questions
  • to engage with relevant key concepts arising from cultural studies in a European context
  • to develop your research skills on a topic provided, with initial guidance through lectures and tutorials
  • to work and collaborate with others effectively

Assessment tasks

  • Essay 1
  • Essay 2
  • Participation

Changes from Previous Offering

A rubric has been added for the essay assessments.

Changes since First Published

Date Description
26/07/2015 Changed lecture schedule to reflect public holiday on 5 October
26/07/2015 Lecture schedule changed to include 5 October public holiday