Students

MECO703 – Special Topics

2017 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
John Potts
Contact via 9850 2163
Y3A 165J
Monday 10-12
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This is a unit in which students choose a special topic in their particular area of research interest. The special topic may be investigated through creative practice and/or production, critical writing or a combination of both.

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 advanced knowledge of the literature in their field as it applies to the students' research topic.
  • Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various texts (music, media, literary, theoretical) and scholarly literature appropriate to their research topic.
  • Analyse and evaluate the arguments of others and revise and develop students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to the scholarly work in their field of knowledge.
  • Communicate (either performative or oral, and written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods in their field of research.
  • Apply knowledge and theories to new contexts and multiple media.
  • Produce multi-modal creative work relevant to students' disciplines.

General Assessment Information

Late Submission and Penalties: 

Students who submit late work without extension will receive a penalty of 10% per day. This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for Disruption to Studies is made and approved.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Research Proposal 20% No Friday August 25
Research Project 60% No Friday October 27
Final Report 20% No Friday November 10

Research Proposal

Due: Friday August 25
Weighting: 20%

This is a unit in which you can choose a special topic in your  particular area of  research interest. 

Your research proposal (1500 words) should outline your  topic,  situate it within current inquiry in its field, outline  your proposed approach and methodology, and summarise key references. 

Your  special  topic may be investigated through creative practice and/or production, critical writing or a combination of both. 

The Research Proposal should be submitted to the supervisor assigned to you for your special project.

The assessment criteria for this assignment include discipline specific relevance, topic relevance, academic conventions, writing and referencing. Detailed assessment criteria are provided in the iLearn site for MECO703.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the literature in their field as it applies to the students' research topic.
  • Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various texts (music, media, literary, theoretical) and scholarly literature appropriate to their research topic.
  • Analyse and evaluate the arguments of others and revise and develop students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to the scholarly work in their field of knowledge.
  • Communicate (either performative or oral, and written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods in their field of research.

Research Project

Due: Friday October 27
Weighting: 60%

This is the project you create in your particular area of interest. The project may take the form of creative practice and/or production, in a form and duration to be approved by your supervisor in this unit. Written assignments take the form of an extended essay of 5,000-6,000 words, on a topic of your choice.

This assignment is to be submitted to the supervisor assigned to you for the Special Project.

The assessment criteria for this assignment include discipline specific relevance, topic relevance, academic conventions, writing and referencing. Detailed assessment criteria are provided in the iLearn site for MECO703.

 

 

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various texts (music, media, literary, theoretical) and scholarly literature appropriate to their research topic.
  • Analyse and evaluate the arguments of others and revise and develop students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to the scholarly work in their field of knowledge.
  • Communicate (either performative or oral, and written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods in their field of research.
  • Apply knowledge and theories to new contexts and multiple media.
  • Produce multi-modal creative work relevant to students' disciplines.

Final Report

Due: Friday November 10
Weighting: 20%

This  assignment  (1500 words) is the final report on your Special Project. 

It should encompass reflections on your completion of the Research Project, including critical reflections on any obstacles or difficulties you encountered and how you dealt with them in researching and completing your project. You may reflect on what you have learnt in undertaking this special project, and whether this knowledge will contribute to your future research.

The Final Report is to be submitted to the supervisor assigned to you for the Special Project.

The assessment criteria for this assignment include discipline specific relevance, topic relevance, academic conventions, writing and referencing. Detailed assessment criteria are provided in the iLearn site for MECO703.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the literature in their field as it applies to the students' research topic.
  • Analyse and evaluate the arguments of others and revise and develop students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to the scholarly work in their field of knowledge.
  • Communicate (either performative or oral, and written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods in their field of research.
  • Apply knowledge and theories to new contexts and multiple media.
  • Produce multi-modal creative work relevant to students' disciplines.

Delivery and Resources

 

Research and Practice

The unit is designed to increase your understanding of critical inquiry and creative practice perspectives, and to develop and effectively communicate your own research. 

Some aspects of this unit may require creative technologies such as media production or musical interests.

 

Students will be directed to production resources within MMCCS where appropriate.  

 

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_2016.html

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

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

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

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

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

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various texts (music, media, literary, theoretical) and scholarly literature appropriate to their research topic.
  • Communicate (either performative or oral, and written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods in their field of research.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Proposal
  • Research Project
  • Final Report

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the literature in their field as it applies to the students' research topic.
  • Apply knowledge and theories to new contexts and multiple media.
  • Produce multi-modal creative work relevant to students' disciplines.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Proposal
  • Research Project
  • Final Report

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the literature in their field as it applies to the students' research topic.
  • Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various texts (music, media, literary, theoretical) and scholarly literature appropriate to their research topic.
  • Analyse and evaluate the arguments of others and revise and develop students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to the scholarly work in their field of knowledge.
  • Apply knowledge and theories to new contexts and multiple media.
  • Produce multi-modal creative work relevant to students' disciplines.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Proposal
  • Research Project
  • Final Report

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the literature in their field as it applies to the students' research topic.
  • Evaluate, synthesise and analyse various texts (music, media, literary, theoretical) and scholarly literature appropriate to their research topic.
  • Analyse and evaluate the arguments of others and revise and develop students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to the scholarly work in their field of knowledge.
  • Communicate (either performative or oral, and written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods in their field of research.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Proposal
  • Research Project
  • Final Report

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse and evaluate the arguments of others and revise and develop students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to the scholarly work in their field of knowledge.
  • Communicate (either performative or oral, and written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods in their field of research.
  • Apply knowledge and theories to new contexts and multiple media.
  • Produce multi-modal creative work relevant to students' disciplines.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Proposal
  • Research Project
  • Final Report

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the literature in their field as it applies to the students' research topic.
  • Analyse and evaluate the arguments of others and revise and develop students’ own ideas and arguments in relation to the scholarly work in their field of knowledge.
  • Communicate (either performative or oral, and written) a clear and coherent exposition of the theoretical and analytical knowledge and methods in their field of research.
  • Apply knowledge and theories to new contexts and multiple media.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Proposal
  • Research Project
  • Final Report