Students
MECO700 – Disciplinary Contexts
2017 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit convenor
Kathryn Millard
Contact via kathryn.millard@mq.edu.au
Y3A 157
Tuesdays 2.00-4.00
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
In this unit students will develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the range of disciplines within MMCCS. To facilitate this knowledge students will explore a range of key thinkers and approaches that distinguish these disciplines. Students will also become familiar with the genealogical trajectory and historical contexts in which disciplines have been formed.
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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:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the principles and concepts within a discipline area
- Develop a high level of oral, written, and technological communication skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of research principles and methods in a disciplinary area
- Think critically and make informed and logical judgments of the arguments of others to arrive at reasoned and meaningful arguments and positions, and formulate, synthesis and apply ideas to new contexts
General Assessment Information
Unit Requirements and Expectations
Students attend and participate in a two-hour seminar each week beginning in Week 2. As participation in the process of learning is linked to and underpins the unit Learning Outcomes, you will need to either apply for Disruptions to Studies to cover any missed workshops (if the disruption is greater than three days) or supply appropriate documentation to the unit convenor for any missed tutorial (if less than three consecutive days).
Students are expected to read and view materials posted by the Convenors/Lecturers at the iLearn page for this course.
Assessment tasks are aligned to the unit Learning Outcomes. Timely submission of assessment tasks is a unit requirement or penalties apply. 10% per day (including weekends) will be deducted for all late submissions unless Disruption to Studies (including a request for an extension) is approved.
There is no examination for this unit.
Submitting Assignments
Assignments should be submitted via the link at the Course's iLearn page. Assessment will be sent by email.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discipline Report | 30% | No | 28th April |
| Seminar Presentation | 20% | No | 31st May |
| Written research proposal | 50% | No | 13th June |
Discipline Report
Due: 28th April
Weighting: 30%
This report of 2,000 words should define the discipline or sub-discipline in which the student's research interest resides. The report should describe the history and conventions of this discipline, as well as its scope, defining characteristics, debates, key research questions and modes of inquiry. A brief description of the existing scholarship within this discipline, relevant to the student's research question, should also be included.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the principles and concepts within a discipline area
- Develop a high level of oral, written, and technological communication skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of research principles and methods in a disciplinary area
- Think critically and make informed and logical judgments of the arguments of others to arrive at reasoned and meaningful arguments and positions, and formulate, synthesis and apply ideas to new contexts
Seminar Presentation
Due: 31st May
Weighting: 20%
A presentation delivered to the seminar group, outlining the student's proposed research question and its disciplinary context. The presentation should be of fifteen minutes duration and take place in weeks 10-12.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the principles and concepts within a discipline area
- Develop a high level of oral, written, and technological communication skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of research principles and methods in a disciplinary area
- Think critically and make informed and logical judgments of the arguments of others to arrive at reasoned and meaningful arguments and positions, and formulate, synthesis and apply ideas to new contexts
Written research proposal
Due: 13th June
Weighting: 50%
This written proposal, of 3,000 words, should outline the topic of the proposed MRes research project, to be delivered in Year Two. The proposal should outline the scope of the project and describe the methodology employed in the research. It should also identify how this project is situated within a disciplinary context, including the relevant published scholarly research and/or creative practice, and any cross-disciplinary research initiatives where applicable.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the principles and concepts within a discipline area
- Develop a high level of oral, written, and technological communication skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of research principles and methods in a disciplinary area
- Think critically and make informed and logical judgments of the arguments of others to arrive at reasoned and meaningful arguments and positions, and formulate, synthesis and apply ideas to new contexts
Delivery and Resources
Readings will be provided by the convenor. Some readings are available online for download, as detailed in the Unit Schedule.
Unit Schedule
MECO700 Unit Schedule
Week 2: 7th March - Introduction (Kathryn Millard)
Week 3: 14th March - Media Studies (Willa McDonald)
Reading:
Graeme Turner and Stuart Cunningham, 'The Media and Communications in Australia Today', Chapter 1 in Turner and Cunningham, The Media and Communications in Australia, Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 2010
Week 4: 21st March - Writing (Willa McDonald)
Reading:
Gibson, Ross "The Known World", TEXT Special issue, Symposium: Creative and practice-led research—status, future plans, Brien DL, Burr S & Webb J (eds)
Oct. 2010. http://www.textjournal.com.au/speciss/issue8/Gibson.pdf
Week 5: 28th March - Cultural Studies (Nicole Anderson)
Reading:
Nicole Anderson and Katrina Schulnke, 'Introduction: Theory to Practice' in Anderson & Schulnke, Cultural Theory in Everyday Practice, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009
Week 6: 4th April - Cultural Studies and Cultural Theory (Nicole Anderson)
Reading:
'Bodies and Embodiment', 'Empire and Ethnography', 'Sex and Sexuality', 'Poststructuralism and Postmodernism' in Anderson & Schulnke, Cultural Theory in Everyday Practice, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009
Week 7: 11th April - Screen (Tom Murray)
Reading: TBA
MID-SEMESTER BREAK
Week 8 2nd May: Creative Arts and Interdisciplinary Research (Kathryn Millard)
Readings:
Janet Fulton & Elizabeth Paton, ‘The Systems Model of Creativity’ in McIntyre, Fulton J. and Paton Ed. The Creative System in Action, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2016
Rebekah Brown, Ana Deletic and Tony Wong ‘Interdisciplinarity: How to catalyse collaboration’, Nature, 2015 http://www.nature.com/news/interdisciplinarity-how-to-catalyse-collaboration-1.18343
Week 9: 9th May - Music (Andrew Alter)
Reading: Alter, Crowdy and Collins. 2015. ‘Technology and Ownership amongst “World Music” Practitioners: Ongoing Debates in a Globalizing World’, Introduction to the Special Issue Journal of World Popular Music. 2(1):8-18.
Weeks 10 - 12: 17 May - 31 May: Student Presentations (Kathryn Millard)
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.
MMCCS re-mark procedure: Additional information MMCCS website https://www.mq.edu.au/ about_us/faculties_and_departments/faculty_of_arts/ department_of_media_music_communication_and_cultural_studies/ MMCCS Session Re-mark Application http://www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/public/download/?id=167914 Information is correct at the time of publication
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 outcome
- Develop a high level of oral, written, and technological communication skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline
Assessment tasks
- Discipline Report
- Written research proposal
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
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the principles and concepts within a discipline area
- Develop a high level of oral, written, and technological communication skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of research principles and methods in a disciplinary area
Assessment tasks
- Discipline Report
- Seminar Presentation
- Written research proposal
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
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the principles and concepts within a discipline area
- Develop a high level of oral, written, and technological communication skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of research principles and methods in a disciplinary area
- Think critically and make informed and logical judgments of the arguments of others to arrive at reasoned and meaningful arguments and positions, and formulate, synthesis and apply ideas to new contexts
Assessment tasks
- Discipline Report
- Seminar Presentation
- Written research proposal
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 an advanced knowledge of research principles and methods in a disciplinary area
- Think critically and make informed and logical judgments of the arguments of others to arrive at reasoned and meaningful arguments and positions, and formulate, synthesis and apply ideas to new contexts
Assessment tasks
- Discipline Report
- Written research proposal
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
- Develop a high level of oral, written, and technological communication skills, with specialisation for the specific needs of a discipline
- Think critically and make informed and logical judgments of the arguments of others to arrive at reasoned and meaningful arguments and positions, and formulate, synthesis and apply ideas to new contexts
Assessment tasks
- Seminar Presentation
- Written research proposal
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
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the principles and concepts within a discipline area
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of research principles and methods in a disciplinary area
- Think critically and make informed and logical judgments of the arguments of others to arrive at reasoned and meaningful arguments and positions, and formulate, synthesis and apply ideas to new contexts
Assessment task
- Seminar Presentation