Students are required to write a 1,000 word essay that responds to the question below:

• In Enabling Texts, Davis writes: “we must examine the process by which normalcy, taken for granted by definition, is shaped into hegemonic force that requires micro-enforcement at each and every cultural, somatic, and political site in the culture” (1997, p. 250). Drawing on the required readings and an example of your choosing, discuss Davis's statement. Why should we turn a critical lens on 'normalcy?' What can can we learn from studies of the 'normal?' 

In response to the question, students should draw on the concepts in the relevant readings in order to formulate an argument. They should also illustrate their argument by performing a forensic analysis of one original example or case study.

Assessment Criteria:

Students will be assessed on their ability to:

• Demonstrate a clear and effective grasp of the key concepts raised in the relevant readings
• Use critical skills in order to develop their own argument 
• Develop critical argumentation skills that enable students to support and materially evidence their argument
• Use a relevant example or case study from either the media, legislation or political texts to illustrate their arguments
• Effective use of communication skills to present academic research

Submission: Students will submit Essay One via the Turnitin link on the unit iLearn Site.

Late Penalty: A late penalty of 10% per day including weekends will be applied. 

Extensions: Students who have experienced a disruption to their studies and would like to seek an extension of 1-7 days must contact their unit convenor. Students seeking an extension of more than 7 days must submit a disruption to studies notification via ask.mq.edu.au. More information is listed below under Extensions and Special Circumstances.

For this assessment, students are required to select two of their own responses to the weekly activities undertaken in the discussion forms between weeks one to eight. They are required to complete a 400-500 word scholarly reflection task for each post.

In these scholarly reflections, students are required to (a) outline the context of their post on the discussion forum, (b) demonstrate how it enhances their understanding of the key concepts or methods explored in the unit, and (c) discuss how their thoughts have developed since writing their post.

Students can find a template for this assessment task in the Assessments and Guides Section on the ilearn page. Each post they include should be 150-300 words in length (about a paragraph). This means you may either use a full post, or an extract. The posts are not included in the word count.

This assessment task will be marked according to the following criteria:

1. Well-selected sample of two of the student’s weekly responses to the activities
2. Demonstrates a clear grasp of relevant key theoretical concepts and their context
3. Demonstrates the ability to identify the significance and implications of relevant key concepts
4. Demonstrates a critical engagement with relevant unit readings, cultural studies scholarship and debates
5. Stages a thoughtful reflection on the process of learning and engaging with cultural studies scholarship
6. Effective use of writing skills to present academic research, including consistent and accurate use of in-text referencing. 

Submission: Students will submit their Activities Reflection Task via the Turnitin link on the unit iLearn site.

Late Penalty: A late penalty of 10% per day including weekends will be applied. 

Extensions: Students who have experienced a disruption to their studies and would like to seek an extension of 1-7 days must contact their unit convenor. Students seeking an extension of more than 7 days must submit a disruption to studies notification via ask.mq.edu.au. More information is listed below under Extensions and Special Circumstances.

In their final essay, students are required to identify a specific problematic discussed in one of the weekly topics that they would like to explore further. They must draw on the concepts discussed in the relevant week and readings in order to engage with this topic, both critically and imaginatively, and develop their own contribution to the debate. 

For example, students may consider using the concepts and methods they have learnt throughout the course in order to engage with a problematic that we have discussed in relation to cosmetic surgery, suffering or genital mutilation. Students should aim to develop their own argument and contribute to the debate. 

Students will have the opportunity to discuss their chosen topics on the discussion boards and during workshops that will be held in week ten.

This assessment task will be marked according to the following criteria:

1. Demonstrates the ability to deploy analytical skills in order to develop a scholarly research question
2. Demonstrates a clear and effective grasp of relevant key concepts 
3. Demonstrates critical and sustained engagement with the unit readings and questions of cultural studies research
4. Demonstrates knowledge and analysis of key cultural studies methodologies and principles
5. Ability to stage a well-supported analysis and develop a strong and well-supported argument
6. Effective use of writing skills to present academic research, including consistent and accurate use of in-text referencing.

Submission: Students will submit their Final Essay via the Turnitin link on the unit iLearn site.

Late Penalty: A late penalty of 10% per day including weekends will be applied. 

Extensions: Students who have experienced a disruption to their studies and would like to seek an extension of 1-7 days must contact their unit convenor. Students seeking an extension of more than 7 days must submit a disruption to studies notification via ask.mq.edu.au. More information is listed below under Extensions and Special Circumstances.