Students
FOAR702 – Posthumanism
2019 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Paul Sheehan
Contact via Please contact via email.
AHH L2 North Wing
Please email to arrange appointment.
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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
This unit will introduce students to posthumanism, a critical discourse that seeks to question the exclusionary politics that has historically positioned human beings as the dominant life form. It will explore posthumanism’s multi-faceted relationship to mythological fable, cybernetics theory, disability studies, animal studies and ecocriticism, and provide an transdisciplinary perspective of how posthumanism demands a radical re-evaluation of human identity and society.
This unit will be accessible to all Arts MRes students, will provide a range of critical concepts and tools useful to scholars in an array of research pathways in Arts.
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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 posthumanism as both a material condition and a developing philosophical-ethical project.
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to develop an awareness of current debates about the status of the posthuman.
- Critically reflect on the relationship between posthumanism and research in the humanities and social sciences.
- Exercise independence in the identification of a research problem and formulate a sophisticated approach to investigate it.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Participation | 10% | No | Weeks 1-13 |
| Research Proposal | 20% | No | Sunday 15 September |
| Major Research Paper | 50% | No | Wednesday 13 November |
| Essay workshop | 20% | No | Week 13 |
Active Participation
Due: Weeks 1-13
Weighting: 10%
Students will be evaluated on their participation in each weekly seminar. Their grade will be determined in relation to their preparedness for each class and their willingness to raise ideas in class and respond to the questions of others.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of posthumanism as both a material condition and a developing philosophical-ethical project.
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to develop an awareness of current debates about the status of the posthuman.
- Critically reflect on the relationship between posthumanism and research in the humanities and social sciences.
Research Proposal
Due: Sunday 15 September
Weighting: 20%
Students must submit a 800-1000 word outline for their final research paper. This outline should provide brief information about:
- The problem/issue/text(s) that the paper seeks to address. (That is, outline the scope of your paper.)
- The theoretical framework that will be used to analyse this problem/issue/text. Please refer specifically to published scholarship and indicate how these writers/publications will allow you expand and develop your own ideas.
- Indicate how your argument will progress and develop – what issues and concepts will you consider, and what kinds of conclusions do you hope to be able to draw?
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to develop an awareness of current debates about the status of the posthuman.
- Critically reflect on the relationship between posthumanism and research in the humanities and social sciences.
- Exercise independence in the identification of a research problem and formulate a sophisticated approach to investigate it.
Major Research Paper
Due: Wednesday 13 November
Weighting: 50%
The aim of this paper is to apply posthumanism as a critical framework to an issue or problem within your own discipline. Alternatively, you can focus your analysis on a book, film or other cultural artefact. Questions that you might use to frame your critical inquiry include:
- How can posthumanism challenge or expand traditional understandings of human identity and experience?
- How might posthumanism offer fruitful suggestions for how to address deeply entrenched problems of social and political life?
- What might a posthuman future entail? What are the implications of this future for humanity and other life-forms?
(Please only use one of these questions to frame your argument and discussion.)
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of posthumanism as both a material condition and a developing philosophical-ethical project.
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to develop an awareness of current debates about the status of the posthuman.
- Critically reflect on the relationship between posthumanism and research in the humanities and social sciences.
- Exercise independence in the identification of a research problem and formulate a sophisticated approach to investigate it.
Essay workshop
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 20%
In the final week of semester, each student will make a brief presentation which outlines the central focus of their major research project.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of posthumanism as both a material condition and a developing philosophical-ethical project.
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to develop an awareness of current debates about the status of the posthuman.
- Critically reflect on the relationship between posthumanism and research in the humanities and social sciences.
- Exercise independence in the identification of a research problem and formulate a sophisticated approach to investigate it.
Delivery and Resources
Required Texts:
1. Mary Shelley, Frankenstein (1818)
2. J. M. Coetzee,. Life & Times of Michael K (1983)
3. Kazuo Ishiguro, Never Let Me Go (2005)
*We will also be watching a number of films in class. Please refer to the FOAR702 Handbook for further details.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to develop an awareness of current debates about the status of the posthuman.
- Critically reflect on the relationship between posthumanism and research in the humanities and social sciences.
- Exercise independence in the identification of a research problem and formulate a sophisticated approach to investigate it.
Assessment tasks
- Active Participation
- Research Proposal
- Major Research Paper
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 posthumanism as both a material condition and a developing philosophical-ethical project.
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to develop an awareness of current debates about the status of the posthuman.
- Critically reflect on the relationship between posthumanism and research in the humanities and social sciences.
- Exercise independence in the identification of a research problem and formulate a sophisticated approach to investigate it.
Assessment tasks
- Active Participation
- Research Proposal
- Major Research Paper
- Essay workshop
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 posthumanism as both a material condition and a developing philosophical-ethical project.
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to develop an awareness of current debates about the status of the posthuman.
- Critically reflect on the relationship between posthumanism and research in the humanities and social sciences.
- Exercise independence in the identification of a research problem and formulate a sophisticated approach to investigate it.
Assessment tasks
- Active Participation
- Research Proposal
- Major Research Paper
- Essay workshop
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
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to develop an awareness of current debates about the status of the posthuman.
- Critically reflect on the relationship between posthumanism and research in the humanities and social sciences.
- Exercise independence in the identification of a research problem and formulate a sophisticated approach to investigate it.
Assessment tasks
- Active Participation
- Research Proposal
- Major Research Paper
- Essay workshop
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:
Assessment tasks
- Active Participation
- Research Proposal
- Major Research Paper
- Essay workshop
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:
Assessment tasks
- Active Participation
- Research Proposal
- Major Research Paper