Students

ANTH300 – Pacific Cultures: Kings, Cannibals and Other Mysteries

2018 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Jaap Timmer
Contact via 8077
AHH, Level 2
TBA
Payel Ray
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(39cp at 100 level or above) or admission to GDipArts
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit offers an examination of the history and anthropology of the peoples of the Pacific region. The first half of the unit will be spent reading and discussing two key classical monographs to explore the histories of exploration and ethnographic study of 'traditional' societies. In the second half of the course we will focus more on how cultures change and the ways we can make sense of indigenous representations and historicities. We will investigate how different forms of historical consciousness are both culturally and temporally specific and how these prompts for contemplation of the past might feature in our formal histories.

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:

  • - Students will understand the ways in which institutions and interactions of human society in the Pacific develop conceptions of religion, gender, personhood, state and development; Students will have critical anthropological understandings of social and cultures issues in the Pacific region.
  • Students will have practical knowledge about a variety of analytical concepts methodological techniques related to assessing the social and cultural dynamics in the Pacific region
  • Students will demonstrate their ability to engage in debates about the study of human society in the Pacific, and engage in debates about the importance of such studies in two essays. Students will have knowledge and confidence to competently discuss and apply assessment criteria and methods to assess past and current developments in the Pacific.
  • Students will develop their oral presentation and communication skills through class presentations and workshop discussions. Students will improve their critical skills by learning how research data is produced and how choices made by researchers affect the outcome.
  • Students will improve problem-solving skills through research design activities and by engaging in various forms of data analysis.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Museum visit reflection 25% No TBA
Essay 40% No TBA
Unit participation 15% No n/a
Student presentations 20% No TBA

Museum visit reflection

Due: TBA
Weighting: 25%

Students write a 1,000 word reflection on the exhibition and collection of Pacific material culture in the Australian Museum using the framework developed by Nicholas Thomas in 'Entangled Objects'.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • - Students will understand the ways in which institutions and interactions of human society in the Pacific develop conceptions of religion, gender, personhood, state and development; Students will have critical anthropological understandings of social and cultures issues in the Pacific region.
  • Students will have practical knowledge about a variety of analytical concepts methodological techniques related to assessing the social and cultural dynamics in the Pacific region
  • Students will demonstrate their ability to engage in debates about the study of human society in the Pacific, and engage in debates about the importance of such studies in two essays. Students will have knowledge and confidence to competently discuss and apply assessment criteria and methods to assess past and current developments in the Pacific.
  • Students will develop their oral presentation and communication skills through class presentations and workshop discussions. Students will improve their critical skills by learning how research data is produced and how choices made by researchers affect the outcome.
  • Students will improve problem-solving skills through research design activities and by engaging in various forms of data analysis.

Essay

Due: TBA
Weighting: 40%

Students write a 3,000 word essay on a Pacific studies topic of their choice


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • - Students will understand the ways in which institutions and interactions of human society in the Pacific develop conceptions of religion, gender, personhood, state and development; Students will have critical anthropological understandings of social and cultures issues in the Pacific region.
  • Students will have practical knowledge about a variety of analytical concepts methodological techniques related to assessing the social and cultural dynamics in the Pacific region
  • Students will demonstrate their ability to engage in debates about the study of human society in the Pacific, and engage in debates about the importance of such studies in two essays. Students will have knowledge and confidence to competently discuss and apply assessment criteria and methods to assess past and current developments in the Pacific.
  • Students will develop their oral presentation and communication skills through class presentations and workshop discussions. Students will improve their critical skills by learning how research data is produced and how choices made by researchers affect the outcome.
  • Students will improve problem-solving skills through research design activities and by engaging in various forms of data analysis.

Unit participation

Due: n/a
Weighting: 15%

Active attendance and engagement with lecture and tutorial materials and discussions 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • - Students will understand the ways in which institutions and interactions of human society in the Pacific develop conceptions of religion, gender, personhood, state and development; Students will have critical anthropological understandings of social and cultures issues in the Pacific region.
  • Students will have practical knowledge about a variety of analytical concepts methodological techniques related to assessing the social and cultural dynamics in the Pacific region
  • Students will demonstrate their ability to engage in debates about the study of human society in the Pacific, and engage in debates about the importance of such studies in two essays. Students will have knowledge and confidence to competently discuss and apply assessment criteria and methods to assess past and current developments in the Pacific.
  • Students will develop their oral presentation and communication skills through class presentations and workshop discussions. Students will improve their critical skills by learning how research data is produced and how choices made by researchers affect the outcome.
  • Students will improve problem-solving skills through research design activities and by engaging in various forms of data analysis.

Student presentations

Due: TBA
Weighting: 20%

Students present their essay in the lectures and tutorials


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • - Students will understand the ways in which institutions and interactions of human society in the Pacific develop conceptions of religion, gender, personhood, state and development; Students will have critical anthropological understandings of social and cultures issues in the Pacific region.
  • Students will have practical knowledge about a variety of analytical concepts methodological techniques related to assessing the social and cultural dynamics in the Pacific region
  • Students will demonstrate their ability to engage in debates about the study of human society in the Pacific, and engage in debates about the importance of such studies in two essays. Students will have knowledge and confidence to competently discuss and apply assessment criteria and methods to assess past and current developments in the Pacific.
  • Students will develop their oral presentation and communication skills through class presentations and workshop discussions. Students will improve their critical skills by learning how research data is produced and how choices made by researchers affect the outcome.
  • Students will improve problem-solving skills through research design activities and by engaging in various forms of data analysis.

Delivery and Resources

Delivery mode: Day

This unit will use iLearn

Lectures

 

Mondays, 9-11am

Tutorials (start week 2)

 

1.  Mondays, 11am-12pm

2.  Mondays, 12pm-1pm

Unit Schedule

 

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:

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 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

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 outcomes

  • - Students will understand the ways in which institutions and interactions of human society in the Pacific develop conceptions of religion, gender, personhood, state and development; Students will have critical anthropological understandings of social and cultures issues in the Pacific region.
  • Students will have practical knowledge about a variety of analytical concepts methodological techniques related to assessing the social and cultural dynamics in the Pacific region
  • Students will demonstrate their ability to engage in debates about the study of human society in the Pacific, and engage in debates about the importance of such studies in two essays. Students will have knowledge and confidence to competently discuss and apply assessment criteria and methods to assess past and current developments in the Pacific.
  • Students will develop their oral presentation and communication skills through class presentations and workshop discussions. Students will improve their critical skills by learning how research data is produced and how choices made by researchers affect the outcome.
  • Students will improve problem-solving skills through research design activities and by engaging in various forms of data analysis.

Assessment tasks

  • Museum visit reflection
  • Essay
  • Unit participation
  • Student presentations

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

  • - Students will understand the ways in which institutions and interactions of human society in the Pacific develop conceptions of religion, gender, personhood, state and development; Students will have critical anthropological understandings of social and cultures issues in the Pacific region.
  • Students will demonstrate their ability to engage in debates about the study of human society in the Pacific, and engage in debates about the importance of such studies in two essays. Students will have knowledge and confidence to competently discuss and apply assessment criteria and methods to assess past and current developments in the Pacific.
  • Students will improve problem-solving skills through research design activities and by engaging in various forms of data analysis.

Assessment tasks

  • Museum visit reflection
  • Essay
  • Unit 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 outcomes

  • Students will have practical knowledge about a variety of analytical concepts methodological techniques related to assessing the social and cultural dynamics in the Pacific region
  • Students will develop their oral presentation and communication skills through class presentations and workshop discussions. Students will improve their critical skills by learning how research data is produced and how choices made by researchers affect the outcome.
  • Students will improve problem-solving skills through research design activities and by engaging in various forms of data analysis.

Assessment tasks

  • Unit participation
  • Student presentations

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

  • Students will have practical knowledge about a variety of analytical concepts methodological techniques related to assessing the social and cultural dynamics in the Pacific region
  • Students will develop their oral presentation and communication skills through class presentations and workshop discussions. Students will improve their critical skills by learning how research data is produced and how choices made by researchers affect the outcome.
  • Students will improve problem-solving skills through research design activities and by engaging in various forms of data analysis.

Assessment tasks

  • Museum visit reflection
  • Essay
  • Unit participation

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

  • - Students will understand the ways in which institutions and interactions of human society in the Pacific develop conceptions of religion, gender, personhood, state and development; Students will have critical anthropological understandings of social and cultures issues in the Pacific region.
  • Students will have practical knowledge about a variety of analytical concepts methodological techniques related to assessing the social and cultural dynamics in the Pacific region
  • Students will demonstrate their ability to engage in debates about the study of human society in the Pacific, and engage in debates about the importance of such studies in two essays. Students will have knowledge and confidence to competently discuss and apply assessment criteria and methods to assess past and current developments in the Pacific.
  • Students will improve problem-solving skills through research design activities and by engaging in various forms of data analysis.

Assessment tasks

  • Museum visit reflection
  • Essay

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

  • - Students will understand the ways in which institutions and interactions of human society in the Pacific develop conceptions of religion, gender, personhood, state and development; Students will have critical anthropological understandings of social and cultures issues in the Pacific region.
  • Students will improve problem-solving skills through research design activities and by engaging in various forms of data analysis.

Assessment task

  • Essay

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

  • Students will have practical knowledge about a variety of analytical concepts methodological techniques related to assessing the social and cultural dynamics in the Pacific region
  • Students will demonstrate their ability to engage in debates about the study of human society in the Pacific, and engage in debates about the importance of such studies in two essays. Students will have knowledge and confidence to competently discuss and apply assessment criteria and methods to assess past and current developments in the Pacific.
  • Students will develop their oral presentation and communication skills through class presentations and workshop discussions. Students will improve their critical skills by learning how research data is produced and how choices made by researchers affect the outcome.
  • Students will improve problem-solving skills through research design activities and by engaging in various forms of data analysis.

Assessment tasks

  • Museum visit reflection
  • Essay
  • Unit participation
  • Student presentations

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

  • - Students will understand the ways in which institutions and interactions of human society in the Pacific develop conceptions of religion, gender, personhood, state and development; Students will have critical anthropological understandings of social and cultures issues in the Pacific region.
  • Students will demonstrate their ability to engage in debates about the study of human society in the Pacific, and engage in debates about the importance of such studies in two essays. Students will have knowledge and confidence to competently discuss and apply assessment criteria and methods to assess past and current developments in the Pacific.
  • Students will develop their oral presentation and communication skills through class presentations and workshop discussions. Students will improve their critical skills by learning how research data is produced and how choices made by researchers affect the outcome.
  • Students will improve problem-solving skills through research design activities and by engaging in various forms of data analysis.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay
  • Unit participation
  • Student presentations

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

  • - Students will understand the ways in which institutions and interactions of human society in the Pacific develop conceptions of religion, gender, personhood, state and development; Students will have critical anthropological understandings of social and cultures issues in the Pacific region.
  • Students will demonstrate their ability to engage in debates about the study of human society in the Pacific, and engage in debates about the importance of such studies in two essays. Students will have knowledge and confidence to competently discuss and apply assessment criteria and methods to assess past and current developments in the Pacific.
  • Students will improve problem-solving skills through research design activities and by engaging in various forms of data analysis.

Assessment task

  • Unit participation