The objective of this course is to provide the student with the opportunity to obtain a sound knowledge of normative, positive and critical theories of accounting. The course begins by examining the nature of theories and alternative forms of logic. The conceptual framework and key contemporary and historical accounting issues are examined, highlighting the role of theory in understanding current accounting standards, accounting practice and the use of accounting information by the myriad stakeholders in reporting entities. Throughout the course examples of the relationship between theories of accounting and decisions facing real people (accountants and financial statement users) are highlighted.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
At the conclusion of the unit students will have:
- read widely in accounting
- acquired a deeper and more critical appreciation of what defines contemporary accounting practice, what it is that should define the nature, scope and future of accounting
- be familiar with concepts of theory development and theories of accounting policy choice, measurement of economic income and the societal use of accounting information
- have achieved a deeper understanding of selected contemporary issues in accounting, and
- have developed an ability to critically analyse these issues within the theoretical framework developed earlier in the course.
Other Information
See the course outline on the College courses page. Outlines are uploaded as they become available.Indicative Assessment
- Essay Part A Referencing Exercise and Essay Plan - 10%
- Essay Part B Research Essay - 30%
- Final Exam - 60%
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Students taking this course are expected to commit at least 12 hours a week to completing the work. This will include 3 hours per week in class and at least 9 hours a week on average (including non-teaching weeks) on course reading, research, writing and assignment work.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Majors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Students continuing in their current program of study will have their tuition fees indexed annually from the year in which you commenced your program. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 3
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $2922 | |
| 2014 | $3246 | |
| 2013 | $3240 | |
| 2012 | $3240 | |
| 2011 | $3240 | |
| 2010 | $3240 | |
| 2009 | $3240 | |
| 2008 | $3240 | |
| 2007 | $3240 | |
| 2006 | $3240 | |
| 2005 | $3234 | |
| 2004 | $3234 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $2922 |
| 2014 | $3762 |
| 2013 | $3756 |
| 2012 | $3756 |
| 2011 | $3756 |
| 2010 | $3750 |
| 2009 | $3426 |
| 2008 | $3426 |
| 2007 | $3426 |
| 2006 | $3288 |
| 2005 | $3234 |
| 2004 | $3234 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3266 | 17 Feb 2014 | 07 Mar 2014 | 31 Mar 2014 | 30 May 2014 | In Person | N/A |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7302 | 21 Jul 2014 | 01 Aug 2014 | 31 Aug 2014 | 30 Oct 2014 | In Person | N/A |
