This course gives the student the unique opportunity to specialise in an area of their choice, receive a personalised guidance towards the readings and one to one supervisions by one of our experts.  The areas of our expertise range from gender studies, pharmaceuticals, refugees, human rights, infectious disease, medical research, nutrition , indigenous health, violence, emotions and the body, health policy analysis, biomedicine to traditional medicine in Oceania and the Pacific, South East Asia, to Latina America.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

 

On completion of this course, students will have acquired:

• In-depth knowledge in their chosen area of expertise;
• Critical understanding of key concepts and.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Aim: To identify key areas of interest for the student, in which the supervisor may be able to provide support for a directed reading course. Overview: At this first meeting, we will discuss your background, and your areas of interest, and your career plans. At the end of the meeting you should have sketched out the area of interest.	Homework: Explore key areas of literature to see if there is sufficient to build a Directed Readings course around it. Remember to consider direct sources on the Internet, newspaper resources through Factiva, in addition to standard academic sources. The first two weeks may be useful periods for discussion with your librarian. If you do not know how to use EndNote, this is a good time to book in a session.
2	Aim: To identify the keys areas of literature to explore the directed readings area: Overview: In this session we will review the literature identifed in the first week for relevance, depth and adequacy. The academic framework you wish to use for your analysis should also be explored at this consult.	Homework: Further scoping of the literature, as recommended by your supervisor. Your supervisor may wish to contact others for advice on appropriate readings as your course of work emerges. If you wish to use readings in a language other than English, please discuss this with your supervisor, as the time commitment may be considerable.
3	Aim: To identify the keys areas of literature to explore the directed readings area: Overview: In this session we will review the literature identifed in the first week for relevance, depth and adequacy. The academic framework you wish to use for your analysis should also be explored at this consult.	Homework: Further scoping of the literature, as recommended by your supervisor. Your supervisor may wish to contact others for advice on appropriate readings as your course of work emerges. If you wish to use readings in a language other than English, please discuss this with your supervisor, as the time commitment may be considerable.
4	Aim: Clarify reading plan for this project and begin reading. Overview: The reading plan should now be clarified. It will incorporate Some theoretical readings on the topic, which will frame the discussion. Direct source readings on the topic under question. This may include non-academic texts such as biographies, first person accounts, or media coverage, AND/OR academic readings on the topic at hand, AND/OR policy documents.
5	Aim: Continue reading plan. Overview: Begin with the theoretical readings, so that you keep the framework in mind when undertaking the direct source readings. You may find at this point that the theoretical frame does not fit well with your research question or the readings. Discuss this with your supervisor. You may choose to change your theoretical frame, or you may choose to critique the gaps in your final essay.	Keep careful notes of the emerging reading and your emerging ideas. It can be useful to keep a notebook by you to jot down emerging ideas as they come.
6	Aim: Continue reading plan Overview: Begin with the theoretical readings, so that you keep the framework in mind when undertaking the direct source readings. You may find at this point that the theoretical frame does not fit well with your research question or the readings. Discuss this with your supervisor. You may choose to change your theoretical frame, or you may choose to critique the gaps in your final essay.	Keep careful notes of the emerging reading and your emerging ideas. It can be useful to keep a notebook by you to jot down emerging ideas as they come.
7	Aim: Prepare annotated bibliography Overview: An annotated bibliography is a list of the readings you have done and a brief descriptive or critical comment on them (at least a few sentences). If your question calls for a systematic search of the literature, add your summary of the search strategy that you used. In many cases, the Directed Readings course includes readings from a range of disciplines. In your annotated bibliography, describe the disciplinary or theoretical perspective that the readings have used, where relevant.
8	Aim: Preparation of essay Overview: During the first three weeks of the second term, you will frame up the essay and begin the construction of the basic arguments. Stay in touch with your supervisor through this period, to discuss emerging issues. You are likely to identify some further readings you should undertake at this point to support your argument, but the aim is not to undertake an extensive new literature review.
9	Aim: Preparation of essay Overview: During the first three weeks of the second term, you will frame up the essay and begin the construction of the basic arguments. Stay in touch with your supervisor through this period, to discuss emerging issues. You are likely to identify some further readings you should undertake at this point to support your argument, but the aim is not to undertake an extensive new literature review.
10	Aim: Preparation of final essay. Overview: At this point you will be finalising your long essay. Stay in touch with your supervisor over this time. If you are uncomfortable preparing a long argumentative essay, allow some time to discuss essay structure and argument with your supervisor and the Study Skills Centre.
11	Aim: Preparation of final essay. Overview: At this point you will be preparing your final long essay. Stay in touch with your supervisor over this time. If you are uncomfortable preparing a long argumentative essay, allow some time to discuss essay structure and argument with your supervisor and the Study Skills Centre.
12	Aim: Preparation of final essay. Overview: At this point you will be finalising your long essay. Stay in touch with your supervisor over this time. If you are uncomfortable preparing a long argumentative essay, allow some time to discuss essay structure and argument with your supervisor and the Study Skills Centre.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Participation	10 %	*	1,2
Annotated bibliography	15 %	26/09/2021	1,2
Essay	75 %	28/10/2021	1,2

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Participation

Participation in regular meetings or email discussions with supervisor demonstrating progression and deepening of scholarly rigour on this topic.

Students are expected to contribute on an on-going basis throughout the semester.

Assessment Task 2

Annotated bibliography

This must show evidence of critical thought.

Assessment Task 3

Essay

One major paper (minimum 5000 words) to demonstrate ability to critically and reflectively analyse scholarly material, including the development of an analytical framework.  

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

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.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Assignments will be submitted via Wattle

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission is permitted prior to the submission date

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students