This course provides students with an opportunity to undertake detailed study of a chosen original topic situated within disciplinary concerns pertaining to anthropology. In collaboration with the Course Convenor, students individually choose one key topic of interest to them and focus on a sustained period of desk-based research into the relevant literature. (There is no expectation of field work for this course, and this would generally not be encouraged.) A supervisor with knowledge or experience in the relevant field of study will be nominated, with whom the student is expected to schedule regular contact for advice and support.

Learning Outcomes

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

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

1. Demonstrate a command of the relevant anthropological literature related to a chosen topic.
2. Pose an original research question, or argument, which is situated within the relevant theoretical literature related to the chosen topic.
3. Explain the significance of the research project in the context of the literature and the implications of what has been learned in conducting a project.

Research-Led Teaching

This course is a supervised independently designed reading course - the convenor of the course is not generally the supervisor; students should approach potential faculty mentors and assess their eligibility before inquiring about enrolment. It *must* be undertaken under the supervision of a nominated faculty member. The student and their supervisor create a semester-long independent research program.

Staff Feedback

This is an independent reading course where feedback will primarily be given through comments on written work in the form of assignment feedback. Nominated supervisor will also provide feedback on the research project during scheduled meetings

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.

Other Information

This is an independent reading course. There are no set classes. Students must consult their nominated supervisor in order to schedule regular meetings for the semester. 

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction	annotated bibliography preparation
2	Defining a topic	annotated bibliography preparation
3	Moving from topic to research question	annotated bibliography preparation
4	Situating the research question within the literature	annotated bibliography preparation
5	Developing a preliminary argument	annotated bibliography preparation
6	Literature review	annotated bibliography preparation
7	Developing an essay outline	essay writing progress
8	First draft	essay writing progress
9	Reviewing main body of essay	essay writing progress
10	Reviewing Introduction	essay writing progress
11	Reviewing conclusion	essay writing progress
12	Final polish	final essay mark

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Annotated Bibliography (1500-2000 words)	20 %	1
Research Essay (3500-4000 words)	80 %	2,3

* 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 Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

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

Annotated Bibliography (1500-2000 words)

Note, the supervisor may, in consultation with the student, make amendments to the assessment tasks (and criteria) at the beginning of the semester. 

Details of task: The annotated bibliography provides the students an opportunity to collate relevant scholarly literature relating to their topic in a coherent form. Each reference must be accompanied by a short paragraph which summarises the source and demonstrates its relevance to the research project.

The annotated bibliography has the following criteria:

• Source selection: Sources chosen are highly relevant to the topic; Sources adds greatly to research potential; few, if any additional sources needed.
• Credibility: All sources are from credible, scholarly materials.
• Annotations: Annotations succinctly and comprehensively describe the source material; Annotations offer great insight into the source material and demonstrates a strong engagement with the source material.
• Evaluations & relevance: Evaluation clearly explains why the sources were chosen; demonstrates the relevance and applicability of the source to the research project.
• Citations: Each source has a proper citation; All citations are complete; All are in the proper reference format.
• Mechanics, Grammar, and Proofing: Virtually free from mechanical, grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors.

Assessment Task 2

Research Essay (3500-4000 words)

Note, the supervisor may, in consultation with the student, make amendments to the assessment tasks (and criteria) at the beginning of the semester. 

Details of task: The research essay gives students the opportunity to develop a research topic with considerable independence. Students must articulate a research problem, which requires a response in form of an argument which is substantiated throughout the essay.

The major essay has the following criteria: 

• Capacity to formulate a research problem: Students must explain clearly what their essay is about, what the issues are, and why it is significant. In other words, they must provide a research problem on which they will write their essay.
• Strength and logic of argument: The essay requires a personal response from the student. The marker will be looking for and evaluating the student’s capacity to provide an informed, logical and coherent argument. Students should avoid descriptive writing and should strive to write a critical essay that demonstrates their capacity for analytical thought.
• Evidence of engagement with source material: Students should demonstrate that they have read the source material critically, and have been able to use them to support their argument. Familiarity with the relevant source material, as demonstrated in the text of the essay, is an important characteristic of an academic essay. Do not quote or reference lectures.
• Structure of essay: The essay should have three recognisable sections. The introduction sets the scene for the reader and articulates the writer’s argument. In the body of the essay, the writer provides evidence that supports the essay’s central argument. The argument should be developed in a logical and coherent manner, and should avoid repetition and argumentation that is not directly relevant. The conclusion draws together the various strands of the argument, sums up, reasserts the validity of the central argument, and provides a general sense of closure of the essay. The conclusion can also suggest further issues to consider
• Standard of English expression: Students should strive to express themselves as effectively and clearly as possible. The conventions of contemporary English grammar should be observed. Although essays will not be primarily graded based on considerations pertaining to grammar syntax and spelling, it is important to note that poor expression of English clouds what your are trying to convey in your essay, thereby affecting other criteria for marking (such as assessing whether the essay contains a clear and forceful argument.) Students who submit essays that are substandard in terms of English expression may be asked to resubmit their essay 5 (with a substantial deduction of marks). Students who feel they need support with their academic essay writing should contact respective support services the University offers. The essay must be double spaced with generous margins, and include page numbers.
• Effective and correct use of citations: Harvard in-text citations must be used correctly and consistently. Please follow the guidelines from ANU’s website: https://academicskills.anu.edu.au/resources/listing/ 142. A bibliography of all sources used in writing the essay must be appended to the essay. This must be consistent with the citation system used. 

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to 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 be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, 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 Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

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

Grades and essay feedback is provided through wattle (or other arrangement as decided by the supervisor).

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted 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

To be discussed with the supervisor.  

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