Beyond Chaos is open to undergraduate students from all Colleges at the ANU. 

This is a Special Topics course which challenges and supports later-year students to explore and respond to contemporary topics and to tackle pressing issues through interdisciplinary inquiry. By moving Beyond the Chaos of issues, we learn to appreciate multiple perspectives, competing interests, historical factors and the dynamics of the given topic. Each offering of the course will focus on a different contemporary topic of critical importance, with convenership from experts from across ANU. 

Students should come to this course with an open mind and a thirst for knowledge. There is no assumed knowledge about the topic required for enrolment in this course. The only requirements are that students be willing to step outside their comfort zone, explore previously unfamiliar materials and work collaboratively with students from other disciplines. 

For details on current and future offerings, visit: https://vc-courses.anu.edu.au 

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Draw connections between individual experience, discipline knowledge and real-world issues
2. Explain intersecting scales of action which contribute to complex social, environmental and technological phenomena
3. Effectively collaborate and develop shared models of understanding across disciplinary boundaries
4. Apply a broad repertoire of disciplinary skills across learning contexts, including formal and informal settings and face-to-face and virtual environments
5. Plan and engage in a critical or creative investigation and evaluation of a relevant topic

Research-Led Teaching

This course grows directly out of the commitment of the two teachers to engage in inter-disciplinary research outside established boundaries, and in light of the particular problems and conditions made visible by the COVID-19 epidemic. The course asks teachers and students to think in new ways about the relationship between the many crises and paradoxes of the contemporary world, but also to think in new ways bout the relationship between their own experience and their reading and thinking about the world. The course therefore reflects our shared research interests in law, crisis, colonialism, and power; and our shared commitment to dialogues and discourses across disciplinary lines. For further information and to find out about application procedures (a written EOI is required) check out the web site for the course at https://vc-courses.anu.edu.au/study/beyond_chaos/.

Required Resources

There are no prescribed textbooks for this class. Each class has a set of prescribed readings (extracts, essays, or chapters) which all students will be expected to read in preparation for each class. The course will also make use of vodcasts and podcasts for enrichment purposes. A larger set of recommended readings are also provided. These can be pursued by students as they wish and/or as part of their essay for the research essay set down for this course. All readings will all be accessible via links on the wattle site for this course.

Recommended Resources

A syllabus is available on the vice-chancellors course web site for this unit - https://vc-courses.anu.edu.au/study/beyond_chaos/.

A wattle site will be available for this course and will include PDFs and links to all required reading and to a wide variety of recommended readings.

Requirements, expectation, and enrolment information can be found on the web site for this unit - https://vc-courses.anu.edu.au/study/beyond_chaos/.

Staff Feedback

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

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Task submission times refer to Canberra time (AEST/AEDT).

Extensions, late submission and penalties: https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_004604

Deferred examination: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/deferred-examinations

Special consideration: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/special-assessment-consideration

Further information about the course: is available from the course WATTLE page. Students are required to access the WATTLE site regularly throughout the course for any announcements relating to the course.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	This is an intensive course that will be delivered on campus for the first SIX weeks of semester 1 only. There will be two three-hour seminars per week in that time. For up to date scheduling, check timetabling.anu.edu.au Where are we?
2	What is Pandemic?
3	Wait a sec...why Critique?
4	Science/Modernity
5	Metaphor/Metamorphosis
6	Quarantine/Empire
7	Representation/Fiction
8	Law/Emergency
9	Race/Technology
10	Work/Care
11	Democracy/University
12	What now? What next?

Tutorial Registration

The course is designed in seminar format and there are no separate tutorials for this course.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Critical Lexicon	15 %	04/03/2022	28/03/2022	1, 2, 4
Collaborative Video	25 %	*	08/04/2022	1, 2, 3, 4
Peer Assessment	10 %	31/03/2022	*	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Essay Plan	10 %	13/04/2022	27/04/2022	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Research Essay	40 %	13/05/2022	07/06/2022	1, 2, 3, 4, 5

* 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Skills website. 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.

Participation

The face-to-face component of this intensive course cannot be adjusted for remote participation and will include on campus activities.

Assessment Task 1

Critical Lexicon

Brief Description: In week two you’ll write an entry for a critical lexicon of the pandemic. In week one you’ll nominate a number of terms that you think are important for understanding the pandemic, from which you’ll be assigned one on which to write the entry. The entry will discuss the meaning of the term and its relevance for critique of the pandemic, ultimately with a view to answering the question: what is that thing about which we speak. Once the entries are posted on the Wattle site we will open them for editing by all members of the class for the duration of the course.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to complete the task will result in a 0 for the task.

Due: 5pm, Friday 4 March 2022. via Wattle .Due to the nature of the task, late submission or extension is not permitted.

Weighting: 15%

Word Limit: 400 words

Estimated return date: 28 March 2022

Assessment Criteria: Writing, Comprehension, and Critical ability. A rubric will be uploaded to Wattle.

Assessment Task 2

Collaborative Video

We will form interdisciplinary study groups in session one. You’ll work with other participants in these groups throughout the course. For assessment purposes, your study group will produce a short video together, addressing one or another of themes relevant to a particular session (for sessions 5-11). You’ll upload the video prior to the session to which it relates and we’ll use it as part of our discussions. You’ll be required to submit a rationale along with the video, that sets out what you’ve tried to do, and how.  

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to complete this task will result in a 0 for this task.

Weighting: 25%

Duration: 6 minutes (minimum) - 10-minutes (maximum)

Due date: Upload onto Wattle no later than 5:00 pm the day before the class to which the video relates. The video will be used as part of the teaching and discussion materials for that class. Due to the nature of the task, late submission or extension is not permitted.

Estimated return date: 8 April 2022

Assessment Criteria:

• collaborative work, ability to work well in groups
• knowledge of readings and themes of course
• creativity and communication skills in new media
• critical and analytic thinking

Assessment Task 3

Peer Assessment

Brief Description: At the end of the course you will be asked to assess the participation in the course of other members in your study group. You’ll be given guidelines on how to do this, and what makes for good peer assessment, mid-way through the course.  

Nature of Task: Compulsory.

Weighting: 10%

Due date: 31 March 2022, via in-class exercise. Due to the nature of the task, late submission or extension is not permitted.

Estimated return date:

Assessment Criteria:

• participation and attendance
• listening ability
• articulation and reflection
• ability to contribute constructively to class discussions
• ability to respond respectfully to the contributions of others

Students will be assessed on both their analytic and critical ability, the quality of their questions, and their willingness to participate

Assessment Task 4

Essay Plan

Details of Task: In order to assist you in preparing your major research and writing exercise for this course, we require you to submit a short outline or abstract of the essay. This will form the basis for a one on one discussion of your ideas and plans with the convenor of the course.

Nature of Task: Compulsory. Failure to complete this task will result in a 0 for this task.

Weighting: 10%

Word limit: 400 words + 6 indicative sources

Due date: 5pm 20 April 2022, via email. Late submissions (without an extension) are permitted, but late penalties will apply. 

Estimated return date: 27 April 2022

Assessment Criteria:

• knowledge of readings and themes of course
• ability to research in the areas of interdisciplinary study covered by the course
• ability to design and carry out independent research and writing
• writing ability
• critical ability
• understanding of course materials

A rubric will be uploaded onto wattle.

Assessment Task 5

Research Essay

Details of Task: A research essay will be due after the completion of the course You will have an opportunity to apply your knowledge and critical interdisciplinary skills to an area or question of your choosing. Additional research is expected. You will be invited to devise your own questions on subjects related to the course themes and materials, or choose from among a list of questions provided. If you choose to write your own question you will be required to get approval beforehand from the course convenors. To ensure that you have a good foundation for the essay, you’ll be required to submit an essay plan, including the question, an outline of your argument, essay structure and indicative sources for feedback prior to working on the essay for submission by end of the semester.  

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to complete this task will result in a 0 for this task.

Weighting: 40%

Word limit: 2000 words.

Due date: 5pm 13 May 2022, via Turnitin. Late submissions (without an extension) are permitted, but late penalties will apply. 

Estimated return date: 7 June 2022

Assessment Criteria:

• knowledge of readings and themes of course
• ability to research in the areas of interdisciplinary study covered by the course
• ability to design and carry out independent research and writing
• writing ability
• critical ability
• understanding of course materials

A rubric will be uploaded onto wattle.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

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

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. 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 tests or examinations.
• Late submission with an extension. To ensure equity for all students, the 5% penalty per working day for late submission of work does not apply if you have been given an extension. Where an extension is granted, the revised due date and submission time is provided in writing. Please note that the revised due date is calculated by including weekends and public holidays. Regardless of which day of the week the revised due date falls on, students who submit after that date are penalised by 5% of the possible marks available for the assessment task per 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.”

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

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.

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 Access 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