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 supervision 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 Latin America.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. plan and implement a research project in the area of culture, health and medicine using non-field-based methods;
2. critically and reflectively analyse a body of cognate literature in culture, health and medicine and prioritise, synthesise and order such a body of work;
3. identify and communicate core ideas to a non-specialist audience;
4. develop a cogent piece of sustained scholarly writing on a topic.

Research-Led Teaching

This course focusses on producing a piece of translational research. Together, each student and supervisor will be exploring the requirements of their chosen structure (eg policy paper, academic article, essay) and the audience for whom the piece is written. The structure of the course involves peer interaction in three tutorials, modelling writing circles, as well as individual tutorials working with each student to optimise the learning experience. We will be utilising the expertise of the library staff to improve the academic skills of each student in their own discipline and area of interest.

Field Trips

None

Additional Course Costs

None

Examination Material or equipment

None

Required Resources

None

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying remotely, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos 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/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

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.

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: 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.	Annotated bibliography is due at the end of week 6 on 31 March 2023. You will present your core findings at the group tutorial, and receive peer feedback to help shape your major essay
7	Aim: Refine your topic in preparation for your essay Overview: During your individual tutorial this week, you will consider the feedback you have gained from your peer group and your annotated bibliography, and consider how your essay may be structured. At the end of this week, you will have a draft outline.
8	Aim: Preparation of essay Overview: During this week, 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 this week, 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.	The major essay is due on May 26, 2023. You will be presenting your work and your reflections on the writing process during this week.

Tutorial Registration

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.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Annotated bibliography	20 %	31/03/2023	17/04/2023	1,2
Essay	80 %	26/05/2023	10/06/2023	1,2,3,4

* 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.

Examination(s)

None

Assessment Task 1

Annotated bibliography

An annotated bibliography is a resource that summarises and evaluates critical literature relevant to the topic. It must contain:

• A full reference for each text
• A summary of the text, including the relevance to the particular topic of interest
• A critical appraisal of the text. 

The bibliography must be a minimum of 3000 words, and include at least five relevant texts. There is no upper limit to the number of texts or the word count. Students should focus on the core texts that will ground the argument in their final essay. The structure of the bibliography will be discussed with the supervisor, and the referencing style should be consistent with the academic publication of interest. This will be confirmed in individual tutorials with the supervisor.

The bibliography must contain a title page, which states the topic of interest, the draft title of the final essay, the type of essay to be written (eg forum article, policy paper, essay) and the target audience. 

Marks will be based on the bibliography, and the presentation of the findings in group tutorial 2.

Assessment Task 2

Essay

One major paper (minimum 5000 words) to demonstrate ability to critically and reflectively analyse scholarly material.

The paper must contain a title page, which states the topic of interest, the title of the final essay, the type of paper written (eg forum article, policy paper, essay), the target publication and the target audience. 

The paper must include an abstract of 250 words and a reflection of up to 500 words outlining the change in the student's understanding of academic writing throughout the semester, and the changes to be made to their academic practice following the course. 

The total word count of the essay must exceed 5000 words, excluding the abstract and reflection. Referencing will be consistent with the target publication requirements, to be attached as an appendix where available. Where there is no publication requirements, students should attach a style guide relevant to their context. This will be discussed with the supervisor. 

The major paper is due 26/5/2023 and will be submitted through Turnitin

Marks will be based on the quality of the paper, and its presentation in the group tutorial.

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

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

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.

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. 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

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 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