This advanced thematic seminar is a postgraduate level course designed for students enrolled in the Master of Anthropology and Planetary Futures. This seminar is part of the “special topics” curriculum and offers an in-depth exploration of specific themes and research methodologies aligned with the expertise of the faculty member leading the course (subject to regular rotation). Each offering of this seminar will focus on a different ethnographic and theoretical problem at the forefront of the discipline, providing students with a unique opportunity to engage in high-level thinking, collaborate with faculty, and contribute to research projects rooted in ethnographic methods and writing.

The course is structured to critically examine the chosen theme, enabling students to develop a comprehensive understanding of the underlying social, cultural, political, and environmental dynamics at play. By doing so, students will contribute to the broader field of anthropology and its potential to shape more sustainable and just futures for our planet.

It is important to note that the course content and structure will be reshaped and adapted for each offering based on the expertise and research agenda of the faculty member leading the seminar. The format, assessment structure, reading list, and schedule will be updated to align with the specific theme and research area of the “special topic.” Students enrolled in the Master of Anthropology and Planetary Futures program have the opportunity to take this course up to two times, each time exploring a different theme and scholarly agenda. This seminar provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to engage with cutting-edge research.

Please refer to the class summary for the specific term in which you wish to enrol for a detailed description of the expert guest convenor, theme, format, scheduling, assessment structure, and indicative readings.

Sample topics may include, but are not limited to, the following.

·     Migration & Xenophobia – Crises of white supremacy and the far right

·     Tecno-solutions and limits

·     Monsters

·     Crises of freedom: Slavery, trafficking & other misfits

·     Crises of Waste

·     Financial Crisis

·     Democracies of/in Crisis

·     Conservation and Extinction

Learning Outcomes

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

1. engage advanced analytical skills in critically examining and evaluating dynamics of social transformation and change;
2. collaborate effectively with faculty and fellow students to contribute to the development and prototyping of a new research agenda within the field of anthropology and planetary futures. Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively, integrating diverse perspectives and research methodologies;
3. develop a critical and reflexive approach to understanding the complexities and challenges associated with the “special topic”. Engage in thoughtful analysis and evaluation of theoretical perspectives, empirical evidence, and ethical considerations as you develop new fields of inquiry; and
4. communicate research findings, arguments, and theoretical concepts effectively through advanced writing skills in anthropology.

Research-Led Teaching

The Topic of ANTH8063 changes each time it is taught, as it focusses on the respective lecturer's current research. In ANTH8063, the lecturer and students explore new literature together, discuss it in depth, analyse it, and classify sub-themes.

The Sem 1, 2025, topic is Anthropologies of the Underground. That which lies beneath—the underground—is a dark realm enticing a wild array of interpretation, from the geological to the mythological. In this seminar, we will explore a range of different underground literatures together and endeavour to think about the underground anthropologically.

Required Resources

listed on Wattle site

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, 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	This week, I will present an overview of the course, its rationale and contents. We will break anthropologies of the underground into subtopics and allocate them to Weeks 2-12.

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	Learning Outcomes
Seminar Participation	20 %	*	1,2,3,4,
Discussion Leadership	20 %	*	1,2,3,4,5
Annotated Bibliography Entries	30 %	*	5
Essay	30 %	26/05/2025	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
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• 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.

Assessment Task 1

Seminar Participation

We will meet weekly for a 3-hour seminar, during which we will discuss the weekly readings, tackle theoretical and ethnographic issues related to that week’s topic, and relate that week’s

topic to the larger underground theme, and topics of previous weeks. Your participation mark will reflect the quality of your weekly contributions, with a focus on preparation, depth of understanding, analytic insights, and ability to make connections to other issues raised in the course. Depth of engagement with the literature and originality of insights will be marked highly but also: how well you work together with others, lead and cooperate, and give everyone a voice.

Assessment Task 2

Discussion Leadership

In Week 1, we will set up an outline of weekly topics. One of these will be yours (or, your group’s). For that week, you will:

• Nominate two readings as the weekly readings (and let Yasmine know what they are one week in advance so they can be uploaded on Wattle).
• Take leadership in organising that week’s discussion, which means having discussion points and questions ready.
• Undertake research into that week’s topic beyond the two readings, insights from which you should let flow into the discussion.

Assessment Task 3

Annotated Bibliography Entries

This task is done over 10 weeks (Weeks 2-11). Entries need to be submitted before 11 am (Canberra time) on Tuesdays for that week.

Each weekly entry comprises notes for that week’s TWO readings. You are expected to submit 1 page (min) of notes for each of the two readings. Please structure your notes

as follows:

• Start each annotated bib entry with the complete and correct reference for the respective reading.
• Order your notes under a number of headings (the same for every reading), such as “key points”, “main argument”, “interesting cross-references”, “keywords”, etc; - anything that would help Future You to remember the piece and make use of your notes without needing to re-read it in its entirety.
• Use bullet points and lists rather than one long flowing text summary.      
• If you include direct quotes, ensure your use quotation marks and (p.xx).

This task is designed to support you in preparing you for that week’s seminar, to inculcate good research practices, and cumulatively, the entries will create a master annotated bibliography you can draw on for your essay. There is a maximum of three marks per submission (together worth 3% so that ten perfect submissions = 30%). Weekly submission will close before the first workshop that week, and late submissions will not be accepted. Marks will be subtracted for incorrect or missing references, and incorrect referencing/quoting. High marks will be given

for extensive, useful, well-structured notes.

Assessment Task 4

Essay

This will be a classic academic essay of 3,000 words (excluding references). Ideally, it should be on an aspect of the topic you chose for the weekly discussion. We will discuss how

to frame the question in the seminars. And a marking matrix will be provided before the essays are due.

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 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. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

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 Accessibility 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 supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students