Unit rationale, description and aim
Scholars in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences need to be able to respond to diverse and dynamic socio-cultural environments, populations and issues and apply their learning to problem-solving in real-world contexts. Learning in the field or abroad extends students’ learning opportunities beyond the classroom and enables students to develop their studies in advanced theory, methodology or scholarship in a variety of new, collaborative and stimulating environments. Students will participate in a pre-departure seminar, an intensive overseas or domestic study tour or field trip, and a post-tour debrief and reflection activity. The unit is designed to enable students to achieve the Course Learning Outcomes relating to knowledge of theories, concepts and methodologies in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences while completing a study tour or field trip internationally or within Australia. This unit aims to extend theoretical and conceptual learning in the discipline by connecting students with communities and contexts where they can apply analysis, reflection and evidence-based argument to solving real-world problems in the field.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Articulate knowledge of the location to be visited...
Learning Outcome 01
Contribute effectively to field experiences/or the...
Learning Outcome 02
Apply information and skills to complete a range o...
Learning Outcome 03
Content
Topics will include:
- Contextual information about the study tour location(s)
- Conceptual study topics related to the study tour
- Fieldwork activities exploring topic areas relevant to the discipline.
For Archaeology field trips:
- Pre-trip reading
- Pre-trip briefing
- Training in safety on a dig
- Training in how to correctly use equipment
- Continual instruction and directed activity in the field
- Artefact handling and processing
- Lectures by specialists in archaeology and related disciplines
- Excursions to other archaeological sites and places of cultural interest
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment tasks and their weightings are carefully structured to align with and demonstrate achievement of the unit’s Learning Outcomes. To pass the unit, students must complete and actively participate in all assessment components.
The Assessment Task 1 involves maintaining an online study tour diary or producing an equivalent written analytical piece. This allows students to critically reflect on their experiences and learning throughout the tour. The diary serves as a foundational reference for the subsequent assessments.
The Assessment Task 2 is an oral presentation delivered to peers. Students will present a detailed analysis and evaluation of at least one disciplinary theme, issue, or question that emerged during fieldwork. Presentations must demonstrate engagement with complex debates and theoretical perspectives relevant to the field. Students are also expected to critically respond to the presentations of others, fostering collaborative learning and dialogue.
The Assessment Task 3 is a written assessment, typically a reflective essay or an equivalent assignment set by the lecturer. This task requires students to connect their study tour experiences with key disciplinary concepts, debates, and methodologies, demonstrating a deeper understanding of their academic field through personal reflection and critical analysis.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Reflective Task During the s...
Assessment Task 1: Reflective Task
During the study tour intensive, students will maintain an online diary describing field-based learning activities and reflecting on their connection to concepts and scholarly debates in the field. This task may be set in a format other than a journal at the discretion of the lecturer in charge.
30%
Assessment Task 2: Oral Presentation Students wi...
Assessment Task 2: Oral Presentation
Students will present an oral presentation on one aspect of their fieldwork findings to their tutor and peers and critically engage with the presentations of their fellow students. This task may be set in a format other than an oral presentation at the discretion of the lecturer in charge.
30%
Assessment Task 3: Written Task On completion of...
Assessment Task 3: Written Task
On completion of the intensive, students will prepare an essay or other written task, preparing a sustained argument that integrates their field-based learning to key concepts, debates and methods in their field.
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit is delivered in intensive study mode as a domestic or overseas study tour, field trip or cross-institutional study experience comprising of a pre-departure workshop(s), an intensive field trip, and a post-field trip debrief session. Studies of field-based learning demonstrate that leaving the classroom and learning through first-hand experience makes learning more interesting, enjoyable and relevant to students. This has been found to lead to greater student engagement, deeper learning and increased effectiveness in achieving Learning Outcomes. Field-based learning has also been shown to create a collective mentality among participants, which enhances students’ understanding of the importance of cooperation and teamwork. In group settings run by ACU, end-of-day debriefs and a final debrief session on completion of the study tour allow students to reflect on their learning experiences both during and after the completion of the tour. Students are also expected to post short answer reflections on their learning while on the study tour (see Assessment Task 1 below). Research shows that critical reflection facilitates deeper learning.
Due to the intensive mode of teaching, attendance at pre-departure and study tour classes is compulsory. Students who are unable to attend any learning and teaching activities due to illness and/or personal circumstances beyond their control must inform the LIC immediately.
To achieve a passing standard in this unit, students should engage in the full range of learning activities and assessments utilised in this unit, as described in the learning and teaching strategy and the assessment strategy.