Unit rationale, description and aim
This core unit is an interdisciplinary study of the practical foundations necessary for Honours-level research projects in the humanities, arts, and social sciences (HASS). It offers particular insight into ethical and empathetic research practices, literature reviewing, conceptualising research and good academic writing and presentation, which will all prove critical for the development of later Honours projects. The unit complements the other core unit in the HASS Honours program: together, both will prepare students to advance their Honours projects with sophistication and potential for impact. Its objectives are to establish the principles and ethics of research, including research with and about world Indigenous peoples; to introduce literacy skills central to independent research; to explain practice-based research and the relationships between creative media and research; and to enhance abilities in planning, writing and communicating a research thesis or exegesis/creative-practice dissertation. The unit will also deepen understanding of the history and value of the HASS sector to which their research will contribute. The aim of this unit is to provide the means by which Honours-year students can learn the essential ingredients of good research design, which will, in turn, ensure a solid basis for later imaginative independent research projects.
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.
Understand the principles and value of ethical and...
Learning Outcome 01
Formulate an original research problem and employ ...
Learning Outcome 02
Apply advanced skills in print and electronic libr...
Learning Outcome 03
Create and communicate a presentation of a thesis ...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Methods for developing an original research question that addresses a problem in scholarship
- Principles of ethical and empathetic research
- Methods for conducting and assembling a literature review
- Good academic writing, practice, and presentation, and how to develop these skills
- The components of a constructive thesis proposal
- The value of the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences in the modern world
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment in this unit is designed to introduce students to knowledge and skills that will scaffold the completion of an independent undergraduate research thesis. Compulsory attendance ensures students participate in research communication learning activities, receive immediate feedback during skill development exercises, and complete mandatory in-class assessment components that cannot be replicated in other formats. Experienced researchers will guide practice and provide real-time feedback during classroom discussions. The first assessment task is a Literature Search and Evaluation designed to develop information and search skills necessary to build a foundation in scholarly literature for a research project, and analytical skills required to articulate the relationship between an emerging research project and key works in the relevant field. The second assessment task is an oral presentation of the Literature Review of Assessment Task 1. It will ensure students do not rely on Generative AI for this crucial work, and also develop skills in oral presentation as well as collaborative learning. The third assessment task is a Thesis Proposal requiring students to develop a persuasive proposal for their undergraduate research project that articulates a well-formulated research question, demonstrates critical engagement with relevant literature, and provides a clear rationale for the methodology and theoretical framework chosen.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Literature Review Designed to...
Assessment Task 1: Literature Review
Designed to develop students’ skills in finding a variety of sources relevant to a research project using multiple search techniques. Students are also required to articulate the significance of a selection of scholarly works for their project.
30%
Assessment Task 2: Presentation of the Literature...
Assessment Task 2: Presentation of the Literature Review
Designed to develop students’ skills in communicating orally and presenting a clear overview of key scholarly sources relevant to their research project.
15%
Assessment Task 3: Thesis proposal The proposal ...
Assessment Task 3: Thesis proposal
The proposal will assess students’ ability to formulate a research problem and to synthesise and contextualise their ideas in the research context of their topic and field of study.
55%
Hurdle-- Attendance 80% at skills building classe...
Hurdle-- Attendance 80% at skills building classes throughout the semester. Compulsory attendance ensures students participate in research communication learning activities, receive immediate feedback during skill development exercises, and complete mandatory in-class assessment components that cannot be replicated in other formats.
pass/fail
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
The development of an original Honours project requires self-directed, sustained research, reflection and writing. However, recognising that learning is enhanced through collaboration via questioning, hypothesising and explaining, this unit combines group-based and individual learning modes. Students participate in compulsory seminars and workshops while working with supervisors/teachers through consultations.
Workshops and seminars enable students to draw on interdisciplinary expertise, engage with different approaches to good research design, and share and improve their projects collaboratively. These sessions support completion of writing, creative and oral tasks addressing the unit's main themes.
These teaching strategies support students toward completing their final Honours research project. Compulsory attendance is essential as the interactive nature of workshops and collaborative activities cannot be replicated through independent study. In-person participation ensures students learn appropriate research techniques, engage in real-time discussion, receive immediate feedback, and benefit from peer learning opportunities fundamental to developing critical thinking, research and project management skills required for Honours-level work.