Assessment method
Interview-based Research Project
Students carry out and analyse four interviews (with individuals selected on the basis of discipline). The assessment consists of four stages: developing a semi-structured interview schedule and locating interviewees; conducting and recording interviews; creating verbatim transcripts; and performing qualitative analysis to produce a 1000 word field report of their findings.
Team or Group based
Group Translation Exercise
As a class, students participate in a real-world translation project which may be published subject to the editor's and author's approval. Students are placed in teams and work collaboratively to translate an allocated portion of the text.
Team or Group based, Sequence
Group Performance Research Project (with individual critical reflection)
In groups, students deliver a performance piece on a topic arising from the course. Focusing on creative modalities, students develop an imaginative approach to their presentation such as a video submission, theatrical performance, role play, art exhibition, movie pitch etc. This is accompanied by an individual 500 word critical reflection.
Team or Group based, Sequence
Extended Simulation Exercise
This task sees students participate in a four week Simulation Role Play in an area specific to their discipline of study. Students work in groups to assume the role of specific stakeholders/actors within the simulation. Rather than the simulation itself, students are assessed on an Operation Plan and a Final Report.
Assessment method
Grant Application
Informed by an embodied pedagogy, this task sees students assume disciplinary stakeholder roles attempting to secure project funds through a grant application to a specific organisation. Students design a project and craft a grant application consistent with the funder's actual requirements and formatting.
Assessment method
Individual Translation Exercise
This task sees students produce a language translation from a 500-700 word source text, accompanied by a commentary (also 500-700 words) in either English or the language of study. The commentary must provide full bibliographic information and a general overview of the source text including its genre and stylistic construction.
Sequence
Ethnographic Fieldwork (Supervised Placement)
Students undertake a short (40 hour) placement or volunteer position to learn the methodological and practical skills required to undertake social scientific research. There may be several scaffolded assessments associated with this work-integrated learning experience; a pre-fieldwork report, a reflexive journal, a seminar presentation, and a final report.
Assessment method
Critical Reflection (News Media)
In this formative assessment, students select a recent news media item (print, electronic, multimedia, social media etc.) and conduct a short (500-700 word) critical reflection that draws on the foundational theoretical and disciplinary concepts from the course.
Team or Group based
Condensed Problem-based Assessment
Students are set discipline-specific problem-based exercises for completion during class. The objective is to craft a written response (1500 words) to the problem, or use group collaboration to develop and deliver a 10-15 minute presentation proposing a solution. This assessment requires active problem solving and engagement with relevant web sources.
Team or Group based, Sequence
Simulation Exercise
Students complete a 3 hour in-class simulation where a hypothetical scenario occurs (in POLS7255, a foreign policy negotiation). Students form groups representing key stakeholders and must accurately represent their interests. Students prepare for the simulation (scheduled towards the end of semester) in advance and are assessed on preparation and participation.