Update 23 September 2020: FAQ section added (see last page)

Update 16 September 2020: Added marking rubric for reflective journal

Submit all your assessments via Turnitin in Word document format. Please include your name, student
number and the assessment title.

Research Proposal
Weight: 25%
Word Count: 400 words excluding references
Due Date: 9 October, 5 pm
What was stated in the Course Outline: This is a 400-word research outline of what the student
proposes to do for the major assessment. You will receive written comments and feedback
against a marking rubric within 10 working days of submission.
Detailed information: This assessment is aimed at helping you to think through your research
essay (i.e. the final, 1200-word assessment). The research essay requires you to examine a
cultural experience/event/object/person, and it can be scary to start the research and thinking
process.
Therefore, the research proposal is your “first step” in thinking about questions such as “What
am I interested in as a research topic?”, “How will I approach it?” “What do I want to find
out/learn from the research and analyses?”
Below is a guide on how to structure the research proposal. Please use this to structure your
proposal:
Summary of the Research: Write a (around 100-150 words) summary of the proposed research
essay. In other words, what sort of cultural experience/event/object/person etc. are you
thinking of to use for the research essay? Why are you interested in it?
Methodology: in (around 150-200 words or so, describe how you will research into this topic.
This can include:
- What sort of literature and theories will you be using? You must nominate a key
theory/theorist
- How will you access those literature (e.g. UNSW library? ARTS1753 reading list?
Online?)?

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 - Will your methodology involve visiting a site (e.g. a culturally significant site; a museum;
an art gallery; a historical landmark; an event which can be a social/political movement
or cultural/religious events/celebrations)?
- Will it involve looking at grey literature (e.g. newspapers, reports) or will you be looking
at online resources such as websites, social media (FaceBook, Twitter, Reddit,
Instagram, etc.)?
- What do you think might be the biggest challenge in accessing your research materials?
(E.g. Social distancing rules; research ethics; funding; timing).
Significance of the Research: in 50 words or so, explain what you hope to learn from this
research. How will it contribute to your knowledge about culture and experience?
Note: Your research topic may change over the term, and it is okay do write your research essay
on something that is different from the research proposal (AKA change of mind is fine!).
Rubric for the Research Proposal:
Fail (below 50) Pass (50 – 64) Credit (65 – 74) Distinction (75 – High Distinction
84) (85 – 100)
Research Aims are not Some connections Clear aims and Clear aims and Aims are very
aims and related or unclear between research linked to linked to clear and strongly
methodology how they are aims and methodology. methodology. related to the
linked to research methodology. Methodology learning
methodology. Needs more section is good, and outcomes. Aims
Unclear how clarification on shows good are clearly linked
methodology will how your understanding of to methodology.
provide the methodology will the data you need Methodology
research data for generate the data and how you will section is very
analysis for analysis go about finding thorough and
them shows strong
understanding of
how your data
collection and
analysis process
will achieve the
research aims. In
addition, the
author is aware
of research
challenges and
actively
suggested
alternatives/
solutions to
overcome them.
Written Incoherent. No Basically coherent Coherent with a Well written with a Demonstration of
coherence structure. One but with solid structure. structure that advanced writing
and structure long paragraph improvements supports the skills and
required in writing. excellent
structure. organization.
Academic Evidence Few errors with Evidence is Evidence is Evidence is
Integrity incorrectly quoted, referencing, but mostly correctly quoted, correctly quoted,
paraphrased, and SoSS (in-text) adequately paraphrased, cited, paraphrased, and
cited. Many format is mostly quoted, and conforms to cited;

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 referencing used. Some paraphrased, the SoSS format. consistently
mistakes; incorrect questions about cited using the Writing is original. conforms to the
use of SoSS format academic integrity. SoSS citation Some negligible SoSS format. No
guide. Some format. No formatting format errors and
questions about questions about mistakes. questions about
academic integrity. academic academic
integrity. integrity. Writing
is original.
Reflective Journal
Weight: 35%
Word Count: 600 words excluding references
Due Date: Wednesday 28th October 5 pm
What was stated in the Course Outline: This is a 600-word assessment (made up of three to
four entries) which reflects on the key concepts taught by the course. This is aimed as a mid-
term reflection and to provide you with feedback. You will receive written comments and
feedback against a marking rubric within 10 working days of submission.
A suggested approach is to use your journal entries as a way to reflect on the topics that
interested and/or challenged you the most. For example, you can pick week x, y and z and do a
reflection on the week’s lectures and readings (the readings can be the mandatory one or
optional ones). In the journal, you can reflect about:
- The ideas or theories from the course that have challenged you or why you find it
interesting/thought-provoking
- What were your ideas or knowledges about the topic prior to this course, and have they
been affirmed or changed as a result?
- What sort of questions do you have? And what sort of avenues do you think you can use
to answer these questions (e.g. tutorial discussions; reading up on the topic; discussion
with your classmates)? In particular, how will your journey in understanding these
concepts help you to become more a more aware and ethical researcher?
- Please feel comfortable with using the first-person pronoun (“I think”; “I believe”; “I
feel” etc.)
Reference list is outside of the word count.
Here is a suggested structure for your reflective journal:
Example 1
Entry 1: focus on your current understandings about culture, and what you hope to learn from
this course. [You can do this between weeks 1 and 2]

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Entry 2: concepts taught so far in this course that you have found interesting or challenging,
and relate it to a case study we have looked at, or an example from your own life or other
courses.
Entry 3: reflect on how your views, assumptions and understanding about culture since starting
this course. Have they changed or remains the same and why is that? [Do this reflection closer
to the assessment due date to consolidate what you’ve known so far]
Fail (below 50) Pass (50 – 64) Credit (65 – 74) Distinction (75 – High Distinction
84) (85 – 100)
Reflective No reflection; Some reflection Good reflection Very good Excellent reflection
engagement journal is a but do not but could have reflection with which connects
with course random list of demonstrate linked course connections to knowledge or
content descriptions and engagement with knowledge with the course insights with
anecdotes with course content; the wider context knowledge; broader context;
no linkage to demonstrated of; shows good discussion shows discussion
what was taught limited engagement with good demonstrates
(i.e. concepts, engagement (e.g. course content understanding of strong
theories, case accessed only one (such as the course understanding of
studies, lecture week of course readings, lectures content the course content
material, tutorial content) and tutorials but
discussions) in could have more
the course in-depth analysis
Structure Poor structure Some structure; Some structure; Well structured; Very well
and appears to the journal lists journal identifies identifies structured;
have been topics learned but topics clearly but key issues and identifies key
written in one go. did not identify weaker on reflections; issues and related
key issues or identifying engages well reflections;
reflections; no key issues and with the course engages well with
logical flow of key reflections; key content; towards course content;
points/reflections; points not well the end, the strong conclusion
no concluding delineated; there journal pulls pulls together key
thoughts or was no together the reflections/analysis
questions for concluding reflections, or and reiterates their
further reflection thoughts or provided further importance OR
questions for questions that raises issues and
further reflection the student questions for
wants to explore further analysis
for the remaining
of the course

Referencing Absence or Basic referencing Use of academic Use of academic Use of academic
inaccurate use of is accurate and conventions such conventions such conventions such
referencing and bibliography and as referencing as referencing as referencing and
citation or reference list and citation and citation citation is
conventions included. is mostly is accurate, accurate,
Sometimes lacks accurate. consistent consistent and
consistency, but is Attempts to and appropriate appropriate for the
a reasonable adhere to for the discipline. discipline.
acknowledgment referencing Consistent with Consistent with
of the sources of guidelines, referencing referencing
information however some guidelines guidelines
inconsistencies

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Research Essay
Weight: 40%
What the course guide said: You will submit a research essay (1200 words) that analyses a
cultural event/artifact/site/social movement. Written feedback and a numerical grade will be
provided within ten working days of submission.
Due Date: 23 November 5 pm
This is your chance to focus on a topic which you have been interested, using the research
methods that we have talked about. As a general guidance, this is an essay format
- Introduction of your topic (e.g. COVID and conspiracy theories; deaths in custody; Black
Lives Matter and other social movements; deficit culture; climate change activism) and
how you will answer it;
- Literature review on the topic (in other words, what are the key literature on this issue
and summarise what they said)
- Research method (keep this short, because you have already addressed it in your
research proposal)
- Analysis of the topic, drawing on the literature review and your analysis
- Conclusion
References are excluded from the word count.

Fail (below 50) Pass (50 – 64) Credit (65 – 74) Distinction (75 – High Distinction
84) (85 – 100)
Analytical skills Did not show Analysis is Some analysis of Strong level of As for Distinction
analytical skills; superficial (e.g. the research analysis and able plus proposes
the essay is “The welcome to topic by linking it to criticise new ways of
descriptive and country is a form to relevant existing analytical analysing the
made no effort to of ritual as theories and theories. research topic.
incorporate described by some effort
theoretical XYZ” and did not made to criticise
analysis analyse or give analytical
explanation) and theories
the essay is
mainly
descriptive
Engagement Shows no Has read some Demonstrates an Uses the key As for Distinction
with literature engagement literature, but understanding of arguments and plus proposes
with course does not use the relevant sources debates from the innovative and/
and/or topic key arguments and literature to course readings or critical use of
literature and debates to select the topic. and wider the relevant
inform the paper Possible overuse readings to literature to
of grey literature develop develop
arguments and arguments and
analysis analysis
Structure Poor structure; Some structure; Some structure; Well structured; Very well
(introduction, very weak or no introduction lists introduction clear structured; clear

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 key issues, introduction; key topics but did not identifies introduction introduction
conclusion) arguments not identify key topics clearly but identifies identifies key
well delineated; issues or weaker on key issues and issues and
very weak or no arguments; no identifying arguments; key arguments; key
conclusion logical flow of key issues and arguments arguments
key arguments arguments; key highlighted clearly
and conclusion arguments not through use of highlighted
do not refer to well delineated; sub-headings; through sub-
introduction or conclusion conclusion pulls headings; strong
key arguments is brief and together key conclusion pulls
serves only arguments together key
to end the essay arguments and
reiterates their
importance
Referencing Absence or Basic referencing Use of academic Use of academic Use of academic
inaccurate is accurate and conventions such conventions such conventions such
use of bibliography and as referencing as referencing as referencing
referencing and or reference list and citation and citation and citation is
citation included. is mostly is accurate, accurate,
conventions Sometimes lacks accurate. consistent consistent and
consistency, but Attempts to and appropriate appropriate for
is a reasonable adhere to for the discipline. the discipline.
acknowledgment referencing Consistent with Consistent with
of the sources of guidelines, referencing referencing
information however some guidelines guidelines
inconsistencies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: Which theorist or theory should I choose? And does it have to be from the course reading list?

A: You can choose any theorist/theory you like. And remember, a theory is just an idea/argument and
anyone can be a theorist. For an “explainer” guide, please see the PDF document, “Theory, Research
Proposal, Ethics and Links” that’s sitting in the Assessments Information on Moodle.

Q: What happens if my topic is not about a culture? I am interested in adolescents’ experiences in the
prison system in the USA.

A: You can definitely do that topic! Remember, the course is about culture, experience and change, so it
can be about a group of people (in this case, adolescents) and their experiences in the context that you
are studying. Likewise, you can also look at topics which examine how people’s experience or perception
about certain events or practices which change over time. As we discussed in week 1, the term “culture”
is very broad and diverse, so please feel you have a lot of freedom in choosing the topic, so long as it’s

not your effort to work out the last two digits of PI 😉

Q: What is a research proposal and how do I write one? I’ve never written one before!

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A: We will be discussing this in the week 2 tutorials. Also, please see the PDF “Theory, Research
Proposal, Ethics and Links” that’s sitting in the Assessments Information on Moodle. We will talk about
that at the tute.

Q: Can I do surveys or interview people?

A: Sorry, no. UNSW has strict ethics guidelines and any research that involve surveys, interviews, focus
groups etc. need an ethics clearance. You can do casual observation in public spaces (exercise your
common sense, however; don’t do your “observation” in public toilets!!!) but you cannot
film/record/photograph (again, that will require you informing the people and gaining their consent as
part of the ethics). “Public space” can also include the internet, such as social media, online forums and
websites.

Q: Which style guide should I use? Harvard? APA? Chicago?

A: You can choose whatever you’re most comfortable or familiar with. Can’t decide? Check out some
popular styles:

Harvard referencing
Footnote/bibliography referencing
APA referencing

Q: I have several assessments due on the same day. Can I have an extension please?

A: Sorry, we can only give extension for illnesses or unexpected circumstances. Check out this guide
https://student.unsw.edu.au/sites/all/files/uploads/group271/UNSW%20Special%20Consideration
%20Policy%20Document%20Excerpt1.pdf

If you have an Equitable Learning Plan, please let Joyce (joyce.wu@unsw.edu.au) know so we can best
support you.

Q: Why does Joyce always have cat photos?

A: Because Joyce loves cats. But she might do some penguin photos. One day 😉