SoCIETIE Initiative courses are open to students from any degree who are seeking to create positive change in their communities.

The SoCIETIE Initiative cultivates the skillsets and mindsets to tackle complex challenges, from local community issues to global concerns. In a transdisciplinary learning environment, students, academics and practitioners will learn from each other to deepen our understanding of the world and turn knowledge into actions through collaboration with partners in the community sector and beyond.

SoCIETIE @ the ANU McCusker Institute

The SoCIETIE Initiative at the McCusker Institute champions Social Change, Impact, Engagement, Transformation, Inclusion & Equity through an inclusive and flexible curriculum model.

See https://mccuskerinstitute.anu.edu.au/ for information about the McCusker Institute, and a guide on upcoming opportunities.

KNOTs (to Know the Nature Of Things..)

This course is unlike any other course at the University. You are empowered to shape your own learning journey by choosing modules, which we call KNOTs, aligned with specific areas of social value. KNOTs cover the skills and the big ideas needed to create change in our community, and the opportunity to develop these skills in supported engagements with community sector partners. KNOTs are informed by expert academics and practitioners on topics such as transdisciplinary problem-solving, creating social impact and change, engaging with diverse stakeholders, harnessing disciplinary knowledge, critical thinking, and incorporating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.

See https://mccuskerinstitute.anu.edu.au/ for a schedule of upcoming KNOTs.

AATD3001 - SoCIETIE Initiative at 3000-level

The 3000-level course is specifically for students who are in their final-year and preparing for the next stage of leadership in their studies or career; however the selection of KNOTs can be tailored to explore topics of interest and develop skills in a flexible way, and there are no limitations on the activities and opportunities that AATD3001 students can engage with.

Apply to be part of SoCIETIE

Students must complete an Expression of Interest to enrol in the SoCIETIE Initiative courses. Once your Expression of Interest is received, if you have not previously taken the course you will be invited to an Induction session and then provided with a permission code to enrol in the course.

See https://mccuskerinstitute.anu.edu.au/ to submit an Expression of Interest.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. compare, contrast and apply concepts, arguments and evidence to transdisciplinary problems across scales;
2. model the qualities and approaches that support inclusive collaboration for social engagement across difference;
3. assess relationships and contextual dynamics to influence change across fields, disciplines and/or knowledge systems; and
4. explore alternative approaches and potential effectiveness of actions through self-evaluation and critical reflection.

Research-Led Teaching

The SoCIETIE Initiative @ ANU McCusker Institute brings in leading ANU researchers from all Colleges at ANU, and places an emphasis on topics broadly around Social Change, Impact, Engagement, Transformation, Inclusion & Equity through an inclusive and flexible curriculum model in a transdisciplinary learning environment.

Examination Material or equipment

This course does not have an examination.

Recommended Resources

There is no prescribed textbook for this course. You should be able to complete this course using the materials and selected readings made available through the Wattle. We will draw on resources primarily from the Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving Library Guide @ ANU Library.

Staff Feedback

In this course, there are many formal and informal processes to collect formative feedback to help submit the best work you can. These include regular opportunities with teaching staff for specific feedback, and most assessment items are staged so that you can receive feedback as you go. You should also make the most of informal feedback, such as through other members of your group and examining the work of former students. When marks are returned, they will be accompanied with minimal summative feedback to justify the mark. You are welcome to ask your marker for more feedback if you would like or need. 

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.

Other Information

Task submission times refer to Canberra time (AEST/AEDT).

Further information about the course: is available from the course Wattle page. Students are required to access the Wattle site regularly throughout the course for any announcements relating to the course.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) The ANU Academic Integrity website (https://www.anu.edu.au/students/academic-skills/academic-integrity ) provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as providing clear guidance on the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies.

The following resources may also be useful:

• The ANU Library's Libguide (https://libguides.anu.edu.au/generative-ai ) is a valuable resource for gaining a comprehensive understanding of AI's role in academia.

• The ANU Academic Skills site (https://www.anu.edu.au/students/academic-skills ) provides useful information to ensure that you leverage AI responsibly and effectively.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Week 1: SoCIETIE Induction	Course pathway proposal
2	Week 2-10: Completion of workshop activities [KNOTs]	Skills, Perspectives KNOTs
3	Weeks 7-11: Collaborative SoCIETIE project	Project KNOTs
4	Weeks 11-12: Course Wrap-Up	Completion of learning portfolio

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 / seminars so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Course Pathway Plan	25 %	4
Evidence of KNOT completion	25 %	1,2,3
Learning Portfolio	50 %	1,2,3,4

* 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.

Participation

For all courses taught in any mode (whether face-to-face or online), the ANU McCusker Institute considers participation in the classes offered to be an important part of the educational experience of the program. Students are expected to attend 10 points worth of KNOTs over the semester.

Examination(s)

There are no examinations in this course.

Assessment Task 1

Course Pathway Plan

Details of Task: Students are required to attend a compulsory Course Induction during Week 1, and complete a plan for which KNOTs you will take through the semester. This will help you to plan your pathway through the SoCIETIE program.

Nature of Task: Individual.

Time Commitment (approx): This task should take approximately 10 hours to complete, including attendance at an Induction workshop.

Submission: Required (hurdle task). Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to complete will result in a mark of zero for this task and the course.

Release: Weeks 1-2

Due Date: Friday Week 2. This plan should be completed before attending any KNOTs. The plan may change through the program. Late submission (without an extension) is permitted.

Estimated Return Date: Ongoing. Once submitted, a SoCIETIE Fellow will check your plan and provide feedback if required.

Assessment Criteria: Not yet complete, Complete with Revision, Complete without Revision. See the Assessment Guide for requirements for Completion.

Assessment Task 2

Evidence of KNOT completion

Details of Task: Students must complete 10 points worth of KNOTs over the semester, with a minimum of 2 points in each of the areas of Skills, Perspectives and Projects. Each point for a KNOT is typically 3-hours of in-person learning (for example, a workshop) on a defined topic.

Nature of Task: Individual and/or Collaborative.

Time Commitment (approx): This task should take approximately 30 hours in-person (3 hours x 10 points of KNOTs) to complete with additional independent time for KNOT preparation and reflection.

Submission: Required (hurdle task). Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to complete will result in a mark of zero for this task and the course.

Release: Weeks 2-10

Due Date: Monday Week 12. All KNOTs must be complete by Week 11. A milestone check-in will be available in Week 6 based on your plan. Late submission (with an extension) is permitted.

Estimated Return Date: N/A

Assessment Criteria: Not yet complete, Complete with Revision, Complete without Revision. See the Assessment Guide for requirements for Completion.

Assessment Task 3

Learning Portfolio

Details of Task: Produce a major work that connects your experience in the course and the course themes to a contemporary complex problem in SoCIETIE. The design prompt for this task is to: generate a critical or creative artefact that can be consumed in 5-6 minutes. Let your imagination run wild! We'll have an opportunity to informally share our ideas in the final week, and optional tasks can be submitted to provide formative feedback. Students will generally explore a topic related to the course related to their disciplinary background.

Nature of Task: Individual or Collaborative with prior approval.

Time Commitment (approx): This task should take approximately 20 hours of independent work to complete, with an in-class presentation in Week 12.

Submission: Required (hurdle task). Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to complete will result in a mark of zero for this task and the course.

Optional formative tasks: These formative tasks help to develop your final learning portfolio through formative feedback. You may choose to complete all or none of these optional tasks. See the Assessment Guide for further information.

• Portfolio Scoping Plan - Due Monday Week 7.
• Evidence of KNOT Completion - Due Friday Week 10.
• Presentation - During Week 12.

Due Date: Due Friday Week 12. Late submission (without an extension) is permitted, although late penalties will apply.

Estimated Return Date: Official end of semester results release date via Wattle.

Assessment Criteria: See the Assessment Guide for further information.

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

Students are bound to the Code of Practice for Student Academic Integrity. This includes provisions and directions on issues such as academic integrity, plagiarism and academic misconduct. All students should be familiar with the Code. 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.You must ensure that you upload the correct document on the specified submission due date and time. Any document modified after the due date and time will either incur a late penalty or will NOT be accepted. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education), submission must be through Turnitin in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). Electronic copies in .pdf file format are not acceptable.

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 tests or examinations.
• Late submission with an extension. To ensure equity for all students, the 5% penalty per working day for late submission of work does not apply if you have been granted an extension. Where an extension is granted, the revised due date and submission time will be provided in writing. Importantly, any revised due date is inclusive of weekends and public holidays. Regardless of which day of the week the revised due date falls on, students who submit after that date will be penalised by 5% of the possible marks available for the task per 24-hour period.  

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.

Returning Assignments

All marks and feedback will be provided by the return date listed in the class summary. 

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.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission is not guaranteed. Please ensure that you have reviewed your submission carefully before you submit.

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