History Department Response to Student Feedback
HSTY2009 - The Black Experience in the Americas (2004)

Unit Coordinator: Dr Clare Corbould

Asked “Overall I was satisfied with the quality of this unit of study”, 94 % of students agreed and strongly agreed. Many students particularly appreciated the chance to write a serious research essay, and commented that the detailed feedback on the research proposals, due in week five, helped them to do so. Many also commented on the high quality of the teaching, including that of the tutor, Liam Hogan, and of the guest lecturers, Steven Hahn, Shane White and Cam MacKellar. Some singled out for praise the frequent use of film, music and images in lectures.

Several students thought that a 20% tutorial participation component was too high, given the size of the tutorials. In 2005 the participation assessment will be reduced to 10%.

As is often the case, some students thought that the workload was too high, while others found it “just right.” I will take up one student’s suggestion and reduce the tutorial reading for the week during which the long essay is due. In the past we’ve discussed a major novel by an African American writer during these tutorials; in 2005 we will discuss a short story.

From 2005, I will make lecture outlines available online to students.