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Unit outline_

EUST1002: Civil Society in Contemporary Europe

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Over the past two decades the face of Europe has changed dramatically. In this unit we examine the new ways in which European nations and the European Union negotiate issues of co-operation and co-existence, focusing on aspects of civil society, social change and cultural diversity. Case studies include the implications of Brexit, the re-emergence of the far right, immigration and multiculturalism, generational change, and other latest developments in Europe.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit European Studies
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Peter Morgan, peter.morgan@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Peter Morgan, peter.morgan@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Lucia Sorbera, lucia.sorbera@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Online task Online quizzes
n/a
30% Multiple weeks 1800 words total
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Online task #earlyfeedbacktask
Early feedback task: What does the concept of 'civil society' mean to you?
0% Week 03
Due date: 16 Aug 2024 at 11:59

Closing date: 22 Aug 2024
200 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Assignment Assignment
n/a
25% Week 05
Due date: 30 Aug 2024 at 23:59
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Essay
n/a
45% Week 13
Due date: 03 Nov 2024 at 23:59
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

See documentation on Canvas site

Distinction

75 - 84

See documentation on Canvas site

Credit

65 - 74

See documentation on Canvas site

Pass

50 - 64

See documentation on Canvas site

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to Civil Society in Europe Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO6
Week 02 Introduction to Civil Society in Europe Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO5
Week 03 Civil Society in Europe - Case Study 1 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6
Week 04 Civil Society in Europe - Case Study 2 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Civil Society in Europe - Case Study 3 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 06 Civil Society in Europe - Case Study 4 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Civil Society in Europe - Legacies of the Past 1 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 Civil Society in Europe - Legacies of the Past 2 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 09 New Social Movements - Case Study 1 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 10 New Social Movements - Case Study 2 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Civil Society and the EU 1, and Essay Workshop Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Civil Society and the EU - 2 Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 13 What next for the EU? Recap and Review Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

80% attendance at tutorials is required, with video and audio facilities operating as per Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences regulations

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Define the concept of civil society with reference to accepted current definitions and theoretical frameworks in relation to Europe and the European Union.
  • LO2. Apply theoretical models of civil society in the analysis of major issues currently affecting people's lives in Europe, such as the emergence of a new type of far-right politics, increased environmental awareness and policy formation, ongoing issues of immigration and the refugee crisis, ongoing EU inclusion, development and its problems, health, security issues.
  • LO3. Identify the main political, social and cultural issues in Europe today, such as the role of the European Union, the emergence of new forms of far right, far left and alternative political movement, sources of political and social tension such as the ongoing consequences of Brexit, the refugee crisis and immigration, the environmental crisis etc.
  • LO4. Analyse relevant film, documentary and other cultural products with reference to specific aspects of contemporary European societies.
  • LO5. Critically assess the impact of the major political and social issues in the European and EU environment as they develop.
  • LO6. Apply the principles of scholarly research, objective analytical thinking, clear writing and correct documentation in short assignments and essays.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

All USS reports are used in the process of annual updating of all EUST units.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.