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Unit outline_

OLET2125: Understanding Europe

Semester 1, 2024 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit introduces you to contemporary Europe and the European Union, covering the formation and development of the EU as well as current events, problems and challenges facing Europe and the EU more broadly in a changing global environment.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit European Studies
Credit points 2
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
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Online task Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards
50% Multiple weeks 4x200wds
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Online task Quizzes
Online Quizzes
50% Multiple weeks 8x125wds
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Assessment summary

The 0cp version of this unit contains four automatically marked quizzes that test your comprehension of the material prior to proceeding to the graded 2cp version of the unit.

The 2cp version of this unit contains four automatically marked quizzes that test your comprehension of the modules and four discussion board posts that require you to engage critically and analytically with the lecture materials and readings.

All assessments take place online in the canvas site where further details and guidelines can be found.

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.

For the 2cp version of this unit, the quizzes have right/wrong answers and are automatically graded. The following grading criteria refer to the discussion board posts and are also included on the canvas site in the ‘Introduction’ module. 

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

The post demonstrates a high level of sophistication in its reflection on the materials and issues, provides evidence of background reading, and makes its points persuasively, supported by well-constructed argumentation. Writing style, spelling and grammar are excellent, with almost no errors.

Distinction

75 - 84

The post demonstrates in-depth reflection on the materials and issues, provides evidence of some background reading, and makes its points convincingly, supported by strong argumentation. Writing style, spelling and grammar are of a high quality, with very few errors.

Credit

65 - 74

The post engages strongly with the materials, and makes its points convincingly, supported by well-structured argumentation written in an appropriate style. Spelling and grammar are mostly good although there may be errors.

Pass

50 - 64

The post engages with the materials, demonstrates understanding of the issue, is structured coherently and written in appropriate style, and makes at least one key point. Spelling and grammar are adequate although there may be errors.

Fail

0 - 49

The post is off-topic, does not engage with the set reading(s) and/or AV documents, and contains no original voice.

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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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
Ongoing Completion of online modules, quizzes, and discussion board tasks Individual study (15 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Weekly The origins and nature of the European Union as a supranational organisation in the context of contemporary global politics. Individual study (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
The European Union as a supranational organisation in the context of contemporary global political systems. Individual study (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: This is an online unit. There are no attendance requirements. 
  • Lecture recording: All lectures are recorded and will be available online for the duration of the semester.
  • Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

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 2 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 40-50 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 fundamental aspects of the history and institutional structure of the European Union
  • LO2. identify and explain significant concepts relating to the functioning of the EU
  • LO3. demonstrate how historical and institutional factors influence key issues in contemporary Europe
  • LO4. compare and contrast the impact of European integration on different member states and policy areas
  • LO5. critically evaluate different viewpoints on the history and contemporary situation in Europe and justify your own argument.

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.

This unit is updated on an annual basis in line with developments in Europe and the EU.

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.