OLET2125: Semester 1, 2025
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Unit outline_

OLET2125: Understanding Europe

Semester 1, 2025 [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 Benjamin Nickl, benjamin.nickl@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Benjamin Nickl, benjamin.nickl@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Online task Early Feedback Task EFT (early feedback task)
multiple choice quiz based on the learning materials in module 1 #earlyfeedbacktask
0% Week 03
Due date: 15 Mar 2025 at 23:00
10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO2
Online task Quizzes
Online Quizzes
100% Week 13
Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:55

Closing date: 30 May 2025
4x 450 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

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

This 2cp unit contains four automatically marked quizzes that test your comprehension of the lectures and reading materials for the four modules. There are 2 lectures and 1 required reading per quiz. 

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

Note: 

In this course, students are expected to complete all online quizzes independently, without the assistance of AI tools. The use of AI in completing quizzes will be treated as a potential breach of academic integrity and may be referred for further investigation.

However, students are encouraged to use AI tools as a supplementary resource to engage with and process the course materials. For example, you may use AI to take notes, summarize information, or clarify concepts as part of your study process. Please ensure that all submissions for graded assessments, including quizzes, reflect your own understanding and work.

If you are unsure about what constitutes acceptable use of AI in this course, please ask for clarification and consult this Canvas resource site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/51655

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

 

Result name

Code

Description

Satisfied requirements

SR

Awarded in units of study where student achievement is measured as a pass or fail only without a mark to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty. 

Failed Requirements

FR

Awarded in units of study where student achievement is measured either as Satisfied Requirements or Failed Requirements only, without a mark. Awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, fail to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard established by the faculty. 

AF

Absent Fail

Awarded to students who fail to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard through failure to submit or attend compulsory assessment tasks or to attend classes to the required level.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

 

For more information see guide to grades.

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

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

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.

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

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.
  • Assessment: Students are advised to complete the first quiz by the end of Week 4 and subsequent quizzes every three weeks after that (ie Quiz 2 = end Wk 7; Quiz 3 = end Wk 10; Quiz 4 = end Wk 13.) The Quizzes will remain open throughout the semester and can be completed at any time until the end of week 13.  

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.

Required readings

The unit's Canvas site will provide all readings and AV material. No additional purchases of materials are required. 

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.

This unit of study outline was last modified on 12 Feb 2025.

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