Course coordinator
Dr Victoria Bladen
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
The internship provides a range of opportunities for students to work with UQ-based, or affiliated, organisations and researchers, assisting with project based work, event organisation, and editorial and publishing activities. Students will gain practical experience by working within professional organisations involved in literary and historical research, library resource management, writing and publishing, communications, and cultural heritage management. During the internship, students will critically engage with the internship through journal writing and a research-based essay; they may also contribute to other publications and scholarly outcomes. Due to the selective nature of this course, competitive entry will apply.
The Internship application form is available here.
This course will appeal to students interested in gaining practical professional experience in the fields of literary and historical studies, research communcationﾠand public engagement, professional writing, the publishing industry, library-based cultural heritage and conference management.
Within the course’s general workload requirements and with the advice of their supervisors, students can gain practical, organisational, research, and publishing experience.
The course offers students the following opportunities in Semester 1, 2025:
1. AustLit Professional Placement Opportunities (10 places)
Contact: Assoc Prof Maggie Nolan, Director AustLit maggie.nolan@uq.edu.au
This placement provides a number of opportunities for students to work with AustLit across a number of projects and a range of tasks. All of these are part of a larger endeavour led by AustLit to enhance records, build knowledge verifiability and create an awareness of Australian literary culture in the wider public sphere through targeted projects. Placement students will have the capacity to shape the placement according to their interests. Possible projects include data entry and data enhancement, updating records related to Miles Franklin Award winners, developing a calendar of literary events, exploring areas such as AI, or the city of Brisbane, or building curated datasets. http://www.austlit.edu.au
2. Publication Assistant, Playlab Theatre (2 places)
Contact: Phoebe Leighton, Assistant Producer: (marketing@playlabtheatre.com.au)
Description: Work with Playlab Theatre as a publication assistant. (https://playlabtheatre.com.au/). Playlab Theatre seeks to challenge perspectives of Australian Culture through Australian Theatre. Uniquely, Playlab does this through developing, publishing and producing new Australian Theatre with playwrights at the centre of the creative process. The Publication Assistant will assist the Publication Associate and Literary Manager in the publication of Playlab’s 2024 Slate. This will include the typesetting of publications, proofing, CAL, ISBN & PLR Registration, and archiving. The Publication Assistant will also review publications that have been submitted for publication and provide a recommendation as to the result of the submission.
3. The Islands (School of Maths and Physics) (1-2 places)
Contact: Associate Professor Michael Bulmer, School of Mathematics and Physics (m.bulmer@uq.edu.au)
Description: The Islands is an online virtual human population that has been developed at UQ to support teaching and learning in experimental design, epidemiology and statistical reasoning. It is used at many universities in Australia and overseas, and increasingly in high schools. A key focus of the Islands is engaging learners in the lives of these virtual people, and there are many aspects where writing helps enrich this experience. These range from background stories about the history and culture, to scripted interactions with individuals through a chatbot interface. There is also a need for more writings about the Islands for a broader audience, such as through a blog or website. We would also be interested in your own creative ideas to help expand the project.
4. Fryer library (2 places)
Contact: Kirsty Rickett, Senior Librarian, Outreach Lead (k.rickett@library.uq.edu.au)
Description: These placements would work on the Fryer Library’s collection of rare books and manuscripts, focusing on women writers from the early modern period (1500-1800) and Regency era (1811-1820), and 19th century Australian women writers. As well as collating information on the Fryer Library’s current holdings, in the form of an annotated bibliography, students may also work on identifying other key women writers of these periods who are not currently represented in the collection. This will assist Fryer Library to identify potential gaps in the collection and highlight opportunities for future acquisitions planning in this area.
5. Self-organised placement
Students have the option of organising their own placement with a suitable organisation, subject to permission from the course convenor and placements officer.
Enrolment procedure:
1. Contact the course co-ordinator (Victoria Bladen v.bladen@uq.edu.au ) to indicate interest in taking ENGL3020 and specify which project you are interested in.
2. Download the Enrolment Application Form and submit it to Sven Fea, (Placements, Internships and Work Experience) at the School of Communication and Arts by email ( scaplacements@uq.edu.au) together with your cv by 31 January 2025. (Applications will be accepted after that date but are subject to availability of additional placements). Applications will be decided on the basis of academic record and relevant background, and are subject to availability of placements. Students can only enrol in the course after approval is received.
Course requirements
Assumed background
GPA of 5.5; experience in writing and communication courses
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
6 units from a BA major offered by SCA, GPA of 5.5 or above in these courses, permission from the Course Coordinator and completion of the enrolment form available on the School website
Restrictions
To apply to enrol in this course students must complete the application form and obtain a supervisor's signature. Due to the selective nature of this course, competitive entry will apply.
Course contact
Lecturer
Dr Victoria Bladen
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Check for any last minute changes to venue or times via the Public Timetable:ﾠAllocate+ Timetable (uq.edu.au)
Aims and outcomes
The aim of the course is to give students professional experience in areas intersecting with the Arts and Cultural Heritage. Students have an opportunity to gain insights in to the ways that academic disciplines, including Professional Writing, Editing & Publishing; Literary Studies;ﾠGender Studies; and, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies, conduct, publish, and present professional research and scholarship, not only to academic communities, but also to a wider public. Students working on digital humanities projects such as with AustLit will also follow this same aim of facilitating the production and dissemination of academic research, sometimes undertaking original research, but also havingﾠthe opportunity to produce a scholarly outcome of their own. Those working in the Fryer library will gain experience in a range of preservation and information management strategies and techniques.ﾠStudents in the Writing, Editing and Publishing (WEP) program can use this course to gain practical experience in publishing and editing.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
articulate your experiences of academic publishing, cultural repositories, research environments, or conference/event organisation
LO2.
plan and carry out assigned tasks involved in humanities research projects alongside the presentation of research
LO3.
reflect on the way that Professional and Creative Writing, Literary Studies, or Australian Studies disciplines conduct, publish, and present professional research and scholarship to academic communities and to the wider public
LO4.
organise, present and communicate research in the Humanities
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Management of Learning
|
40% |
24/02/2025 - 26/05/2025
Internship (Weeks 1-13) Course meetings: Weeks 2, 6, 9 and 12. Journal Posts Weeks 2-11 Due by Friday 4pm of the relevant week. |
| Essay/ Critique | Reflective Essay | 20% 1000 words |
23/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique | Research Essay | 40% 1750 words |
30/05/2025 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Management of Learning
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
24/02/2025 - 26/05/2025
Internship (Weeks 1-13)
Course meetings: Weeks 2, 6, 9 and 12.
Journal Posts Weeks 2-11 Due by Friday 4pm of the relevant week.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The Management of Learning tasks comprise three components:
· Participation: completing the tasks of the placement as allocated to the student by their supervisor and attending the 4 course meetings (weeks 2, 6, 9 and 12). These meetings will provide students with the opportunity to discuss their experiences with their placements and their progress with the written assessments.
· Reflection: upload a 150-word post each week (weeks 2-11), by Friday 4pm, to the Learn@UQ ENGL3020 course site discussion board. The entries may, for example: record tasks, reflect on experiences and challenges, critically evaluate the aims and progress of the project, or reflect more broadly on the aims and methods of the type of work that the project represents and how it is situated within the humanities.
· Engaging with peers: will comprise discussions with their peers and responding to the journal posts of others (via activities during the meetings).
Students are expected to behave professionally at all times. If they are unable to attend the workplace for any reason, they must contact their supervisor to let them know and provide an explanation. The course coordinator will discuss the student's participation with their supervisors at the end of semester.
For the location and time of the 4 meetings, check the Public Timetable.
Note: students are not able to apply for an extension via the Unitask portal.
Criteria:
- Completion of tasks set by the internship supervisor in a timely way; organisational skills; a professional and courteous attitude to supervisors; and having a proactive attitude to the internship. (10 marks)
- Active participation in meetings. Students are expected to initiate discussion, engage with their peers, and share ideas and experiences. (10 marks)
· 10 weekly posts (weeks 2-11) (approx. 150 words) evidencing reflection on the internship and responses to the posts of others in activities during meetings (20 marks).
AI and MT:
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension for the final journal post deadline (week 11).
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Students do not need to submit extension requests for this assessment task each week if unable to submit by the recommended due date of 4pm Friday of the relevant week. Students should aim to submit all journal posts by the end of Week 11. If extenuating circumstances do not permit you to meet this final deadline, please submit an extension request.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Submission guidelines
Participate in class and internship. Submission of journal posts: via the Learn@UQ ENGL3020 course site discussion board.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Note: students are not able to apply for an extension for participation in the internships or attendance at the meetings.
Students may apply for an extension for the final journal post deadline (week 11).
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Students do not need to submit extension requests for this assessment task each week if unable to submit by the recommended due date of 4pm Friday of the relevant week. Students should aim to submit all journal posts by the end of Week 11. If extenuating circumstances do not permit you to meet this final deadline, please submit an extension request.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Reflective Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 20% 1000 words
- Due date
23/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
Due: Week 12 Friday 23 May 4pm
AI and MT: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Length: 1000 words (word count includes quotations and excludes any Works Cited list)
Task Instructions: Draw from your journal entries to create a Reflective Essay on the internship experience. This should consider the skills and experiences you’ve gained throughout the internship and how your work has developed throughout the semester. You may wish to consider ways that you could have done things differently to expand or improve on the outcomes, processes, and achievements, or ways the organisation could improve methodology and management of future projects. In the essay, you might quote your own recorded comments/thoughts at particular times during the internship to underpin your reflection of your own and the organisation's work. You may wish to quote from secondary sources on the practice of reflection and/or journaling, however it is not essential. If you choose to cite secondary sources, you should include a Works Cited list in MLA style.
As John Cowan suggests:
Reflection is well established as an essential component of lifelong learning and professional development… It is taken here as thinking in which a learner identifies and seeks an answer to a question whose answer, preferably in generalised form, is likely to be of practical use to them. The learner deliberately thinks about past or impending actions, with a view to effecting future improvement… This process can take place within a written, keyed or narrated reflective journal and should lead to new understandings and appreciations. [...] Reflection begins from a question whose useful answer the person concerned desires to identify. It progresses into thinking whose focus relative to the activity from which it hopes to learn is determined by the timing of the chosen question. It should entail sustained questioning and especially self-questioning by any person who reflects privately. (Cowen 53, 61)
Cowan, John “Noteworthy matters for attention in reflective journal writing”. Active Learning in Higher Education, vol. 15, no.1, pp. 53–64.
Criteria:
- Thoughtful reflection and critical evaluation of the experiences of the internship and the project (10 marks)
- Writing mechanics and expression (10 marks)
Submission guidelines
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Applications for extensions must be submitted well prior to the assignment due date.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Research Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40% 1750 words
- Due date
30/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04
Task description
Due: Week 13 Friday 30 May 4pm
AI and MT: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Length: 1750 words: 250 word abstract and 1500 word essay (word count includes quotations and excludes the Works Cited list)
Task Instructions: The student will develop a research topic in consultation with the course convenor. The topic can be related to, or inspired by, the work of the internship, or a topic otherwise relevant to the focus of the course.
Style guide: MLA style. Consult the online OWL MLA website: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
Criteria:
- Abstract (250 words) setting out the topic and argument (5 marks)
- Analysis and content (10 marks)
- Use of primary and secondary materials (10 marks)
- Writing mechanics and expression (10 marks)
- MLA style (5 marks)
Submission guidelines
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Applications for extensions must be submitted well prior to the assignment due date.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Late submissions will be penalised 10% of the value of the assignment per day late up to a max of 7 days.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Further learning resources as needed will be made availableﾠon the BB site during semester.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Not Timetabled |
Work of internship Students will undertake various activities assigned by the internship supervisor or project leader. The expectation is that students will undertake placement activities for approximately 1 day/week for the 13 weeks of the teaching semester. Students should consult and ask questions so that they are clear about their responsibilities. Learning outcomes: L02, L04 |
Week 2 |
Workshop |
Meeting 1 Course meetings are held during the semester. Students are expected to attend and actively participate to discuss their experiences and workshop aspects of their assessment pieces.
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 6 |
Workshop |
Meeting 2 · Discussion of internships and progress on journals; · Workshop research project topics; · Draft research question; · Explore the databases and other search tools; and · Create a draft annotated bibliography. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 9 |
Workshop |
Meeting 3 · Discussion on progress of internships; · Workshop draft abstracts for research essay; and · Discussion on requirements for reflective essay. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 12 |
Workshop |
Meeting 4
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module.
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course: