Dr Anne Levitsky
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
This course integrates Advanced Humanities first-year students into a cohort to develop formal analysis skills in writing, music, and the visual.
HUMN1201 integrates Advanced Humanities first-year students into a cohort to develop formal analysis skills in writing, music, and the visual. Students will work individually and in groups to analyse primary source documents and develop critical skills. The course will teach you interdisciplinary analysis methods. It will be an interactive experience, applying a combination of problem-based learning, self-directed learning, student presentations, and group activities. HUMN1201 students will also have access to a number of extra-curricular cohort building activities, but these are not compulsory.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course is only available to students accepted into the Bachelor of Advanced Humanities (Honours) program and itﾠis assumed that all students enrolled in HUMN1201 will have completed the HUMN1101 Interdisciplinary Thinking course.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
HUMN1100
Restrictions
Restricted to students enrolled in the BAdvHum(Hons) and BHum/LLB(Hons)
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Dr Anne Levitsky
Dr Lisa Walters
Dr Amanda van der Drift
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
This course is taught in weekly 2hr-Lectures, but you will be able to watch recordings online. You will also be required to attend a 1.5hr-seminar.
Aims and outcomes
HUMN1201 aims to provide students with an introduction to formal analysis skills across disciplines in the humanities, emphasising the importance of critical thinking and close reading. Students will work both individually and in groups to analyse primary sources from multiple humanities disciplines, gaining facility with interdisciplinary analysis skills and methods. The course employs a number of teaching methodologies, including self-directed learning, problem-based learning, group activities, and student presentations, to develop critical skills.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Draw on a range of interdisciplinary skills to analyse works of writing, music, and art
LO2.
Demonstrate facility with different forms of formal and contextual analysis through application of analysis skills to written, sonic, and visual objects
LO3.
Appreciate the critical role formal and contextual analysis plays in solving real-world problems, and be able to discuss how different humanities disciplines employ close readings to seek new methodologies for solving these problems
LO4.
Identify a primary source artefact, logically and thoroughly perform a close reading of that artefact, and present your reading coherently and concisely
LO5.
Conceptualise the skills pertinent to formal and contextual analysis of primary sources in an interdisciplinary humanities context
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution |
In-Class Worksheets
|
10% |
In Class |
| Essay/ Critique | Close Reading Essay | 30% 1000 words |
1/09/2025 2:00 pm
Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard |
| Presentation |
Favorite Song Presentation
|
30% 3-4 minutes |
22/09/2025 -
In Class & Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
30% 2 hours |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
Assessment details
In-Class Worksheets
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
In Class
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05
Task description
Each tutorial will be accompanied by a worksheet that you will receive in class that day, and will submit before leaving the tutorial. The worksheets can be filled in throughout the tutorial, and will be a vital part of participation in each week's class.
This assessment task evaluates students’ abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Close Reading Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30% 1000 words
- Due date
1/09/2025 2:00 pm
Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The Close Reading essay should be 1000 words in length, not counting the Works Cited. The paper will look closely at one short, written text. Essays should provide a detailed and focused thesis statement in the introductory paragraph, showing the main argument of the paper. The body of the paper will ensure that all claims are backed up by evidence.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via Turnitin through Blackboard
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.
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.
10% of maximum mark per day (24 hour period) assessment is late
Favorite Song Presentation
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30% 3-4 minutes
- Due date
22/09/2025 -
In Class & Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
THIS IS AN IN-CLASS ASSESSMENT: You will present a musical analysis of a favorite song, using the tools and terminology covered in the previous weeks. Your presentation will be 3-4 minutes in length, and will describe why this song is a favorite of yours through your close analysis of it. You will be assessed on your use of musical terminology, close analysis ability, and presentation skills, including public speaking and PowerPoint slides. You are required to submit your script and slides via Turnitin as well.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT
use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
In Class, and Submit materials via Turnitin through Blackboard
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.
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.
10% of maximum mark per day (24 hour period) assessment is late
Final Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30% 2 hours
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The final exam will consist of essay questions based on the course images, lectures, readings and tutorials. Students will select essay questions from a number of questions on the exam paper. All questions will relate to the formal and historical aspects of works of art that have been discussed in class. The essay questions test a student's understanding of the research methodologies employed by Art Historians through their ability to visually analyse the formal and design aspects of works of art and to comprehend the works’ significance in historical context. Sample questions will be provided and discussed in advance during tutorials.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT
use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
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.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 1, Serious Fail (0-24.99%), is generally awarded in cases where some work has been submitted, but of wholly unsatisfactory standard or quantity. In work submitted, however, there is no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts of the field of study or basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 2, Fail (25-44.99%), is generally awarded to work that exhibits deficiencies in understanding and applying the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study, and as such, does not satisfy the basic requirements of the course. Often, one or more major items of assessment will not have been completed. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Grade 3, Marginal Fail (45-49.99%), is generally awarded if a student has submitted work that attempts to meet the knowledge and skill requirements of the course, but is only able to demonstrate a superficial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. Students will usually have attempted all major pieces of assessment and show that they have an identifiable, emerging ability to apply basic knowledge and skills. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 4, Pass (50-64.99%), is generally awarded where all major items of assessment have been submitted. An adequate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study should be demonstrated and a functional skill level achieved. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 5, Credit (65-74.99%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and a substantial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study have been demonstrated. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 6, Distinction (75-84.99%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and substantial knowledge of the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been demonstrated. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 7, High Distinction (85-100%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and there is evidence that the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been mastered. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
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
See Blackboard for each week's activities.
Student Services
Student services offer a variety of short courses during the semester which will help you improve your study, research and writing skills..
The team also offers a wide range of professional and confidential services.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
General contact hours |
Week 13: No Lecture |
Not scheduled |
General contact hours |
Tutorial 13: No Tutorial |
Lecture |
Week 1: Introduction to the Course Introduction to the course. Lecturers: Dr Lisa Walters, Dr Anne Levitsky and Dr Amanda Van der Drift. Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Week 2: Close Reading Gender and Sexuality in Early Modern Texts Introduction to close readings of texts. Lecturer: Dr Lisa Walters. Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 2: Close Reading Gender and Sexuality in Early Modern Texts Close Reading of early modern texts concerning gender and sexuality. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Week 3: Reading the Poetics of Desire Lecture on poetry, representations of desire, and poetic analysis. Lecturer: Dr Lisa Walters. Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 3: Reading the Poetics of Desire Focus on poetry and representations of desire through the application of poetic analysis techniques. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Week 4: Poetry, Gender, and Power This lecture will focus on poetry in the context of gender and power. Lecturer: Dr Lisa Walters. Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 4: Poetry, Gender, and Power This lecture will focus on poetry in the context of gender and power. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Week 5: Writing Skills This pre-recorded lecture will focus on writing skills in advance of the submission of your first assessment. Lecturers: Dr Karin Sellberg and Dr Jennifer Clement. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 5: Writing Workshop This tutorial will focus on writing skills in advance of the submission of your first assessment. |
|
Lecture |
Week 6: Melody, Rhythm, and Meter Lecture on musical analysis, particularly melody, rhythm, and meter. Lecturer: Dr Anne Levitsky. Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 6: Gilles Binchois, Dueil anguisseus In this workshop we will analyse Gilles Binchois' Dueil angoisseus, paying particular attention to melody, rhythm, and meter. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Week 7: Harmony Lecture on musical harmony. Lecturer: Dr Anne Levitsky. Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 7: Schumann, Dichterliebe This tutorial will analyse the lieder of Robert Schumann, focusing particularly on harmony. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Week 8: Musical Form Lecture on musical form and its analysis. Lecturer: Dr Anne Levitsky. Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 8: Beethoven, Symphony No. 5 This tutorial will focus on Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, in particular the first movement, and will combine application of all the musical elements we have encountered in the course thus far. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Week 9: No Lecture |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 9: In-Class Presentations You will present your Favorite Song presentations in this tutorial. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Lecture |
Week 10: Understanding Works of Art: Methodological Approaches This lecture provides an introduction to the discipline of Art History and explains the fundamental, methodological approaches Art Historians apply to the analysis of works of art: formal or visual analysis and historical, contextual analysis. Lecturer: Dr Amanda van der Drift. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 10: Comparative analysis and visit to UQ Art Museum The tutorial will have 2 parts. Part 1. Beginning in class, we will apply Heinrich Wölfflin's principals of formal analysis to works of art from the Renaissance and Baroque periods to understand differences in formal and design elements. Part 2. We will make our way to the UQ Art Museum, where you will apply the technique of formal analysis to a work of art and submit your written analysis (before leaving) for participation grades. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Week 11: Women Artists: Renaissance/Baroque, Neo-Classical and Impressionist Art Considering formal aspects and historical context, this lecture will examine artworks produced between the 16th to the 19th centuries by prominent women artists including, Artemesia Gentileschi, Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun and Berthe Morisot. Lecturer: Dr Amanda van der Drift. Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Tutorial 11: Reflections on Gender The tutorial will reflect on gender roles in historical context and further hone your skills of observation and critical thinking. A comparative analysis of the works of art produced by male counterparts of the women artists discussed in the lecture will be carried out, and aspects of relevant social and cultural history considered. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
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Lecture |
Week 12: Modernisms and Post-Modernisms in Art History This lecture focuses on the artistic movements of Modernism and Post-Modernism through close analysis of the formal and design elements of selected works by International and Indigenous Australian artists. Historical factors that resulted in the emergence of a diverse range of approaches to visual representation during the periods will be explored. Lecturer: Dr Amanda van der Drift. Learning outcomes: L03, L05 |
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Tutorial |
Tutorial 12: Modernisms and Postmodernisms: Visit to QAGOMA This tutorial will be held at QAGOMA. Students will critically reflect on the Modernist and Postmodernist works of art on display and complete and submit a written, visual analysis of an artwork of their choice. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.