Dr Karin Sellberg
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
- Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
This course examines the ways in which humanities traditions are embedded in particular cultural traditions. It has a particular interest on those traditions that challenge conceptions of the role, function, and aims of study of the Humanities, especially within the West. This includes a strong focus on the contribution that Indigenous peoples have made to critiquing and developing Humanities scholarship and providing alternative models of inquiry. It examines the conditions that lead to cross-cultural exchange.
Welcome to HUMN2200: Cross-Cultural Humanities, where we will explore the role of cross-cultural communication in the formation of modern culture, and humanities disciplines. We will approach this topic from three perspectives: 'Our Heroes & Origin Narratives', 'Boundaries of Humanity/Humanities', and 'Cross-Cultural Exchange'. You will be required to attend a weekly 1.5-hr lecture, participate in a 1.5hr-tutorial,ﾠand read a short text (or set of texts, films and/or art works).The tutorials will focus on discussion of these texts, and matters introduced in the weekly lectures, alongside means of making use of your humanities skills in your future social interactions and work life.The assessments for the course will be formative and authentic, focusing on articulating your own place within modern humanities research, and contributing to the Advanced Humanities YouTube channel.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
HUMN1100
Restrictions
BAdvHum(Hons) and BHum/LLB(Hons) students only
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Dr Karin Sellberg
Tutor
Miss Tyler Horton
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
1.5hr-Lectures for this course are held on the St Lucia Campus on Wednesdays at 4-5.30pm in room 132ﾠinﾠthe Sir Llew Edwards Building (14).ﾠWe encourage you to attend lectures in person (as they are often interactive), but all lectures will also be recorded and live-streamed over Zoom.
1.5hr-Tutorials run on Thursdays 3pm-4.30pm and 4.30pm-6pm andﾠFridays 2pm-3.30pmﾠandﾠ3.30pm-5pm.
Aims and outcomes
This course examines the ways in which humanities traditions are embedded in particular cultural traditions. It has a particular interest on those traditions that challenge conceptions of the role, function, and aims of study of the Humanities, especially within the West. This includes a strong focus on the contribution that Indigenous peoples have made to critiquing and developing Humanities scholarship and providing alternative models of inquiry. It examines the conditions that lead to cross-cultural exchange.
Course aims:
- Foster understanding and respect for equity and diversity.
- Foster understanding and negotiation of different cultural communities,ﾠintellectual and academic spaces.
- Foster understanding and negotiation between different textual, visual, auditory and digital genres of communication and expression.
- Developing digital and interdisciplinary team work skills.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Draw on a range of interdisciplinary skills to identify, critique and understand socio-cultural issues.
LO2.
Demonstrate integration of prior and current scholarship into a cohesive interdisciplinary context.
LO3.
Appreciate the breadth and cross-cultural nature of the problems to which humanities research offers potential advanced and alternative thinking.
LO4.
Discuss socio-cultural problems with different audiences at appropriate levels.
LO5.
Conceptualise the skills pertinent to humanities interdisciplinary research.
LO6.
Critically reflect on your own position in society, and the future work market.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution | Seminar Participation | 15% |
5/03/2025 - 26/05/2025 |
| Reflection | Storying Yourself | 20% 500-750 Words |
7/04/2025 2:00 pm |
| Presentation | Video for Advanced Humanities Youtube Channel | 30% 7-10 minutes (ca 1,000 words) |
6/05/2025 2:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique | Critical Reflective Essay | 35% 1,500 words |
9/06/2025 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Seminar Participation
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
5/03/2025 - 26/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Participation is essential for passing this course, and requires you to interact respectfully and learn from your peers. Students are expected to participate in seminar discussions and relevant seminar tasks. This assessment requires you to show evidence of preparation for seminars and participate in large and small group discussions with relevant and well-focused comments. Interaction in lectures and on Padlet is not essential, but will earn you additional points.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Students who miss classes may complete alternative assessments by request from the course coordinator.
Storying Yourself
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 20% 500-750 Words
- Due date
7/04/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
In this short reflective text (500-750 words), each student will position themselves (their social, cultural and academic background) in relation to one of the texts and/or origin stories discussed in weeks 2-4, and construct an argument about its place in modern culture and/or humanities discourse. The text should be submitted through TurnitIn.
This assessment task evaluates student’s 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
Submit through TurnitIn on 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.
Video for Advanced Humanities Youtube Channel
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30% 7-10 minutes (ca 1,000 words)
- Due date
6/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Each student will submit a short video or podcast presentation (7-10 minutes, which is about 1,000 words) on a focused topic within the general research topic area 'Boundaries of Humanity/Humanities'
A SELECTION OF EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD VIDEOS/PODCASTS WILL BE POSTED ON THE ADVANCED HUMANITIES YOUTUBE CHANNEL
This assessment task evaluates student’s 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
Submit through Echo360 on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
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.
Critical Reflective Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 35% 1,500 words
- Due date
9/06/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
In this essay (ca 1,500 words), each student should critically assess a recent cultural experience or event (there will be suitable extra-curricular experiences offered throughout the semester), from the point of view of cross-cultural humanities discourses. They should reflect on their chosen experience in relation to their personal background, and themes such as academic disciplines, cultural boundaries, cross-cultural exchange, and other concepts discussed throughout the course.
As this is a critical and reflective essay, students should furthermore make use of appropriate secondary reading material. This could include the readings on disciplinarity, cultures of knowledge, difference and diversity and/or other themes studied throughout the course.
This assessment task evaluates student’s 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
Submit through TurnitIn on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
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.
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 there has been some engagement with the assessment task and/or some work has been submitted, but of wholly unsatisfactory standard or quantity. 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 and field of study. 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.</p> |
| 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
Proof of Assessment Submission
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Advice for using TurnItIn can be found here - how to submit a TurnItIn assignment.
When assessments are successfully submitted a notice will display, before the Assignment Dashboard will appear.
Students must download a digital receipt from the Assignment Dashboard as evidence of submitting a piece of assessment. The digital receipt must include ‘Submission date’ and ‘Submission ID’ as evidence of assignment submission. Other documentation provided as evidence will not be accepted.
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
Information on requesting an assessment re-mark can be accessed via my.UQ https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/academic-progress-and-final-results/querying-result.
Deferred Examinations (if applicable)
The University recognises that on occasion a medical condition or other exceptional circumstances may impair a studentﾒs ability to attend an examination at the scheduled date and time. Depending on the circumstances, a deferred examination may be approved, and the student permitted to sit the in-semester or end of semester examination at a later scheduled time. Information on eligibility and application instructions can be accessed via my.UQ https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/deferring-exam.
Integrity Pledge
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments, students must ensure to have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial https://www.uq.edu.au/integrity/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%252fintegrity.
In 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
In accordance with the Assessment Judgements section of the Assessment Procedures, results for all summative assessment items are made available to individual students through the eLearning Management System on completion of marking, with the exception of the final assessment item which is 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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
For each of the seminars you may be provided with pre-readings, activities and discussion topics. You will be expected to prepare for each theme in a self-directed learning approach, making effective use of the Internet and Library resources for pre-reading activities and to increase your general knowledge of the themes under discussion. Some websites and suggested readings will be provided and will be loaded into the weekly folders in the course Blackboard site.ﾠ
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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 1: Introduction to Cross-Cultural Engagement Introduction to the Course. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2: Our Heroes & Origin Narratives, part 1 The Afterlife of European Fairytales Lecturer: Dr Karin Sellberg Guest Interview: Dr Tamlyn Avery Required Reading: Selection of Charles Perault/Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 3: Our Heroes & Origin Narratives, part 2 The Cross-Cultural Journey of the Gilgamesh Epos Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4: Our Heroes & Origin Narratives, part 3 Local 'Dreamtime' Stories and Knowledge Practices Lecturer: Dr Karin Sellberg Guest Interview: Professor Tracey Bunda Required Reading: Selection of Dreamtime Stories Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 5: Practical Narratives & Storying Indigenous methodologies of 'Storying', and the difference between different story-telling modes. Lecturer: Dr Karin Sellberg Guest Interview: Professor Tracey Bunda Required Reading: Selection from Louise Gwenneth Phillips, Tracey Bunda, Elizabeth P. Quintero, 'Research Through, With and As Storying' (2018) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 6: Boundaries of Humanity/Humanities, part 1 Exchange between Human and Animal, Past and Present, East and West Lecturer: Dr Karin Sellberg Required Reading: Angela Carter, The Company of Wolves & Other Stories (1978 Short Stories) & Fireworks (1988 Short Stories) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 7: Boundaries of Humanity/Humanities, part 2 The boundaries between Christianity and Native American knowledge traditions Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Practical |
Week 8: Boundaries of Humanity/Humanities, part 3 We will receive a guided tour of the Asia-Pacific Triennial at QAGOMA on Wednesday 17 April at 2-4pm. You will be asked to complete and submit a worksheet in response to this exhibition. THERE ARE NO TUTORIALS THIS WEEK. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
Not Timetabled |
MID-SEMESTER BREAK |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9: Boundaries of Humanity/Humanities, part 4 The Mind/Body Divide and Digital/Biological Life Lecturer: Dr Karin Sellberg Guest Interview: Dr Lucy Fraser Required Watching: Mamoru Oshii, 'Ghost in the Shell' (1995 Movie) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Week 10: Cross-Cultural Exchange, part 1 The Boundaries Between Humans and the Environment Lecturer: Dr Karin Sellberg Guest Interview: Dr Paige Donaghy Required Reading: Selection from Anna Tsing, 'The Mushroom at the End of the World' Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11: Cross-Cultural Exchange, part 2 Borderlands and Border Work in the context of Native American hybrid identities Lecturers: Dr Karin Sellberg and Dr Cassandra Byrnes Required Reading: Selection from Gloria Anzaldua, 'Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza' Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Week 12: Cross-Cultural Exchange, Part 3 'Chinatown' and the Modern Hybrid Society in Culture and Art Lecturer: Dr Karin Sellberg Guest Interview: Professor Ien Ang Required Reading: Selection from 'Chinatown Unbound' (2019) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Week 13: Cross-Cultural Exchange, part 4 Positioning Yourself in Future Society and on the Future Work Market. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
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.