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
Problems of our time that seem almost insurmountable need radically new ways of thinking through solutions. Big problems need big ideas and creative thinking that absorbs the breadth of current intellectual endeavour. The ideas and attitudes of artists, writers, and thinkers, both past and present, frequently constitute the groundwork of major social, political, and cultural debates; indeed, help shape what we think of as ultimate, "meaning of life" questions. This course examines how researchers and practitioners in the Humanities help to shape new thinking about some of the most pressing issues confronting our time, and in the past: the planetary ecological crisis; ethnic, national, and religious conflict; the politics of identity; and problems of justice, equality, freedom, and good government.
Whatﾠareﾠthe big questions facing those who work in the Humanities? How may we approach them? This course focuses primarily on identifying, analysing and negotiating these issues together. You will work collaboratively to define, address, and attempt to find advances on the large questions confronting the Humanities in the 21st century. The course features a range of guest speakers, each one addressing what they see as the key big question facing the humanities today, followed by discussion sessions. In addition to the lectures and discussions, you will work in small groups throughout the semester to determine what you see as the big questions facing the Humanities.
Furthermore, the course cohort will select a particularly important set of questions facing modern society, and jointly develop this topic as a theme for our annual Advanced Humanities Symposium. Over a full day in week 13, the cohort will organise and host this event, where the academic community will come together to address these questions, discuss their significance, and propose potential ways forward. This task will not only teach you how to pitch your ideas and develop useful research materials, questions and topics for interdisciplinary discussions of the important questions of our time, but also how to organise large events, and how to work effectively in small and larger teams, how to manage timelines and how to structure your work. Throughout the course you will develop a range of important skills, including: brainstorming; developing research questions; developing arguments in writing and in presentations; and oral presentation skills.ﾠﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course is only available to students accepted into the Bachelor of Advanced Humanities (Honours) program, and it's assumed that all students enrolled in HUMN3100 will have completed ﾠthe other Advanced Humanities courses at first and second year levels.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
HUMN2100 or HUMN2200
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
1hr-Lectures for this course will be pre-recorded, andﾠreleased by 2pm on theﾠFriday PRECEDINGﾠeach teaching week.
2hr-Seminarsﾠrun on Mondays at 10am-11.50am, Wednesdays atﾠ2pm-3.50pm, Thursdays at 10am-11.50am and Thursdays at 12pm-13.50pm.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to:
1. Introduce you to a broad range of issues facing the world todayﾠas presented by major figures in a wide range of fields, with a focus on how humanities students can think about and address these issues.
2. Contribute to the development of your research and communication skills both as an individual and as working in a team.
3. Contribute to the development of your professional networking skills.
4. Push you to identify, research, and address what you see as the most important issues in the world today.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Work well in groups and as an individual to produce thoughtful and complex analyses of key issues in the humanities today, as well as suggestions for addressing these issues.
LO2.
Write sophisticated and extended analyses of an important issue in the humanities showing original research, clear and coherent writing skills, clear and coherent structure, and a valid and coherent argument.
LO3.
Speak effectively and clearly, both as an individual and as part of a team, to present the results of team research towards the addressing of a major issue in the humanities today.
LO4.
Identify key issues facing the world today, and address the implications of these issues for the humanities, for academia, and for the wider society.
LO5.
Effectively network with industry figures inside and outside UQ.
LO6.
Understand and discuss a wide range of approaches to the big questions and issues facing the humanities and the world today.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution | Participation in discussion | 15% |
3/03/2025 - 26/05/2025 |
| Project, Reflection | Accumulated Symposium Preparation | 30% 6 Group Submissions |
21/02/2025 4/04/2025 17/04/2025 2/05/2025 9/05/2025 16/05/2025
Submit through Blackboard by 2 pm. |
| Project | Interview & Feature Story on Humanities Champion | 25% 1,000 words |
6/05/2025 2:00 pm
Submit through Turnitin via Blackboard |
| Essay/ Critique, Reflection | Critical Reflection: One Big Question | 30% 2,000 words |
9/06/2025 2:00 pm
Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard |
Assessment details
Participation in discussion
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
3/03/2025 - 26/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, 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, as well as the preparation for the annual symposium. 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 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.
Accumulated Symposium Preparation
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Project, Reflection
- Weight
- 30% 6 Group Submissions
- Due date
21/02/2025
4/04/2025
17/04/2025
2/05/2025
9/05/2025
16/05/2025
Submit through Blackboard by 2 pm.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
THIS IS A SET OF SIX GROUP ASSIGNMENTS. Students will work in their assigned seminar groups to prepare a series of pitches for the final course symposium. The pitches should be made using a variety of formats, including video, image production and text (appropriate video and imaging software will be provided through Adobe Creative Suites).
PITCH 1: (30%) SUBMITTED ON 21/3/25: in your first short VIDEO pitch of 3-5 minutes, each team should introduce a topic idea, address its strength, interest and originality, its relevance to more than one disciplinary perspective and its potential in fostering discussion between humanities scholars and the general public.
PITCH 2: (20%) SUBMITTED ON 4/4/25: in your second short VIDEO pitch of 2-3 minutes, each team should propose an appropriate format to their symposium, and 3-4 possible speakers among UQ staff AND/OR international academic communities.
PITCH 3: (20%) SUBMITTED ON 17/4/25: in this pitch, your group should provide a draft POSTER, and 150-200 word advertising TEXT for the symposium,
PITCH 4: (10%) SUBMITTED ON 2/5/25: in this pitch, your group should compose a TEMPLATE VIP invitation EMAIL for the symposium, and a list of VIP guests.
PITCH 5: (10%) SUBMITTED ON 9/5/25: in this pitch, your group should provide a draft CONFERENCE MENU, including lunch and canape options. You should consider things like space, numbers, inclusivity and dietary diversity among guests.
PITCH 6: (10%) SUBMITTED ON 9/5/25: in this pitch, your group should provide a draft RUNSHEET for the symposium, including all the planned activities of the day, and the roles that require a person responsible.
Submission guidelines
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.
Interview & Feature Story on Humanities Champion
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 25% 1,000 words
- Due date
6/05/2025 2:00 pm
Submit through Turnitin via Blackboard
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
For this assignment you should select and interview a 'humanities champion', and write a feature profile story about them based on this interview, reflecting on their professional path and development. A 'humanities champion' can be an academic or a member of the general community whose research inspires you, and the profile story should discuss their education, past work experience, research and/or community engagement, aspirations and goals.
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
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 Reflection: One Big Question
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Reflection
- Weight
- 30% 2,000 words
- Due date
9/06/2025 2:00 pm
Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L06
Task description
In this critical reflection on ONE BIG QUESTION IN THE HUMANITIES, you are required to write a report and critical and reflective essay (ca 2,000) on ONE of the issues discussed in the course, considering more than one perspective (e.g. looking at the two different aspects presented on each of the issues in the course) and making use of appropriate secondary reading material from the course and/or acquired through independent study. This could include the readings on disciplinarity, cultures of knowledge, difference and diversity and/or other themes studied throughout the course.
You should also integrate a discussion of your personal relationship or 'stake' in this issue, addressing why it is important to you, and your future plan/pathway. You will be instructed how to do this efficiently in 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
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. |
| 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 has 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 not available for some items in 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 ﾖ 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 ﾖ 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 ﾖ 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.
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 the Course What Humanities? What Big Questions? Lecturer: Dr Karin Sellberg Learning outcomes: L04, L06 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2: Humanities Today, Part 1 How do we shape our futures? Discussion Panel on UN's 'Sustainable Development Goals' and the Future of Work. Lecturer: Dr Karin Sellberg Guest Interviews: Yvonne Oberhollenzer & Sophie Plunkett Tutorials: Introduction to Symposium Group Work Required Seminar Reading: UN 'Sustainable Development Goals' Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 3: Humanities Today, Part 2 This we will discuss a mix of humanities perspectives on what the humanities ARE, and what we contribute to society. Lecturer: Dr Karin Sellberg Guest Interviews: Mix of interviews about the BIG QUESTIONS in the humanities. Tutorials: Continuing work on Symposium Pitch Required Reading: Michel Foucault, Introduction to 'The Archeology of Knowledge' (1969) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4: Relationships to the Past, Part 1 We will discuss the 'big issue' of heritage and iconoclasm in ancient Europe and today. Guest Lecturer: Professor Alastair Blanshard Tutorials: Finalising work on Symposium Pitch. Professor Blanshard will also join our discussions in class. Required Reading: Walter Benjamin, 'The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction' (1935) & Madeline H. Caviness, 'Iconoclasm and Iconophobia: Four Historical Case Studies' (2003) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 5: Relationships to the Past, Part 2 We will discuss how history (or histories) shape the heritage of modern humanities - especially with regards to Indigenous Australian histories. Guest Interview: r e a (University of Melbourne) Required Watching: Ann McGrath & Andrew Pikes, 'Message from Mungo' (2015) Required Reading: Christine Judith Nicholls, Poles Apart by r e a: Re-Negotiating the Past through Visual Art (2010) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 6: Future Humanities This week we will turn to academia. The HASS Executive Dean will join us to discuss the future of the humanities in Australia and world-wide. Guest Lecturer: Professor Heather Zwicker Tutorials: Pitching Speakers for the winning symposium topics. Required Reading: Lauren Berlant, Cruel Optimism, Chapter 6 'After the Good Life, an Impasse: Time Out, Human Resources, and the Precarious Present' (2011) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 7: Interview Workshop Week During this week, which will focus on practical skills, you will have the opportunity to consider interview techniques and ask questions about your 'Interview & Feature Story on Humanities Champion' assessment. Tutorial: During this tutorial we will also work on your group's poster and advertising blurb for the Symposium, which is due on April 17. Lecturer: Dr Karin Sellberg Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 8: Reading Week We will visit the UQ Art Museum during all regular tutorial times this week. We also encourage all students to use the additional time available this week to schedule the interviews with their humanities champions. |
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
Not Timetabled |
MID-SEMESTER BREAK No Seminars or Lectures |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9: Big Question: Climate Change We will discuss the 'big issue' of wilderness and waste, and historical discourses of environment and land. Guest Lecturer: Dr Amelia Hines (QUT) Tutorials: We will work on symposium catering menus. Required Reading: Jack Halberstam, 'Chapter 1: Sex in the Wild' from Wild Things: The Disorder of Desire (2020) & Stuart Thompson, 'How plants reclaimed Chernobyl's poisoned land' (BBC, 2019) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Week 10: Big Question: Artificial Intelligence We will discuss the gig economy and the future work in an increasingly digital environment Lecturer: Dr Karin Sellberg Guest Interview: Associate Professor Elizabeth Stephens Tutorials: We will compose VIP invitation emails for the symposium. Required Reading: Lilly Irani, "Difference and Dependence among Digital Workers: The Case of Amazon Mechanical Turk" (2015) AND Eric Limer, "My Brief And Curious Life As A Mechanical Turk" (2014) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11: Big Question: Culture Wars We will discuss the concept of cancel culture, and examine the historical background of what is today referred to as 'culture wars' through the lens of the late 20th century conflict between TERFs (trans-exclusionary radical feminists) and trans* activists. Lecturer: Dr Karin Sellberg Tutorials: We will compose run sheets for the symposium. Required Reading: Sandy Stone, 'The Empire Strikes Back: A Posttranssexual Manifesto' (1992) & Jacob Sarkisian, 'J.K. Rowling penned a statement explaining her 'reasons for speaking out on sex and gender issues' and asking for empathy' (2020) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Week 12: Big Question: Changing World Order We will discuss the 'changing world order' that is increasingly becoming the big topic of conversation in international politics. Lecturer: Dr Karin Sellberg Guest Interviews: Professor Richard Devetak Tutorials: We will finalise our preparations for the symposium. Required Reading: Selection from Judith Butler "What World Is This?: A Pandemic Phenomenology" (2022) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Team Based Learning |
Week 13: ANNUAL ADVANCED HUMANITIES SYMPOSIUM prep Prep for the following week's LIVE student-organised event On Monday June 2 at 10-4pm. |
Revision week (02 Jun - 08 Jun) |
Team Based Learning |
Week 14: ANNUAL ADVANCED HUMANITIES SYMPOSIUM This LIVE student-organised event will run on Monday June 2 at 10-4pm. |
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.