Key facts

UNE unit code: HASS101

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
  • Trimester 2 - On Campus
  • Trimester 2 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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This unit introduces you to skills for critical and successful undergraduate research. You will examine how critical social analysis and critical thinking in the Humanities is broadly defined: how it is conducted, how it is different from scholarship in the physical sciences, and why it matters.

During your studies, you will explore specific research purposes, methods, techniques, and ethics, across a range of disciplines, and this knowledge and skillset will be developed through considering a range of controversial and contested social issues (such as the ‘history wars’, nationalism and identity, and sexual norms and practices). You will investigate selected disciplines and how they vary in terms of core concepts, perspectives, methods of analysis and argument. In considering these topics you will build on your capacity for critical engagement in issues of great public importance, and reflect upon the task of critical social analysis and research.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online
Trimester 2On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Co-requisites
for ENABLE students: ENAB102
Restrictions
HUMS103 or HASS100

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Felicity Joseph
Felicity JosephLecturer, Philosophy and Political Theory - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
Jo Coghlan
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Julie CollinsLecturer - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate an understanding of the methodology, value and relevance of critical social analysis and critical thinking;
  2. demonstrate an understanding of the various academic research purposes, methods and ethics across a range of disciplines in the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences;
  3. apply critical social analysis and key research techniques to a range of controversial and contested issues;
  4. display skills in autonomy, evaluation, analysis, argument;
  5. act as informed and discerning participants within the community of scholars; and
  6. demonstrate well-developed skills in written communication.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 1Yes20%All offerings

Evaluating Research. Quiz on modules Reading Research, Understanding Research, and Evidence, Argument and Reasoning.

No. Words: 500

 

Assessment 2Yes30%All offerings

Essay Plan and Annotated Bibliography

No. Words: 1500

Assessment 3 - Assurance TaskYes50%All offerings

Supervised Exam - Exam Essay – will be allowed access to Assessment 2: Essay Plan and Annotated Bibliography.

This online exam will be supervised via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.

Students must pass the Assurance Task in order to pass the unit.

No. Words: 2000

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

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At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

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