This unit gives you an opportunity to undertake an independent project with an emphasis on how society, history, culture or politics have been framed within literature from different traditions, locations and at different periods of time, and to think across traditional boundaries to demonstrate how literature and culture are interrelated. The project is flexible and will be designed by you in consultation with academic supervisors to meet negotiated and specific project learning outcomes. It will involve academic research into a body of literature in the context of contemporary issues and culture.

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student Unit Evaluation Data

Feedback indicated that organisation and sequencing of learning materials could be improved.

Review the unit’s learning materials to ensure logical sequencing and clear navigation.

Feedback from Unit Coordinator Observation

Student engagement and retention could be strengthened through increased opportunities for connection with the unit coordinator. Current delivery is largely text-based, which may limit students’ sense of personal engagement with the unit and its content.

Introduce short, unit coordinator–recorded videos at the beginning of modules or key topics.

Feedback from Student Unit Evaluation Data

Student feedback indicated that the transition to undertaking a research project felt challenging, with some students expressing a sense of being “dropped in the deep end”. While the unit is designed as an AQF 8 offering to introduce research processes for students progressing to Honours or Masters, clearer connections to prior learning and future pathways could enhance student confidence and engagement.

Make explicit links early in the unit to skills developed in previous literature units, highlighting how these underpin the research process. Additionally, provide clear explanations of the unit’s role within the vertical Master of Arts pathway and its relevance to post-graduate projects.