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HASS case studies

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  1. Bachelor of Arts
  2. Bachelor of Advanced Humanities
  1. Criminology and Sociology majors

1. Bachelor of Arts

What was done

Following UQ Graduate Statement and Attributes approval, the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) began re-examine the Bachelor of Arts program. Associate Dean (Academic) and Program Convenor, Professor Julie Duck, alongside Faculty Leaders and Faculty Learning Designers created the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Graduate Statement and Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) (PDF, 24.3 KB). The new PLOs were short, clear, succinct and written to align with the Graduate Attributes. 

Bachelor of Arts Graduate Statement

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) have unique profiles that draw on specialist knowledge of the concepts, principles and methods of their chosen fields of study. They are prepared for work in challenging and culturally diverse environments and can transfer their knowledge base to a broad spectrum of complex problems that relate to and beyond the humanities, arts and social sciences.

UQ graduate AttributesBachelor of Arts Program Learning Outcomes
Acccomplished scholars
  • are knowledgeable in their field
  • can engage in different traditions of thought
  • apply their knowledge in multidisiplinary and global settings

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts will be able to:

  • critically analyse and apply the content, methods and theories of at least two areas of study.

 

Courageous thinkers 
  • are able to question, analyse, interpret, and evaluate 
  • can test new and innovative ideas, understandings, approaches, and opinions. 
  • use this knowledge base to understand problems, test and challenge traditional and new approaches, and find innovative solutions.
Connected citizens 
 
  • are responsible, independent, outward- looking 
  • understand their communities 
  • are active, constructive, participants in society. 
  • engage productively with diverse communities.
Culturally capable 
  • have understanding of, and respect for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 
  • demonstrate appreciation of cultural and societal diversity. 
  • demonstrate respect for cultural and social diversity and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and perspectives.
Influential communicators
  • can communicate effectively with a variety of audiences 
  • can skilfully use information to engage in discussions 
  • can work collaboratively, making positive and meaningful contributions. 
  • communicate with skill and integrity.
Respectful leaders
  • demonstrate knowledge and respect for ethics and ethical standards 
  • lead self and others 
  • are relational decision-makers. 
  • make ethical decisions.

How it was done

The BA had recently completed a review (2023) and so was selected as a starting point for the implementation of the UQ Graduate Attributes in the Faculty. A seminar introduced the BA Major Convenors to the Graduate Attributes, the BA Graduate Statement and PLOs. The seminar also provided context and guidance for Convenors as the first step in identifying where Courses currently aligned with the new BA Program Learning Outcomes (LOs), using a template (PPTX, 3.4 MB). The decision was made not to require the Major Convenors to write their own LOs. Major Convenors were asked to map core courses to reflect the current state of alignment and to focus on the compulsory courses where a particular LO is being assessed.

Who was involved

  • Associate Dean (Academic) and Program Convenor, Professor Julie Duck
  • Faculty Leadership (Deputy Associate Deans Academic) 
  • Faculty leaders (Student Futures Team) 
  • Faculty Learning Designer
  • Major Convenors.