Here is the final copy of my response to the Macquarie University Review of Academic Programs – Green Paper. Thanks for the input Simon, Nath and Waz.
On the contribution of academic programs to Capabilities
I see the advantage of retaining the units currently made available by SCMP and Humanities, and grouping some of these into People and Planet electives. However, it may be equally plausible to develop a single introductory unit that is compulsory for all students. For example, a unit in Critical thinking that draws its material and examples from Cultural Anthropology and Business/Workplace Ethics. Students of the introductory module could be given the task of contemplating, from time to time throughout their degree studies, the lessons they have learnt in this module.
I propose that such a unit could be assessed in the same fashion that a typical SCMP or Humanities unit would be assessed. It would provide students with references and awareness of the opportunities for further study at MQ in these fields.
Most importantly it would prepare students for a capstone module (or something similar).
The capstone module would require students to demonstrate that they have developed the capabilities desired of them. Students might keep a journal or maintain a blog during the course of their studies. They might undertake independent research, or they might add SCMP and Humanities units to their stream. Whatever the method, they would aim to demonstrate at the completion of their degree the graduate capabilities of a Macquarie University student.
This proposal would still permit for students to take one or two electives from the “People” and “Planet” designations, including Languages.
On Academic Program Delivery – Technologies and Modes
From my perspective as a mature aged student, the availability of on-line resources is a necessity. While I much prefer the face to face contact of lectures and tutorials, the necessities of working full-time will force me to undertake the remainder of my degree externally. I would value every opportunity for social interaction, knowledge creation and knowledge consumption that Macquarie University could offer as part of its commitment to students.
In line with the Principles set out in this section of the green paper, I would recommend adding the following principle:
- Respect the needs and capitalise on the strengths of the external students of Macquarie University.
I note that SCMP and Mitch Parsell have given support for an Undergraduate conference at the end of 2008. This conference does place the external and OUA students at the forefront. I hope that this event becomes a regular part of the MQ commitment to its students.
On Academic Program Delivery: Structure and Shape
I am among those who find the current system of coherencies and study patterns confusing. The 100,200,300 level divisions seem straight forward though. In any case, it is currently a confusing task to decide upon a course of study. Any system that can introduce clarity would likely be an improvement on the current system.
Finally, the potential elimination of the hard copy handbook has one disadvantage that comes to mind. Students are held to the rules and systems in place upon entry to their degree. Keeping an electronic copy from the year of entry would therefore be necessary. Does MQ plan to provide a CD version?
A draft of this contribution has been posted at http://mqphil.wordpress.com/2008/04/07/review-of-academic-programs-green-paper/
Further comments/responses from some of our students have been posted here for your consideration.
Many thanks and best regards,
Brad Frederiksen
