Outline

Overview

How do different community groups create a sense of belonging and attachment to the historical and archaeological sites, memorials, protected areas, and landscapes they live in and around How do communities create meaning and maintain identities through heritage places What research methods and approaches are used in heritage studies to investigate these connections In this unit of study students will be introduced to the research methods used to identify, document and assess social significance, intangible heritage, attachment and belonging.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Archaeology
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Charlotte Feakins, charlotte.feakins@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 21 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	Participation Students are expected to actively participate in weekly class discussions, site visits, workshops, and peer learning activities throughout the unit.	10%	Ongoing	Ongoing	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Background Essay and Annotated Bibliography 2000 word Background Essay and Annotated Bibliography. Select a place, landscape, object, or collection and identify the community (or communities) that will form the focus of your research project (further details provided on Canvas).	30%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Aug 2026 at 11:59 Closing date: 21 Aug 2026	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Research Presentation Presentation (15 minutes): Students will present their developing research in class. Prepare a 10-minute presentation, followed by a 5-minute Q&A discussion (further details provided on Canvas).	10%	Week 05 Due date: 03 Sep 2026 at 11:59 Closing date: 03 Sep 2026	15 minutes (10 min + 5 min Q&A)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research Report Building on your Background Essay, Annotated Bibliography, and Presentation, prepare a Community Heritage Report (further details provided on Canvas).	50%	Week 06 Due date: 11 Sep 2026 at 11:59 Closing date: 11 Sep 2026	3000 Words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Background Essay and Annotated Bibliography: 2000 words.听 Select a place, landscape, object, or collection and identify the community (or communities) that will form the focus of your research project (further details provided on Canvas).

Presentation (15 minutes): Students will present their developing research in class. Prepare a 10-minute presentation, followed by a 5-minute Q&A discussion (further details provided on Canvas).

Research Report: 3000 words.听Building on your Background Essay, Annotated Bibliography, and Presentation, prepare a Community Heritage Report (further details provided on Canvas).

Participation:听Students are expected to actively participate in weekly class discussions, site visits, workshops, and peer learning activities throughout the unit.

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Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	听Work whose quality exceeds normal expectations for outstanding work at the student鈥檚 present level of enrolment. Written work more than meets the criteria for a High Distinction, displaying a marked degree of originality and/or scholarly professionalism. Depending on the task assigned, the exceptional qualities might include suggestion of a new perspective from which to view a problem, identification of a problem not adequately recognised in the standard literature,
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of a superior standard. Written work demonstrates initiative in research and reading, complex understanding and original analysis of subject matter and its context, both empirical and theoretical; makes a good attempt to 鈥榞et behind鈥� the evidence and engage with its underlying assumptions, takes a critical, interrogative stance in relation to historical argument and interpretation, shows critical understanding of the principles and values underlying the unit. Properly documented; writing characterised by style, clarity, and some creativity.
Credit	65 - 74	Competent work, although further development is needed. Written work contains evidence of comprehensive reading, offers synthesis and critical evaluation of material on its own terms, takes a position in relation to various interpretations. In addition, it shows some extra spark of insight or analysis. Demonstrates good selection of evidence, coherent and sustainable argument, some evidence of independent thought, grasp of relevant museology or studies in cultural heritage. 听
Pass	50 - 64	Work of an acceptable standard. Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading and research, and demonstrates a reasonable understanding of subject matter. Offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the question, but may have a tendency to paraphrase; makes a reasonable attempt to organise material logically and comprehensibly and to provide scholarly documentation. There may be gaps in any or all of these areas.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don鈥檛 meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the听Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the听Current Students website听for more information on AI in assessments, including听details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded. This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below: Work not submitted on or before the due date is subject to a penalty of 5% per calendar day late. If work is submitted more than 10 days after the due date, or is submitted after the return date, the mark will be 0.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website听provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the听Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)听which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the听Current Students website听for more information on AI in assessments, including听details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a听simple extension.鈥� The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can鈥檛 complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for听special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,听听includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy听reflects the University鈥檚 commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Friday 7th August: Introduction to Community Heritage: Concepts and Debates	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Friday 7th August: Introduction to Community Heritage: Heritage Walk around Campus	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Friday 14th August: Heritage, Memory and Identity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Friday 14th August: Heritage, Memory and Identity: Case Studies and Class Discussion	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Friday 21st August: Heritage, Power and Social Justice	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Friday 21st August: Heritage, Power and Social Justice: Case Studies and Class Discussion	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Friday 28th August: Heritage, Care and Wellbeing	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Friday 28th August: Heritage, Care and Wellbeing: Site Visit	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Friday 4th September: In Class Presentations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Friday 4th September: In Class Presentations Closing Reflections	Tutorial (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

This unit is taught in intensive block mode, with learning activities designed to build progressively across each teaching day. Students are therefore expected to attend all classes and participate actively in discussions, workshops and presentations. Missing a class may significantly affect your learning and your ability to meet the unit learning outcomes. If you are unable to attend due to exceptional circumstances, please contact the Unit Coordinator as early as possible.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See reading list in Canvas.

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Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. familiarize with the literature and current debates surrounding the role of community groups in heritage conservation and management
LO2. understand the concepts of belonging and attachment as used in heritage studies
LO3. appreciate and understand the contested and cross-cultural nature of heritage places
LO4. familiarize with and evaluate the methodologies used in heritage studies to identify community connections and meaning making
LO5. understand how identity, memory and intangible heritage are recognised and analysed in heritage studies.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all 爆料王 graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one鈥檚 personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews. Class curriculum has been updated, reading list has been updated, assessment has been changed.

Additional information

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.听

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.听

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed 鈥� whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as 鈥淎I restricted鈥�). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.听

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the鈥�Academic Integrity Policy听and penalties may apply.听

The Current Students website听provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the鈥�.听

Disclaimer

Important: the 爆料王 regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an .

爆料王

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MHST6915: Heritage Studies and Communities

Semester 2a, 2026 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links