Behaviour 1 or 2 Course Introduction Notes

Introduction to the Course

• Course: Behaviour 1 or 2: One or the Individual in Society
• Unit Coordinator/Tutor: Dr. Skye Hackman
• Type: Social Psychology unit (Course subject for social sciences and elective for others)
• Purpose: Learn about the social world and develop a sense of individual place within it.

Key Expectations

• Assessments designed to help you pass the unit.
• Activities scaffold learning from start to finish.
• Tailored support to improve chances of success.
• Importance of planning studies and reaching out for help.
• Transitioning to university learning environment can be different from previous experiences.

Acknowledgement of Country

• Respect for Indigenous peoples and lands:
• Acknowledgement to Darug, Tharawal, Eora, and Wiradjuri nations.
• Emphasis on learning and teaching in respect to Indigenous heritage.

Course Structure and Resources

• Access to VUWS (Virtual University Web Services) is crucial:
• Download and read the Learning Guide (long document with essential information).
• Register for a tutorial via the Allocate system.
• Student support services provided by the university cover various aspects (academic literacy, mental health, social activities).

Active Learning Expectation

• Active learning requires student initiative:
• Engaging with the materials and asking questions is encouraged.
• The course will develop independent learning skills.

Weekly Activities and Resources

• Importance of tutorials starting in week three:
• Prepare by completing workbook tasks and readings in advance.
• Each tutorial relates directly to assessments; active participation is essential.
• Readings include:
• Textbook chapters.
• Fun readings from social psychology blogs/newspapers included in tutorial workbooks.

Assessments Overview

1. Tutorial Workbooks: Essential for assessments as they derive from lecture and textbook content.
2. My University Journey Quiz:

• Participation quiz worth 5 marks; designed to acclimate to university life.

1. Learning Journals: Reflective writing based on personal experience and course content.
2. Final Quiz: Covers course content and conducted in class.

• Emphasis on completing workbooks to do well in assessments.

Communication Recommendations

• Use discussion forums for unit-related questions (reduces redundancy).
• Personal queries via email.
• Frequent communication encouraged; no question is too silly.

Additional Tasks for Week 1

• Complete Academic Communication Evaluation (25 min task for academic support).
• Consider engaging with digital skill development platforms (Adobe, LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Professional Learning).
• Focus of first week is acclimatization, not content learning.
• Read chapter one of the textbook to understand foundational research in social psychology which relates to various fields of interest.

Final Recommendations

• Plan your studies by using the Learning Guide.
• Think ahead regarding assignments across different subjects.
• Stay engaged in learning discussions and activities.
• Use resources provided by the university for challenges faced during your transition.
• Anticipate a supportive and interactive tutorial environment starting in week three.