What the KNoT?
KNoTs are the interactive workshops and learning experiences that make up the SoCIETIE Initiative.
Our classes are called KNoTs (referring to the ANU Motto Naturam Primum Cognoscere Rerum, to Know the Nature of Things). KNoTs are generally interactive workshops that focus on building your skills and knowledge in specific areas of skills for social change. These are flexible learning experiences that you can use as building blocks based on your interests and goals in the course.
During semester, KNoTs run regularly in the timetable. You can check out our upcoming KNoTs in our Schedule. During Sessions, students are encouraged to come to KNoTs during semester.
Types of KNoTs
The University is a place of knowledge and learning, and students in the McCusker Institute have an all-access pass to learning opportunities across the university.
| Type | Delivered by | Counts toward requirements | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| SoCIETIE KNoTs | McCusker Institute & partners | Yes — direct and designed for this course | No limit |
| Campus KNoTs | Other university areas | Yes — if they align with your learning goals | Depends on your pathway |
Counting KNoTs
A typical KNoT is about 5 hours of learning
- Preparation task — generally a reading, video or other preparatory activity (~1 hour)
- Live participation — event, project, or workshop (~3 hours)
- Completion task — reflection, output, or short assignment (~1 hour).
A KNoT only counts toward your Completion Evidence if you complete all three parts: the preparation task, live participation, and the completion task.
Limits
- Maximum 1 Campus KNoT can count toward your requirements for every 4 KNoTs you complete
- Maximum 2 KNoTs can be counted from a single learning activity
Sometimes a learning activity is longer or shorter than 5 hours. In these cases, multiple shorter activities can be combined to make up a full KNoT, or a longer activity can count as more than one KNoT.
If you’re unsure whether a KNoT counts towards your requirements, please check with the course convenor as part of your Course Pathway Plan.
Creating KNoTs
We believe that Universities are places of learning, and anything that is worth learning could become a KNoT.
We welcome new KNoT suggestions that contribute to the values of Social Change, Impact, Engagement, Transformation, Inclusion and Equity.
Check out our Design and Run your own KNoT for guidance on creating KNoTs, and reach out to McCusker.Education@anu.edu.au to discuss. Our semester program is published 4-6 weeks before the semester starts, and
Find out more
Explore Upcoming KNoTs
Discover the KNoTs that align with your interests and goals.
About KNoTs
KNoTs are the interactive workshops and learning experiences that make up class in the SoCIETIE Initiative.
