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Darren Swanson

MA (hons), MLitt, PhD
Lecturer
School of Access Education
Sydney
400 - 1.10
Kent Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
About Me

My background is Anthropology/Museum Studies and East Asian history. I spent nearly eight years studying and teaching in the Kansai region of Japan. Since 2017, I have been based at the School of Access Education. My work focuses on enhancing students' academic literacy skills, with a particular interest in how generative AI can support learning and ethical engagement. I am passionate about equipping students with the critical thinking and communication skills needed for success in an AI-driven world.

General
Background

I am a Lecturer in Academic Literacy at CQUniversity, with a PhD in History and Asian Studies from the University of Sydney. My academic journey has taken me from Scotland to Japan and Australia, shaping my expertise in teaching, research, and curriculum development. My work focuses on enhancing students' academic literacy and critical thinking skills, with a particular interest in the role of generative AI in higher education. I have co-authored research on ethical AI engagement and cognitive learning strategies and am developing an app to support student learning. Passionate about fostering academic success, I design tailored workshops, supervise research, and contribute to innovative pedagogical practices.

 

Universities Studied At

Aberdeen University, Scotland - MA (hons) Anthropology and Celtic Studies

St Andrews University, Scotland - MLitt Museum Studies

Kobe University, Japan - MEXT Scholar, Research Assistant

The University of Sydney, Australia - PhD in History/Asian Studies

Universities Worked At

Aberdeen University

The University of Sydney

Central Queensland University

Awards

Japan Study Grant, 2015, National Library of Australia

Scottish Samurai Award, 2019, Scotland

Previous teaching

Tezukayama University, Osaka, Japan

Mukogawa Women's Universit, Nishinomiya, Japan

The University of Sydney, Australia

Research Supervision
Accreditation

I am currently accredited for supervision in the following:

  • 4401 Anthropology
  • 4303 Historical Studies
  • 4702 Cultural Studies

Current Capacity
I am currently available to supervise more research candidates
Current Supervision
Masters by Research (Offshore)
Tatak and balikbayan: The significance of traditional tattoos to the Filipino diaspora.
Associate Supervisor
Research Interests
Education

Curriculum and Pedagogy - Curriculum and Pedagogy Theory and Development

History, Heritage And Archaeology

Heritage, archive and museum studies - Critical heritage, museum and archive studies

Publications
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Teaching
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