This course provides students with a broad view of contexts that underpin and continue to shape critical design and contemporary practice for artists, designers, and craftspeople. The course theme "Materiality and Value" encompasses topics and issues that impact makers and the outcomes of making, such as labour, value, utility, and materiality. The overarching theme allows for trans-disciplinary, practice-based responses. Students will demonstrate and apply critical thinking and studio theory to projects through individual and/or collaborative work.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:- demonstrate a critical awareness of the impact of Materiality and Value on making;
- engage in a practice-based approach to the exploration of given themes through experimentation, fabrication, and presentation of works;
- address and engage with historical and theoretical concepts regarding the given theme(s); and
- identify and interrogate the contextual relevance of artists and designers that inform their own creative practice.
Examination Material or equipment
All Portfolio outcomes, including support materials such as sketchbooks, experimental works, and final works, are to be presented in the final assessment of the examination period. Ensure all evidence of practice-based work is at the nominated assessment location at the correct time in order to be assessed. Written work and Presentation materials will be submitted via Wattle.
Required Resources
The concepts and themes of this course will be addressed and explored predominately through practice-based investigations and outcomes. The materials, methods, and processes employed are determined independently by each student based on their prior and current experience, skills, and practice-based interests. Students will be responsible for acquiring the materials, supplies, and/or equipment they choose to use in their projects. No specific materials are dictated, and no on-campus studio support is specifically included in this course. Students will also be responsible for complying with providing their own Personal Protective Equipment required by any Workshops to which they have access.
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
- written comments following the Mid-term review and following the Presentations;
- verbal comments ongoing; and
- feedback to whole class, groups, individuals at progress critiques, presentations, tutorials, and class discussions.
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.
Class Schedule
Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
---|---|---|
1 | Unpacking Materiality from Modernist Applications to Inherent Properties: Seminar and discussion/exercise. Tutorial Groups meet 4-5pm. | Portfolio exercises and weekly written reflection (100-150 words) |
2 | Interrogating Materiality: Discussion of readings, artist references, and presentation of practice-based speculative exercise/ material exploration. Tutorial Groups meet 4-5pm. | Portfolio exercises and weekly written reflection (100-150 words) |
3 | Creation and Subversion of Conventional Craft Value: Seminar and discussion/exercise. Tutorial Groups meet 4-5pm. | Portfolio exercises and weekly written reflection (100-150 words) |
4 | Craft/Art as Vehicle: Seminar and discussion/exercise; presentation of practice-based speculative material exploration. Tutorial Groups meet 4-5pm. | Portfolio exercises and weekly written reflection (100-150 words) |
5 | Hyper-Materiality, Material Phenomenon, and Sensorial Experience: Seminar and discussion/exercise. Tutorial Groups meet 4-5pm. | Portfolio exercises and weekly written reflection (100-150 words) |
6 | New Materialities and Meanings: Digital/Industrial/Virtual Making: Seminar and discussion/exercise; presentation of practice-based speculative material exploration. Tutorial Groups meet 4-5pm. | Portfolio exercises and weekly written reflection (100-150 words) |
7 | Mid-Term Reviews | Final Written Reflection is due prior to class 23 April 2019 |
8 | Group Presentations | Presentations due |
9 | Group Presentations | |
10 | Studio Visits/ Progress Critiques | |
11 | Studio Visits/ Progress Critiques | |
12 | Studio Visits/ Progress Critiques |
Tutorial Registration
Tutorial groups via Wattle
Assessment Summary
Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Portfolio | 60 % | 06/06/2019 | 22/06/2019 | 1-3 |
Written Reflections | 20 % | 23/04/2019 | 07/05/2019 | 1, 3, 4 |
Presentation | 20 % | 30/04/2019 | 21/05/2019 | 1-4 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:
- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.
Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.
Participation
Participation is compulsory throughout the course. Participation in Weeks 1-6 will consist of presenting practice-based exercises in class, participating in group discussions of readings, discussing project ideas and decisions in tutorials, and completing weekly written reflections. Participation in Weeks 7-12 will consist of active engagement in Group Presentations and in Studio Visits/Progress Critiques. Participation is evident in engagement with the portfolio and written tasks as well as in the engagement with discussion in class.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1-3
Portfolio
Portfolio will consist of all practice-based outcomes in response to the themes of the course. This includes: all visual diary/sketchbook content exploring and addressing concepts of materiality and value; speculative and experimental material-based responses; and more resolved or intentional practice-based works extending, addressing, and responding to course topics. Across Weeks 1-6, students will be tasked with several short speculative and experimental practice-based explorations that will comprise half of their portfolio. In Weeks 7-12, students will develop a single, more focussed practice-based project addressing and expanding upon one or more of the course themes to complete the other half of their portfolio. Specific details will be provided in class notes. In total, the portfolio consists of 60% of the overall course mark. Short explorations are due across Weeks 1-6 and will be part of the discussion in Seminars and Tutorials. The development of the more focussed exploration will be subject to progress critiques in weeks 10-12. The entire portfolio (original works) is due during the examination/ final assessment period.
Rubric
Learning Outcomes | HD (100-80) | D (79-70) | CR (69-60) | P (59-50) | F (49-0) |
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Demonstrates a critical awareness of the impact of Materiality and Value on making | Consistently demonstrates critical awareness to an exceptionally high level | Consistently demonstrates critical awareness to a high level | Demonstrates competency in critical awareness to a proficient level | Demonstrates competency in critical awareness to an adequate level | Fails to demonstrate critical awareness |
Engages in a practice-based approach to the exploration of given themes through experimentation, fabrication, and presentation of works | Consistently engages in practice-based approach at an exceptionally high level | Consistently engages in practice-based approach at a high level | Engages in practice-based approach at a proficient level | Engages in practice-based approach at an adequate level | Fails to engage in a practice-based approach |
Address and engages with historical and theoretical concepts regarding the given theme(s) | Consistently address and engages with historical and theoretical concepts at an exceptionally high level | Consistently address and engages with historical and theoretical concepts at a high level | Address and engages with historical and theoretical concepts at a proficient level | Address and engages with historical and theoretical concepts at an adequate level | Fails to address and engage with historical and theoretical concepts |
Identifies and interrogates the contextual relevance of artists and designers that inform their own creative practice | Consistently identifies and interrogates the contextual relevance of artists and designers at an exceptionally high level | Consistently identifies and interrogates the contextual relevance of artists and designers at a high level | Identifies and interrogates the contextual relevance of artists and designers at a proficient level | Identifies and interrogates the contextual relevance of artists and designers at an adequate level | Fails to identify and interrogate the contextual relevance of artists and designers |
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1, 3, 4
Written Reflections
The Written Reflections will demonstrate the student's understanding of weekly seminar themes through weekly written reflections regarding Seminars for Weeks 1-6 (min. 100 words/week), and a written summary reflection (min. 400 words) assimilating and extending on those themes that will inform one's practice-based project for the rest of the semester. The written reflection is not a formal essay. It can include both personal reactions and critical/analytical responses to the introduced themes. The minimum total word count is 1000 words, and the absolute maximum to be submitted is 1500 words (if you are more prolific in your journalling and reflections on the course, the excess writing can be submitted as part of your visual diary/portfolio). The assignment is cumulative across Weeks 1-6, and is due prior to class in Week 7. Assignment submission is through Wattle.
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1-4
Presentation
Group Presentations will occur in Weeks 8 and 9. Groups of 4-6 students will collaborate to prepare slide talks on specific themes of the course, further investigating and interrogating the contexts of materiality and value as it impacts and informs practice-based works and practitioners. Groups will sub-divide the presentation into sections to allow individual contributions to be identified; the marks for group work will take into consideration: overall cohesiveness/coordination of the presentation by the group; quality and relevance of individual contributions/sections; self-evaluation and peer review. Presentations will be 25 minutes long, with 10 minutes for questions/discussion. Presentation is 20% of overall mark. Assignment submission of slide talk in pdf format plus speaking notes is due via Wattle on day of talk.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.
Online Submission
You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.
Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.
Late Submission
Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:
- Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
- Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.
Referencing Requirements
Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.
Returning Assignments
Student Portfolio work will be collected at the end of the nominated examination day from the examination room. Presentations and Written Reflections will be submitted via Wattle.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.
Resubmission of Assignments
Students may continue to develop their Portfolio works throughout the semester and must submit ALL portfolio outcomes (including works already presented in class/crits) at final assessment. No portfolio work can be resubmitted after the final assessment. Written reflections and Presentations cannot be resubmitted.
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.
Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.
Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.
Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).
- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
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Research InterestsSustainability; woodworking; gestural/animate objects. |
Ashley Eriksmoen
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
Simon Cottrell
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