Contemporary art from various Asian contexts has attained a high level of international visibility during the past two decades. In part brought about by geopolitical developments, a major and continuing realignment of international exhibition rationales has seen the work of a number of Asian artists featured regularly in major biennial and triennial exhibitions around the world. This new visibility for non-western art is also related to the critique of Eurocentric, universalist ideologies that has influenced recent scholarship in the humanities and social sciences.

This course introduces students to a varied and exciting range of artistic practices from contemporary India, Indonesia, Japan and China. Students will also be offered an understanding of political, cultural and artistic contexts against which this work may be located. Questions of postcolonial politics, globalisation and nationalism will be addressed as part of the theoretical framework.

This course may be offered in semester-long format or as an intensive.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. demonstrate familiarity with the major trajectories in contemporary visual art in the four countries selected as case studies, i.e., India, Indonesia, China and Japan;
2. display a developed capacity to analyse significant works, the careers of individual artists, and relevant cultural and political histories in formal and contextual terms;
3. illustrate an understanding of specific historical issues that underpin the development of contemporary art cultures in the Asian region;
4. show a sophisticated understanding of theoretical frameworks internationally, and to apply insights from these to the chosen case studies; and
5. present thorough written and oral arguments that address the implications of key works, and/or the careers of individuals or collectives within the framework of issues discussed in the course.

Research-Led Teaching

This course has been developed and taught at ANU since 2006 on the basis of my continuing engagement with histories of modernism and contemporary art in Asia.

Field Trips

Visit to NGA on Thursday 14 September

Additional Course Costs

Transport, parking and associated fees for field trip are the responsibility of the student.

Examination Material or equipment

This course does not require students to sit an examination.

Required Resources

N/A

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Monday 4 SeptLectures and seminars Monday-Thursday over two weeks (4, 5, 6, 7 September and 11, 12, 13, 14 September).Lectures and seminars with engage with post-1970 histories of visual art across India, Indonesia, China and Japan. Material, technological, economic and political developments will serve to contextualise the discussion of the emergence of contemporary art in Asia.	Participation via classroom discussion and Wattle forum.
2	Tues 5 Sept: Lecture/ seminar
3	Wed 6 Sept: Lecture/ seminar
4	Thurs 7 Sept: Lecture/ seminar
5	Mon 11 Sept: Lecture/ seminar
6	Tues 12 Sept: Lecture/ seminar
7	Wed 13 Sept: Lecture/ seminar
8	Thurs 14 Sept: Lecture/ seminar
9	5 pm Monday 25 September	Tutorial paper/video due
10	5 pm Monday 30 October	Essay due

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Tutorial paper/video	30 %	25/09/2023	1,2,3,4,5
Essay	60 %	30/10/2023	1,2,3,4,5
Class forum on Wattle	10 %	*	1,2,3,4,5

* 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Academic Skills 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

The course being taught as an intensive, it is assumed that all students will attend and participate in all lecture and seminar sessions. Participation will mean engaging with course materials (posted to Wattle) in classroom discussion and via Wattle forum.

Examination(s)

N/A

Assessment Task 1

Tutorial paper/video

Written presentation of 1500 words with images OR recorded video of 12-15 minutes with images.

Value 30%

Upload to Wattle 5 pm Monday 25 September

Using one of the two options above, present a critical overview of the career of ONE significant contemporary artist (or collective) active in either India, Indonesia, China or Japan. Contemporary is understood here as post-1970.

Late submission accepted with applicable penalties.

Rubric

CRITERIA/GRADE	FAIL	PASS	CREDIT	DISTINCTION	HIGH DISTINCTION
Relevant case study	No relevance to course	Passing relevance	Solid relevance	Solid relevance	Solid relevance
Focussed analysis of chosen subject	Analysis not focussed, drifts widely	Mostly focussed on chosen subject with some drifting	Analysis is steadily focussed	Analysis is focussed and insightful	Analysis is focussed, insightful, and cross-referenced
Research	Not grounded in research	Demonstrates basic research	Demonstrates competent research	Demonstrates accomplished research	Demonstrates accomplished research
Expression	Poor use of descriptive and analytical vocabulary	Basic use of descriptive and analytical vocabulary	Competent use of descriptive and analytical vocabulary	Fluent use of descriptive and analytical vocabulary	Evocative use of descriptive and analytical vocabulary

Assessment Task 2

Essay

Word limit: 4000

Value: 60%

Due date: 30 October

Choosing one of the topics posted on Wattle, write a 4000-word essay using Chicago style footnotes and bibliography to note the source of all citations, quotations and specific arguments or theoretical formulations.

Late submission accepted with applicable penalties.

Rubric

CRITERIA/GRADE	FAIL	PASS	CREDIT	DISTINCTION	HIGH DISTINCTION
RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE	Little knowledge of major sources; does not include a bibliography ?	Adequate range of sources; relies mostly on internet sites Adequate understanding of the topic	Good range of references but missing significant sources Good understanding of topic and major issues	Wide range of sources, including peer-reviewed articles Thorough knowledge of major issues with perceptive analysis	Thoroughly researched with wide reading and reflection Sophisticated engagement with major issues and complexities
ARGUMENT	Lacks argument and does not address the assessment	Sound attempt to write an argument and adequately address the assessment ??	Clearly stated argument addressing the chosen topic	Strong argument presenting a range of convincing points	Sophisticated argument that addresses the chosen topic insightfully
VISUAL ANALYSYS	Does not discuss relevant works of art	Includes a suitable choice of images with basic analysis ??	Suitable choice of images with  comprehensive visual analysis Visual analysis successfully integrated into the overall argument ??	Suitable choice of images with discerning visual analysis Visual analysis astutely integrated into the overall argument ??	Excellent choice of images, with highly perceptive visual analysis  Visual analysis integrated into the overall argument in a compelling and seamless manner ??
ORGANISATION	Little or no structure	Adequate arrangement of ideas Usually focused on the topic ?	Clear organisation of ideas Good use of paragraphing Good introduction and conclusion ??	Strong organisation Effective use of paragraphing and topic sentences Effective introduction and conclusion ??	Excellent organisation Highly effective use of paragraphing and topic sentences Engaging and highly effective introduction and conclusion ??
WRITING	Poorly written with numerous spelling and grammatical errors	Adequately written with usually correct grammar and spelling ??	Well written essay with mostly correct grammar and spelling ??	Fluently written essay with minimal grammatical and spelling errors ??	Highly articulate and written in an eloquent style  ??
REFERENCING	Inadequate referencing and image labelling	Adequate referencing and image labeling Use of the Chicago Style and footnotes	Good referencing and image labeling with few mistakes Use of the Chicago Style Manual and footnotes ??	Careful referencing and image labeling with almost no mistakes Competent use of Chicago Style and footnotes Effective use of quotations ?	Meticulous referencing and image labeling  Proficient of the Chicago Style and footnotes Excellent and balanced use of quotations ??

Assessment Task 3

Class forum on Wattle

Word limit: 800

Value: 10%

Contribute at least 6 posts of 125 words each (approx) to the Wattle forum based on classroom readings and discussions.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

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

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted 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.

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 Access 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 all ANU students