This course will examine how social and historical change shaped art, design, and curating in the modern and contemporary periods. It will explore the impacts of technology and globalisation, ideologies and institutions on the production, dissemination and understanding of art and design. The formation of modern cultural institutions and markets will be examined, tracing the global development of museums, art galleries and biennales. Postmodern challenges to the histories and institutions of modern art will be studied, including practices based in regional and non-Western cultural traditions, diverse and resistance identities, and disruptive forms of media and engagement.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. identify and apply the principal methodologies of art history and curatorial studies;
2. analyse the visual, historical and theoretical aspects of a broad range of visual culture in the modern period;
3. identify major cultural themes and historical paths in modern and contemporary art and design;
4. research and access information about art history and theory; and
5. present written and oral arguments about the ideas that inform art and design from a wide range of periods and cultures.

Field Trips

Some classes, such as tutorials in certain weeks, will be held at some of the National Cultural Institutions in Canberra, such as the National Gallery of Australia. Full details of this will be published in advance on Wattle.

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

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	Lectures: Introduction to the Course / Realism
2	Lectures: Impressionism / Modern Cities
3	Lectures: Australian Impressionism / Visual Analysis
4	Lectures: Post-Impressionism to Cubism / Difficult Objects, Difficult Artists
5	Lectures: 19th Century Craft and Design / Bauhaus and Constructivism	Assessment Task 1 Due: Sunday 25 August 2024, 11.59pm
6	Lectures (including film screenings): Modernist Avant-Gardes (Dada & Surrealism)
7	Lectures: Australian Modernisms / Sidney Nolan and the Nolan Collection
8	Lectures: Abstraction / Pop Art
9	Lectures: Conceptual Art / Feminism and Art
10	Lectures: Queer Bodies / Performance Art	Assessment Task 2 Due: Sunday 13 October 2024, 11.59pm
11	Lectures: Contemporary Art History / Curating Contemporary Art Today
12	Lectures: Contemporary Art You Need to Know About / Global Contemporary Art Today

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	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Artwork Analysis (1000 words)	25 %	25/08/2024	08/09/2024	1,2,3,4,5
Research essay (2000 words)	40 %	13/10/2024	27/10/2024	1,2,3,4,5
Take-home test (1000 words)	25 %	03/11/2024	28/11/2024	1,2,5
Participation	10 %	*	28/11/2024	2,3,5

* 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

Students are expected to attend regularly and actively participate in class activities, including lectures and tutorials. Individual participation in course activities is worth 10% of the final course grade. 

Assessment Task 1

Artwork Analysis (1000 words)

The aim of this task is to demonstrate focused visual analysis skills, along with an understanding of how key artworks fits within the collecting and institutional priorities of a key National Cultural Institution.

You will choose one (1) artwork that is currently on display at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA), Canberra. The artwork can be from any time period, it can be any medium or by any artist, but it must be currently on display at the NGA.

You will write a 1,000-word visual analysis about that artwork, and its significance within art history. You are strongly encouraged to visit the NGA and view the work in person, so that appreciation of its visual, material and spatial qualities can inform your analysis. Your essay should situate the artwork within relevant historical and cultural contexts, as well as analysing the formal and conceptual elements of the artwork.

As part of your analysis, you must also consider and argue for why the artwork is significant and relevant for the National Gallery of Australia to collect and/or display. Consider when the work was acquired by the gallery and any significant provenance information that you can find. You can refer to relevant policy documents of the NGA, such as Collection Policies, Strategic Plans etc, many of which are available online:

https://nga.gov.au/about-us/policies-and-plans/

Word limit: 1000 words

Value: 25%

Presentation requirements: Submit via upload to Wattle. Written submission should be 12-point font, double spaced, using Chicago style referencing (footnotes and bibliography). Please ensure you include images of your chosen artwork, with full caption details.

Due Date: Sunday 25 August 2024, 11.59pm

Estimated Return Date: Sunday 8 September 2024

Rubric

CRITERIA	FAIL (N)	PASS (P)	CREDIT (C)	DISTINCTION (D)	HIGH DISTINCTION (HD)
RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE LO 2,3,4	Little-to-no evidence of independent research. Very limited knowledge demonstrated of relevant institutional context or institutional priorities of the NGA	Some evidence of research displayed, but basic and/or unfocused. Limited knowledge demonstrated of relevant institutional context and institutional priorities of the NGA	Good evidence of independent research, with relevant context (social/historical/cultural) presented in essay. Solid knowledge demonstrated of institutional context and institutional priorities of the NGA	Very good evidence of independent research, with relevant context (social/historical/cultural) presented in the essay. Very good knowledge demonstrated of institutional context and institutional priorities of the NGA, applied effectively to chosen artwork.	Excellent evidence of independent research, with highly relevant context (social/historical/cultural) argued for in the essay. Excellent knowledge demonstrated of institutional context and institutional priorities of the NGA, applied to chosen artwork in a perceptive and sophisticated way.
ARGUMENT LO 5	Lacks any argument and does not address the terms of the assessment task.	Some attempt at an argument Adequately addresses terms of the assessment task	Clearly stated argument which addresses the terms of the assessment task convincingly.	Strong argument that presents a wide range of convincing points.	Sophisticated and lucid argument Comprehensive and insightful
VISUAL ANALYSIS LO 1,2	Does not analyse chosen artwork in an meaningful or informed way	Suitable choice of artwork with a basic analysis. Visual analysis tends to be illustrative, descriptive and/or underdeveloped	Suitable choice of artwork with solid visual analysis Visual analysis is informed and relevant, but could be developed in more depth	Suitable choice of artwork with close attention to visual analysis Visual analysis is informed, focused and developed on multiple levels	Excellent choice of artwork, with highly perceptive visual analysis Visual analysis is highly astute and developed on multiple levels (e.g. formal, conceptual, material)
ORGANISATION LO 5	Little or no structure of argument and analysis	Adequate arrangement of ideas Usually remains focused on the topic	Clear organisation of ideas Remains focused on the topic	Strong organisation Consistent and purposeful articulation of ideas and information	Excellent organisation Engaging and impactful articulation of ideas and information
WRITING LO 5	Poorly written with many spelling and grammatical errors	Adequately written with usually correct grammar and spelling	Well written essay Usually correct grammar and spelling	Fluently written Minimal grammatical and spelling errors	Highly articulate and written in an eloquent style Comprehension enhanced by grammar and spelling
REFERENCING LO 4,5	Inadequate referencing Images inadequately labelled	Adequate referencing and image labelling but with mistakes and inconsistencies	Good referencing and image labelling with few mistakes	Careful referencing and image labelling with almost no mistakes	Meticulous referencing and image labelling

Assessment Task 2

Research essay (2000 words)

Select and respond to an essay question from a list provided. The questions will relate to topics, issues and art works raised in lectures, class readings and discussions. An effective essay will develop an informed and focussed argument, supported by convincing evidence, robust research sources and formal academic citation (quotations, footnotes, illustrations, bibliography or list of references).

Word limit: 2000 words

Value: 40%

Presentation requirements: Submit via upload to Wattle. Written submission should be 12-point font, double spaced, using Chicago style referencing (footnotes and bibliography). Please ensure you include images of your chosen artworks, with full caption details.

Due Date: Sunday 13 October 2024, 11.59pm

Estimated Return Date: Sunday 27 October 2024

Rubric

CRITERIA	FAIL (N)	PASS (P)	CREDIT (C)	DISTINCTION (D)	HIGH DISTINCTION (HD)
RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE LO 1,2,3,4	Little indication of research drawing on formal, scholarly material Little knowledge of major themes	Adequate range of research sources Relies on internet sites (blogs, journalism, aggregators) rather than scholarly publications Adequate understanding of the topic	Good range of references but missing key sources Shows understanding of key research issues in the essay question but tends towards overview rather than reflective engagement	Wide range of sources, including peer reviewed journals, but missing some key authors Thorough knowledge of the major issues and perceptive analysis of major points Uses research sources to develop and drive an argument	Thoroughly researched, consulting all the major sources, including peer reviewed journals, principle monographs and exhibition catalogues Sophisticated understanding of the major issues and awareness of complexities Uses research sources to develop an independent argument
ARGUMENT LO 5	Lacks any argument and does not address the terms of the essay question	The terms of the question are addressed but argument tends to observation and impression Does not develop an independent perspective on the topic Argument is not forcefully stated or developed	Clearly stated argument which addresses the terms of the question purposefully Argument developed in a systematic structure of proposition, evidence and conclusion Argument tends to report or summarise opinion	Strong argument that presents a wide range of convincing points The argument is proposed directly and is consistently addressed Argument developed in a systematic structure of proposition, evidence and conclusion	Sophisticated and lucid argument that addresses the essay question comprehensively and insightfully The argument develops an independent perspective on the question, supported by astute use of evidence and analysis
VISUAL ANALYSIS LO 1,2,4	Does not discuss relevant art works Limited number of art works discussed	Includes a suitable choice of images with a basic analysis. Visual analysis tends to be illustrative, with examples paired with contentions of argument, without elaboration.	Suitable choice of images with purposeful visual analysis Visual analysis directly supports the development of argument (as proposition and evidence)	Suitable choice of images with close attention to visual analysis Visual analysis astutely integrated into the overall argument, consistently initiating and propelling an address to the essay question	Excellent choice of images, with highly perceptive visual analysis Visual analysis integrated into the overall argument in a compelling and seamless manner
ORGANISATION LO 5	Does not directly address the essay question Little or no structure of argument and analysis Disconnected observations, impressions or reporting of material	A simple arrangement of ideas into a basic address to the question Key components (introduction, statement of argument, analysis, conclusion) may be missing or out of balance Usually remains focused on the topic	Clear organisation of ideas, with key components (introduction, statement of argument, analysis, conclusion) evident Remains focused on the topic May be some imbalance or disconnection of elements (e.g. over-long introduction, buried thesis, sudden shifts of topic) Good use of paragraphing	Strong organization with a purposeful structure, direct statement of argument, systematic progress through evidence towards conclusion A sense, in introduction and conclusion, that the author has an agenda Effective use of paragraphing and topic sentences to propel the essay from introduction through to conclusion.	Excellent organisation Extremely logical paragraphs with highly effective use of topic sentences Engaging and highly effective introduction and conclusion
WRITING LO 5	Poorly written with many spelling and grammatical errors	Adequately written essay Usually correct grammar and spelling	Well written essay Usually correct grammar and spelling	Fluently written essay Minimal grammatical and spelling errors	Highly articulate and written in an eloquent style Comprehension enhanced by grammar and spelling
REFERENCING LO 4,5	Inadequate referencing Images inadequately labeled	Adequate referencing and image labelling but with some mistakes and inconsistencies Use of the Chicago Style Manual and footnotes	Good referencing and image labelling with few mistakes Use of the Chicago Style Manual and footnotes	Careful referencing and image labelling with almost no mistakes Use of the Chicago Style Manual and footnotes Effective use of quotations	Meticulous referencing and image labelling Use of the Chicago Style Manual and footnotes Excellent and balanced use of quotations

Assessment Task 3

Take-home test (1000 words)

The goals of this Take-Home Test are for students to further demonstrate and apply knowledge gained in the course, by:

1). Identifying and reflecting on key artworks, themes and topics that we have encountered across the semester;

2). Making independent links and connections between different artworks, themes and topics, and;

3). Using these links and connections to creatively and independently respond to set scenario

You will be provided with a choice of scenarios based on key topics, artworks and collections encountered in the course. Your task is to respond both critically and creatively to the scenario, applying knowledge learned across the semester. This is not primarily a research task, so you are not expected to undertake significant amounts of independent academic research. However, you will be required to undertake some online searches and research.

The Take-home Test with full instructions will be released to students on Sunday 27 October. Students will have until 11:59pm on Sunday 3 November to complete and submit their tests. Tests will be submitted as MS Word or PDF documents through Turnitin.

As this is a Take-home Test there will be no extensions given, and late submissions will not be accepted. If you have circumstances beyond your control that prevent you from submitting this test before the due date, you must email or speak with your tutor in advance.

Word limit: 1000 words

Value: 25%

Presentation requirements: Submit via upload to Wattle. Written submission should be 12-point font, double spaced, using Chicago style referencing (footnotes and bibliography). Please ensure you include images of any chosen artworks, with full caption details.

Due Date: Sunday 3 November, 2024 11.59pm. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Estimated Return Date: Thursday 28 November 2024 (with publication of Semester 2 results)

Rubric

CRITERIA	FAIL (N)	PASS (P)	CREDIT (C)	DISTINCTION (D)	HIGH DISTINCTION (HD)
How convincingly and creatively does the submission respond to the scenario? LO 1	Does not respond convincingly or logically to the scenario.	Responds adequately to the scenario.	Responds convincingly to the scenario.	Responds convincingly and creatively to the scenario.	Responds extremely convincingly, creatively and originally to the scenario.
Is the submission well developed and well argued? LO 5	Not adequately developed, lacking argument and/or structure.	Adequately developed, but may be lacking in areas of argument and/or structure.	Well developed with an emerging argument, but could be strongly.	Very well developed with a clear, informed argument.	Extremely well developed with a sophisticated, original argument.
How convincing are artwork and thematic choices? LO 2	Choices are lacking coherence and/or logic.	Choices are adequate, but may be simplistic or lacking in logic.	Choices are clear and logical to support the response to the scenrio.	Choices are creative, intelligent, and help develop a strong response to the scenario.	Choices are original, intelligent and creative, supporting a sophisticated response to the scenario.
To what extent does the submission apply key learnings from the course? LO 1,2	Displays little-to-no application of learnings from the course.	Displays some application of learnings from the course, but minimal.	Displays good application of learnings from the course.	Displays very good application of learnings from the course.	Displays outstanding, multi-faceted application of learnings from the course.

Assessment Task 4

Participation

Students are expected to attend regularly and actively participate in class activities, including lectures and tutorials. Individual participation in course activities is worth 10% of the final course grade. 

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

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. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Grades and feedback on assignments will be returned to students via Wattle. 

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.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission of individual assignments is not available for this course. 

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 Accessibility 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 supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students