The practices of tending, gathering and processing natural materials can embed a knowledge of plants and place into crafted objects. This knowledge can then be carried, worn and shared. The focus of this course is to gain an insight into local knowledge, plants and places and to deepen that understanding through material processes. Students will learn how to undertake a materials-based investigation of their immediate environment and how to communicate these processes and outcomes. Through research and experimentation students will develop skills and knowledge relating to the rich historical, social and cultural meanings embedded in these processes and produce creative and conceptual projects.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. demonstrate creative exploration, experimentation and integration of ideas, materials and techniques through group and individual studio projects;
2. apply a range of introductory technical skills relevant to visual arts and the discussed topics;
3. identify historical and theoretical contexts in response to studio projects; and
4. communicate reflective and critical approaches through the creative process.

Research-Led Teaching

natural dyes, place-based practices, working with plants

Field Trips

Occasional field trips may be scheduled throughout the semester.

Additional Course Costs

REQUIRED RESOURCES AND INCIDENTAL FEES

Dear Student,

The School of Art & Design provides additional access to the workshop areas and use of equipment, tooling and consumable items during extra hours. For this access the School charges the Optional Workshop Fee. This is not a compulsory fee and is not essential to course completion, however if a student chooses not to pay it, access to the workshop areas and equipment outside of stated course hours is not allowed.

The School of Art & Design supplies materials that become your physical property on payment of the relevant material fee. You can choose to pay the Materials Fee and have these materials supplied through the School of Art & Design, allowing you to take advantage of the GST-free bulk purchasing power of the ANU. These materials are also WHS compliant.

Please go to the payment portal located on the Required Resources and Incidental Fees page here on the School of Art & Design website. Follow the prompts to the payment portal, select the relevant discipline and the fee you wish to pay for. 

If you need assistance please contact the Technical Officer in the relevant discipline or at the administration offices of the School of Art & Design.

Thank you

School of Art & Design

Examination Material or equipment

Studio work and accompanying documentation is assessed during and at the end of the semester (see assessment due dates). In addition to the physical presentation of the work students may use a laptop or tablet to present supporting material. Please note that in the event of implementing Covid safe work practices, such as working from home, it may be necessary for student work to be documented and uploaded for assessment.

Required Resources

Student contribution amounts under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA) and tuition fees support the course described in the Course Outline and include tuition, teaching materials and student access to the workshops for the stated course hours.

Students are requested to refer to the School of Art website for information: http://soa.anu.edu.au/required-resources-and-incidental-fees

Wattle. Ensure that your details are correct as Wattle will be the primary method of communication between lecturers and students. 

See Wattle for reading lists and other resources.

Recommended Resources

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.

Note: Students must have completed a Work Health and Safety induction and be approved by the Course Convenor in order to access specialist equipment and processes in the screen, lithography, book, relief and/or etching studios, outside class time.

Reading lists will be provided to students via Wattle. Articles and books will be available through the ANU libraries or as a PDF / link on wattle.

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	Introductory seminar/reading, WHS induction, course overview /expectationsIntroduce Panel discussion (assessment 1)Introduce Building a colour palette ‘document’: a method for learning about and being in place (assessment 2)Commence studio demonstration and practice: plant colour experiments and instruction (hammering)
2	Studio demonstration and practice: plant colour experiments and instruction (Water colour pigment & bark folding)Lecture/ readingGroup discussion
3	Studio demonstration and practice: mordant printing, shibori & dyeingGroup discussion
4	Studio demonstration and practice: mordant printing, shibori & dyeingGroup discussion
5	Panel presentations (assessment 1)Studio practice	Assessment 1: panel presentations & discussion Wednesday 21st AugustAssessment 1: written reflection 500 words Due: Friday 23rd August
6	Assessment task 2: Building a colour palette ‘document’ discussion	Assessment task 2: due in class, Wednesday 28th August
7	Seminar: introduce Final assessment task: Studio project & visual diary
8	lecturer / student meetings (discuss Studio project plans & concepts)Studio and technical instruction / demonstration as necessary
9	independently working on projectslecturer / student appointmentsStudio and technical instruction / demonstration as necessary
10	independently working on projectsGroup critiques for Studio project & visual diaryStudio and technical instruction	Participation in critique sessions contribute towards Research Documentation/visual diary.
11	lecturer / student appointmentsindependently working on projects
12	independently working on projects
13		Assessment 3: Studio project & visual diaryDue: Thursday 31st October

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
Group Project: Building a colour palette: a material method for learning about and being in place	30 %	23/08/2024	30/08/2024	1,2,3,4
Research documentation and oral presentation	25 %	28/08/2024	16/09/2024	3,4
Studio Project & Visual Research Diary	45 %	31/10/2024	28/11/2024	1,2,3,4

* 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 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 engage in class exercises and studio practice, mastering skills and techniques. An adventurous, experimental, individual and technically competent approach is encouraged.

Respectful, generous and intellectually rigorous participation in group critique and other group learning formats is required.

Assessment Task 1

Group Project: Building a colour palette: a material method for learning about and being in place

In this project you will work with your team using techniques and methods learnt in class to build a material document of your designated site.

Due Date: Week 6 Wednesday 28th October

Value: 30%

Rubric

Criteria	HD 80-100	D 70-79	CR 60-69	P 50-59	F 0-49
Understand and apply a range of textiles concepts and techniques	All required techniques applied successfully with comprehensive interpretation. Techniques applied and integrated with evidence of independent learning	All required techniques applied successfully with clear and comprehensive interpretation.	All required techniques applied successfully with mostly sound interpretation.	Most required techniques applied successfully. Basic interpretation.	Fails to apply most required techniques successfully. Limited interpretation and understanding shown.
Documentation of work in progress, independent research and participation	Documentation of work in progress includes images, notes and exhibition visits, demonstrating thorough independent exploratory practice that influences the final works. The student contributes carefully constructed feedback to their own and other groups. Feedback is acted on for project development.	Documentation of work in progress includes images, notes and exhibition visits, demonstrating thorough independent exploratory practice. The student contributes constructive feedback to their own and other groups when prompted. Feedback is listened to and considered.	Documentation of work in progress includes images and notes, demonstrating a reliance on predetermined ideas rather than exploratory practice. The student attends but does not actively contribute to critique sessions. Feedback is listened to and but not usually considered or tested.	Documentation of work in progress demonstrates minimal exploratory practice to develop final works. The student is often absent from critique sessions. Feedback is avoided or not considered.	Exploratory practice to develop final works is not documented. The student does not attend critique sessions.
Working as a team to produce a comprehensive colour palette and document of the site	Highly effective strategies and planning resulting in successful participation and inquiry from all team members, to produce rich collaborative outcomes	Effective strategies and planning to support successful participation and inquiry from entire te	Good strategies developed to support team members to participate and co-operate most of the time	more co-ordination and communication between team members required	insufficient teamwork and communication

Assessment Task 2

Research documentation and oral presentation

A 500 word summary and bibliography about a chosen topic, discussed in Q&A format in an oral presentation.

Panel presentations & discussion

Due: Wednesday 21st August

Written research 500 words

Due: Friday 23rd August

Value: 25%

Rubric

Criteria	HD 80-100	D 70-79	CR 60-69	P 50-59	F 0-49
Identify and reflect on examples of plant-based practice within contemporary art	Examples of plant-based practice are independently identified from a range of sources. Artworks are analysed and evaluated to inform a critical reflection contextualised by a broader framework of contemporary art.	Examples of plant-based practice are independently identified from a range of sources. Artworks are analysed and reflected on with links drawn to other contemporary artworks.	Examples of plant-based practice are introduced to the student rather than independently identified. Artworks are described rather than analysed to form basic reflections. There is limited understanding of how examples are related to a contemporary art framework.	Examples of plant-based practice need to be introduced to the student. Artworks are described but not reflected on. An understanding of how examples are related to a contemporary art framework is not demonstrated.	The student does not identify or reflect on examples of plant-based practice.
Reflect on and research of relevant contemporary art and theoretical framework	A range of relevant material including journal articles, essays, podcasts, interviews are referenced to build a comprehensive review of the topic.	Relevant material including journal articles, essays, podcasts, interviews to explore the general topic.	The student looks only to familiar sources for theoretical material. References are unrelated to the topic.	The student is not familiar with relevant theoretical material. References are unrelated to the topic.	There is no evidence of engagement with theoretical material.
Explain research and articulate a position on a topic	The student clearly articulates their research in detail. Responses to questions indicate well-formulated positions on the topic.	The student clearly articulates broad research. Responses to questions indicate thought out positions on the topic.	The student can explain their research. Responses to questions indicate that a position on the topic is still developing.	The student can speak about their research but explanations are unclear. Responses to questions indicate an unformed position on the topic.	The presentation does not explain research.
Use academic referencing where required	Academic referencing is used correctly.	Academic referencing is used correctly.	Academic referencing requires further attention to the style guide.	Academic referencing is inconsistent.	Academic referencing not used.

Assessment Task 3

Studio Project & Visual Research Diary

In response to the project outline and prompts, you will use introduced techniques and concepts to develop a resolved artwork.

The visual diary and research are key parts of this project and its development.

Value: 45%

Due: October 31st

Rubric

Criteria	HD 80-100	D 70-79	CR 60-69	P 50-59	F 0-49
development and planning of project in response to project brief	Student forms a well conceptualised project, adapting & self-assessing to successfully progress and complete the project in response to studio practice.	Student is able to guide the progress and completion of the project, reflecting on how to adapt the project in response to studio practice.	Student completed the project with minimal reflection or response to studio practice.	Student project required greater planning, little evidence of reflection or response to studio practice.	Insufficient planning and self-assessment during the project timeline
Create a resolved body of studio-based work in response to brief	Experiments and creates work which synthesizes studio processes with theoretical or conceptual concerns	Experiments and creates work which establishes some connections between studio processes and theoretical or conceptual concerns	Creates work with some experimentation and initial illustration of links between studio processes and theoretical or conceptual concerns	Creates work which minimal experimentation or links between studio processes with theoretical or conceptual concerns	Insufficient creation and experimentation
Skill in use of materials and techniques	Employs and executes suitable techniques and materials to an exceptional level  ?	Employs suitable techniques and materials to a high level	Demonstrates competency in a range of techniques and materials	Uses selected techniques and materials with basic proficiency	Technical skills below standard
Evidence of the creative development and reflection of your studio practice, including drawings, written notes, testing ideas	Exceptional level of enquiry and exploration in set project evident via rigour and consistency of drawings, tests and experiments	High level of enquiry and exploration in set project evident via consistency of drawings, tests and experiment	Basic level of enquiry and exploration in set project evident via some drawings, tests and experiments	Developing level of enquiry and exploration in set project evident via sporadic drawings, tests and experiments	Insufficient enquiry and exploration

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.

All studio work and accompanying documentation is physically presented and assessed in two stages: mid-Semester and at the end of the semester during the examination period.

Please note that in the event of implementing Covid safe work practices such as working from home, it may be necessary for student work to be documented and uploaded for remote assessment. In this instance please keep a copy of the assignment 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

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

Students will collect their work following assessment.

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

N/A

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