Histories and current practices of stitching are rich with resistance. The accumulated images and forms created through stitch speak of labour, care and spaces of individual and collective agency. 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. Throughout this course students will explore the potential of these images and forms as much as push the boundaries of the process of stitching itself.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. demonstrate competency with a range of stitching techniques as a medium for visual expression and design;
2. demonstrate creative exploration, experimentation and integration of ideas, materials and techniques, through class and individual projects; and
3. apply knowledge of the historical, cultural and theoretical contexts and contemporary practices relevant to stitching as a medium for visual arts through development and execution of studio projects and research.

Research-Led Teaching

In Subverting Stitch students will expand and develop their hand and machine stitching skill, learning how to describe, analyse and evaluate their own work and the work of others in in the field of contemporary practice.

Students are encouraged to consider how through their chosen material approaches and subjects might lead them to explore the language and potential of studio-based

research in new and significant ways. They will learn to articulate how their material choices give rise to different readings, and how their practice- based

research can be contextualised both historically and in the contemporary field.

This course is aimed at developing skills relevant to all hand and machine stitch processes can connect artworks to important questions of gender and sexual identity,

politics, the environment, and visual representations of data. Students are required to be open and curious and to apply examples laterally to their own individual research projects.

Field Trips

Occasional field trips may be scheduled throughout the semester.

Additional Course Costs

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

The Material Fee is payable to the School of Art & Design to supply consumables and materials that become your physical property. The Additional Materials Fee is payable for materials you use in addition to those supplied as part of the course. You can purchase additional material from the Workshop and take advantage of the GST-free status. These materials are also WHS and workshop process compliant.

Students have the option to obtain After hours Access to workshop and studio spaces outside of class delivery. After hours Access is defined as access to workshop and studio spaces outside of business hours between 6.00pm and 10:00pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 4pm Saturday - Sunday. It is afforded to students by paying an After hours Access Fee each semester.

For further information and to Pay Materials and Access Fees go to: https://soad.cass.anu.edu.au/required-resources-and-incidental-fees  

Examination Material or equipment

Please see Wattle for assessment submission points online and for the co-ordination of on campus install of final works 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 and assessment submission point.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying remotely, 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 on assignments
• verbal comments on work progression in class
• verbal and written feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc
• peer to peer feedback

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	Course introductionExperimental works: Grunge: the everyday – stitch as the low-fi amateur form of constructionIntroduction into Assessment #1 and Assessment #4	OHS briefing – times allocated for individual OHS assessment
2	Experimental works: Applique – Private home and political picture makingQuilt as form	Individual OHS assessment
3	Experimental works: Applique continued	Individual OHS assessment completed prior to class
4	Experimental works: Time as embodied in form Gendered language – feminist and queer the amateur Introduction into Collaborative project Assessment #2 Tapestry/long stitch
5	Experimental works: Tapestry/long stitch	hand in Assessment #1
6	Experimental works: Gendered language – feminist and queer the amateur Introduction into Assessment #3 Sampler
7	discussion of Experimental works - Students hang a group of thier works made so far. Group discussion assisting students to refine the reflection on one work.
8	discussion of Tapestry works Assessment #2 works - Students hang group work and Individual meetings
9	Individual meetings Assessment #3 and Assessment #4
10	Group Discussion of work in progress Assessment #3
11	Group Discussion of work in progress Assessment #3	hand in Assessment #2
12	Final viewing group and individual discussions student to student of Assessment #3 and Assessment #4

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Experimental Applique	20 %	14/03/2024	1,2,3
Collaborative Tapestry Project	20 %	14/05/2024	1,2,3
Sampler	30 %	04/06/2024	1,2,3
Self-directed Project	30 %	04/06/2024	1,2,3

* 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
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• 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. Personal research is a key requirement in the development of your independent project.

Students are expected to participate collaborative group projects through-out the semester. This will require you to work co-operatively and constructively with your collaborator.

Students are expected to participate in group discussion and critical debate during seminars, group critiques and studio demonstrations and activities.

Assessment Task 1

Experimental Applique

Select a cause, issue of social concern, or public commentary relevant to you. Design a piece – such as a quilt, banner, banneret, wall hanging, slogan on clothing or costume - responding to your chosen issue using techniques of applique.

 

Planning and design should include samples and tests of finishes and techniques – hand sewn, iron on applique, machine sewn applique. Your plan should include a brief rationale or explanation as to your chosen issue and approach. Please include 1 to 3 examples of artworks, cultural phenomena or material history that your project draws on. Reflect on how you have explored this aesthetically and conceptually in a short paragraph and /or through notes in the images.

 

A full outline of this task will be posted to wattle

Rubric

criteria	HD	D	CR	P	Fail
Demonstrate competency with a range of stitching and applique techniques as a medium for visual expression and design LO1	Rich and compelling variety of techniques and processes in samples and works, with a high degree of competency and finish – ranging from loose and ugly to refined and sophisticated.	Wide variety of techniques and processes in samples and works, some with a high degree of competency. Some range in aesthetic expression	Some variety of techniques and processes in samples and works, with some range of competency and finish.   Small range in aesthetic expression	Basic techniques explored to differing levels of finish   Limited range in aesthetic expression	All samples and works incomplete and underworked
Demonstrate creative exploration, experimentation of applique techniques and integrates concepts and ideas with materials and processes LO2	Consistently demonstrates   competency to an exceptionally high level across all processes    Planning and design for larger piece shows detail and reflection on intentions, and potential meanings and associations	Consistently demonstrates this criteria to a high level across all studio projects    Planning and design for larger piece shows developing reflection on intentions, and potential meanings and associations.	Demonstrates   competency to a proficient level across processes    Planning and design for larger piece describes intentions and associations.	Demonstrates this criteria to an adequate level across studio projects   Planning and design for larger piece has limited description and gaps in stated intentions.	Does not demonstrate this criteria to a sufficient level across studio projects   Planning and design for larger piece is absent.
Reflect on how this work connects to relevant contemporary art, theory and philosophical frameworks LO3	More than 2 work referenced and connection to project clearly described, analysed and own work demonstrates integrated learnings   Connects own work to a relevant and nuanced historical or contemporary social and artistic context   High level of knowledge and insight demonstrated in research and applied in projects evident in work and clearly articulated in discussion	More than 1 work referenced and connection to project clearly described, and analysed or own work demonstrates integrated learnings.   Connects own work to a relevant historical or contemporary social and/or artistic context   Knowledge and Insight demonstrated in research and applied in projects, evident in work and articulated in discussion	More than 1 work referenced and connection to project clearly described.   Attempt made to find a relevant historical or contemporary context for their work.   Knowledge and Insight developing in work and in discussion	Only 1 work referenced and connection to project not clearly evidenced.   No context for social or artistic concerns provided.   Limited knowledge and understanding demonstrated Not evident strongly in work and/or in discussion	No works referenced   No context for social or artistic concerns provided.     Does not demonstrate knowledge and understanding Not evident in work and/or in discussion

Assessment Task 2

Collaborative Tapestry Project

Design a tapestry piece with 1 or 2 other students that allows you to explore a range of tapestry stitches, colour relationships and gather embodied experience of the time and labour required to deliver a small to medium size piece.

A full outline of this task will be posted to wattle

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	Cr	P	Fail
demonstrate competency with a range of stitching techniques as a medium for visual expression and design LO1	High level of articulation and sophisticate analysis with sound evaluation	Strong articulation and developing analysis with some evaluation	Good articulation of evaluation. Some evidence of developing analysis	Adequate articulation of evaluation. No analysis demonstrated.	Not adequate articulation of this criteria
demonstrate creative exploration, experimentation and integration of ideas, materials and techniques, through class and individual projects LO2	Consistently demonstrates  competncy to an exceptionally high level across all processes	Consistently demonstrates this criteria to a high level across all studio projects	Demonstrates  competency to a proficient level across processes	Demonstrates this criteria to an adequate level across studio projects	?Fails to demonstrate this criteria to a sufficient level across studio projects
reflect on collaborative process and project planning. LO2	High level of knowledge and insight demonstrated in research and applied in projects evident in work and clearly articulated in discussion High level of articulation and sophisticate analysis with sound evaluation	Knowledge and Insight demonstrated in research and applied in projects evident in work and articulated in discussion Strong articulation and developing analysis with some evaluation	Some knowledge and understanding demonstrated Beginning to develop articulation in work and/or in discussion articulated in discussion Good articulation of evaluation. Some evidence of developing analysis	Limited knowledge and understanding demonstrated Not evident strongly in work and/or in discussion Adequate articulation of evaluation. No analysis demonstrated.	Fails to demonstrate knowledge and understanding Not evident in work and/or in discussion Not adequate articulation of this criteria

Assessment Task 3

Sampler

 Design and create a sampler piece that draws on motifs, compositions of contemporary art works and historical samplers. Your design and deliver will explore a range of embroidery stitches, colour relationships and gather embodied experience of the time and labour required to deliver hand stitched work.

A full outline of this task will be posted to wattle

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	Cr	P	Fail
demonstrate creative exploration, and evaluation of collaborative projects LO1	Rich and compelling combination of techniques and processes in work, with a high degree of competency. References and motifs from contemporary and historical examples and integrated into personal language	Techniques and processes in works, demonstrate competency. References and motifs from contemporary and historical examples and present and used in a consistent aesthetic expression	Some variety of techniques and processes in work, with some range of competency and finish.   References and motifs from contemporary and historical examples are present within a developing  aesthetic expression	Basic techniques explored to differing levels of finish   References and motifs from contemporary and historical examples are limited and not integrated into aesthetic expression	All samples and works incomplete and underworked   No references and motifs from contemporary and historical examples are present
demonstrate creative exploration, experimentation and integration of ideas, materials and techniques, through class and individual projects LO2	Consistently demonstrates   competency to an exceptionally high level across all processes    Planning and design of sampler shows detail and reflection on intentions, and potential meanings and associations.	Consistently demonstrates this criteria to a high level across all studio projects    Planning and design of sampler shows developing reflection on intentions, and potential meanings and associations.	Demonstrates   competency to a proficient level across processes    Planning and design of sampler describes intentions and associations.	Demonstrates this criteria to an adequate level across studio projects   Planning and design of sampler has limited description and gaps in stated intentions.	Does not demonstrate this criteria to a sufficient level across studio projects   Planning and design of sampler is absent.
apply knowledge of the historical, cultural and theoretical contexts and contemporary practices relevant to stitching as a medium for visual arts through development and execution of studio projects and research LO3	More than 2 work referenced and connection to project clearly described, analysed and own work demonstrates integrated learnings   Connects own work to a relevant and nuanced historical or contemporary social and artistic context   High level of knowledge and insight demonstrated in research and applied in projects evident in work and clearly articulated in discussion	More than 1 work referenced and connection to project clearly described, and analysed or own work demonstrates integrated learnings.   Connects own work to a relevant historical or contemporary social and/or artistic context   Knowledge and Insight demonstrated in research and applied in projects, evident in work and articulated in discussion	More than 1 work referenced and connection to project clearly described.   Attempt made to find a relevant historical or contemporary context for their work.   Knowledge and Insight developing in work and in discussion.	Only 1 work referenced and connection to project not clearly evidenced.   No context for social or artistic concerns provided.   Limited knowledge and understanding demonstrated Not evident strongly in work and/or in discussion	No works referenced   No context for social or artistic concerns provided.     Does not demonstrate knowledge and understanding Not evident in work and/or in discussion

Assessment Task 4

Self-directed Project

Make, plan, draw and/or design work or work(s) that explore some of your own political interests and personal identity.

You any use the same processes and techniques from the class assessment items or introduce new ones of your own.

Project must include a brief rationale or explanation as to your chosen issue and approach. Please include examples of artworks, cultural phenomena or material history that your project draws on. Reflect on your intentions and how you have explored this aesthetically and conceptually in a short paragraph and /or through notes in the images.

Further details on wattle

Rubric

criteria	HD	D	CR	P	F
Demonstrate competency with a range of hand stitching techniques as a medium for visual expression and design LO1	Rich and compelling combination of techniques and processes in work, with a high degree of competency and integrated into personal language	Techniques and processes in works, demonstrate competency. A consistent aesthetic expression	Some variety of techniques and processes in work, with some of competency and finish.   Small range or integration in aesthetic expression	Basic techniques explored to differing levels of finish   Limited range in aesthetic expression	All samples and works incomplete and underworked
demonstrate creative exploration, experimentation and integration of ideas, materials and techniques, through class and individual projects LO2	Consistently demonstrates   competency to an exceptionally high level across all processes    Planning, design and/or delivery of self-directed piece shows detail and reflection on intentions, and potential meanings and associations.	Consistently demonstrates this criteria to a high level across all studio projects    Planning, design and/or delivery of self-directed piece shows developing reflection on intentions, and potential meanings and associations.	Demonstrates   competency to a proficient level across processes    Planning, design and/or delivery of self-directed piece describes intentions and associations.	Demonstrates this criteria to an adequate level across studio projects   Planning, design and/or delivery of self-directed piece has limited description and gaps in stated intentions.	Does not demonstrate this criteria to a sufficient level across studio projects   Planning, design and/or delivery of self-directed piece is absent.
apply knowledge of the historical, cultural and theoretical contexts and contemporary practices relevant to stitching as a medium for visual arts through development and execution of studio projects and research LO3	Connects own work to a relevant and nuanced historical or contemporary social and artistic context   High level of knowledge and insight demonstrated in research and applied in projects evident in work and clearly articulated in discussion	Connects own work to a relevant historical or contemporary social and/or artistic context   Knowledge and Insight demonstrated in research and applied in projects evident in work and articulated in discussion	Attempts made to find a relevant historical or contemporary context for their work.   Some knowledge and understanding demonstrated Beginning to develop articulation in work and/or in discussion articulated in discussion	No context for social or artistic concerns provided.   Limited knowledge and understanding demonstrated Not evident strongly in work and/or in discussion	No context for social or artistic concerns provided.   Does not demonstrate knowledge and understanding Not evident in work and/or in discussion

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.

Returning Assignments

Students will need to collect artworks after assessment. See see wattle for times closer to examination

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 works is not common in a studio-based course, as students can seek feedback on projects throughout the semester. Requests for resubmission will be handled on a case-by-case basis

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 undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students