This course offers postgraduate coursework students the opportunity to work on the subject of a curatorial project undertaken by a member of staff, or a research associate in the Centre for Art History and Art Theory (CAHAT). Students will have the opportunity to reflect upon a research-led exhibition or public program that is in development, allowing them access to real-world examples of exhibition development and collaboration between academics and the GLAM sector. The content of the course will differ each year, subject to the projects in development by CAHAT staff and associates.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. question how research is presented to the public
2. critically evaluate the practical and conceptual premises of the exhibition
3. demonstrate an understanding of exhibition logistics including transport, care, and installation of works of art
4. identify the audience for exhibitions and public programs related to the project

Research-Led Teaching

This course draws upon my practical experience gained as a curator, programmer and researcher of modern and contemporary art.

Field Trips

N/A

Additional Course Costs

N/A

Examination Material or equipment

N/A

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	Introduction and course overview
2	The curatorial premise and exhibition proposals
3	Exhibition troubleshooting and curatorial scenarios 1
4	Site visits (TBC)	Assessment 1: Exhibition Proposal Outline due
5	Budgets and Exhibition Logistics
6	Afterlives: how does your work live past the exhibition	Assessment 2: Budget and Logistics Report due
7	Finding your curatorial voice
8	Site visits (ANU campus)
9	Contemporary debates in curating
10	Guest curators panel	Assessment 3: Curatorial Essay due
11	Student presentations
12	Student presentations
13		Assessment 4: Final Exhibition proposal due in exam week

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
Project proposal (1500 words) 20%	20 %	14/03/2025	28/03/2025	1,2,3,4
Budget and Logistics report (1500 words) 20%	20 %	04/04/2025	18/04/2024	1,3
Curatorial Essay (1500 words) 20%	20 %	09/05/2025	23/05/2025	1,2
Final Exhibition Proposal (3000 words) 35%	35 %	30/05/2024	13/06/2024	1,2,3
Participation to discussions in tutorials and critique of presentations 5%	5 %	*	*	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.

Assessment Task 1

Project proposal (1500 words) 20%

For the first assignment, students are required to develop a proposal that outlines a small independent curatorial project. This should elaborate on their project concept and rationale and provide details on its venue, format and target audience. The proposal should also include an initial artist shortlist of up to 4 artists with a supporting rationale, as well as an outline of public programming activities with associated rationale and budget. Please include Chicago Style Referencing and a Bibliography.

Rubric

Criteria	Fail	Pass	Credit	Distinction	High Distinction
strength of project concept, including artist shortlist and rationale for selection of artists. (LO 1,2,3,4)	Unclear project concept with unconvincing selection of artists and an unconvincing rationale for selection of artists.	Adequate project concept with adequate selection of artists and some rationale for selection of artists.	Clear project concept with clear selection of appropriate artists and a reasonable supporting rationale for selection of artists	Strong organisation of project concept with a convincing selection of artists accompanied by a strong supporting rationale for the selection of artists.	Excellent organisation of project concept with a thoroughly thought out selection of artists accompanied by an excellent support rationale for the selection of artists.
Clarity of format for curatorial project and identification of target audience. (LO 1)	Unclear format and failure to identify and pitch to appropriate target audience.	Adequate format with some identification of appropriate target audience and some specific targeting of that audience in the curatorial project proposed.	Clear format with clear identification of appropriate target audience and clear specific targeting of that audience in the curatorial project proposed.	Strong format with convincing identification of appropriate target audience and strong specific targeting of that audience in the curatorial project proposed.	Excellent format with very focused targeting of appropriate audience within the curatorial project proposed.
Organisation (LO 1)	Little or no structure Aimlessly rambles Completely off proposal/plan.	Adequate arrangement of ideas Usually remains focused on proposal/ plan.	Clear organisation of ideas Good use of paragraphing Remains focused on the proposal/ plan.	Strong organisation Effective use of paragraphing and topic sentences Logical paragraphs very focused on the proposal/plan clearly outlining the activities and steps involved.	Excellent organisation Extremely logical paragraphs with effective use of topic sentences. Excellent logical paragraph structure. Writing is entirely focused on the proposal/plan clearly outlining the activities and steps involved.
Writing (LO 1)	Poorly written with many spelling and grammatical errors.	Adequately written. Usually, correct grammar and spelling.	Well written. 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 in Chicago Manual Of Style format with footnotes and Bibliography (LO 1)	Inadequate referencing Incorrect referencing system.	Adequate referencing but with some mistakes and inconsistencies. Use of the Chicago Style Manual and footnotes.	Good referencing with few mistakes. Use of the Chicago Style Manual and footnotes.	Careful referencing with almost no mistakes Use of the Chicago Style Manual and footnotes.	Meticulous referencing and image labelling Use of the Chicago Style Manual and footnotes.

Assessment Task 2

Budget and Logistics report (1500 words) 20%

For the second assignment, students are required to submit a report that reflects on the budget and logistics considerations of their exhibition and details their plans to meet these requirements. The report should provide a realistic budget estimation for the exhibition and its various components. It should include research on what potential funding channels can be pursued to fund the necessary budget. The report should also detail exhibition logistics considerations like artwork production and material sourcing, technical installation, artwork maintenance and any other logistics requirements. 

Rubric

Criteria	Fail	Pass	Credit	Distinction	High Distinction
Clarity of logistics (LO 3)	Logistics outlined are unclear. Not well thought out logistical plan.	Adequate outlining of logistics and understanding of what the plan involves.	Clear utilising of logistics and understanding of what the plan involves with logical steps.	Strong utilising of logistics and understanding of what the plan involves with logical steps.	Sophisticated understanding of steps involved in logistics behind exhibition and other elements written with great clarity.
Organisation (LO 1)	Little or no structure Aimlessly rambles Completely off proposal/plan.	Adequate arrangement of ideas Usually remains focused on proposal/ plan.	Clear organisation of ideas Good use of paragraphing Remains focused on the proposal/ plan.	Strong organisation Effective use of paragraphing and topic sentences Logical paragraphs very focused on the proposal/plan clearly outlining the activities and steps involved.	Excellent organisation Extremely logical paragraphs with effective use of topic sentences. Excellent logical paragraph structure. Writing is entirely focused on the proposal/plan clearly outlining the activities and steps involved.
Writing (LO 1)	Poorly written with many spelling and grammatical errors.	Adequately written. Usually, correct grammar and spelling.	Well written. 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.

Assessment Task 3

Curatorial Essay (1500 words) 20%

For the third assignment, students are required to write a curatorial essay that will accompany their exhibition. This is to include points such as their curatorial premise, their thoughts on the chosen artists and works, how the works create a dialogue in the gallery space and beyond, how this exhibition adds value to current discourse and their hopes for the audience that sees it. Please include Chicago Style Referencing and a Bibliography.

Rubric

Criteria	Fail	Pass	Credit	Distinction	High Distinction
Clarity of topic (LO 1)	Topic outlined is unclear. Not well thought out theme and argument.	Topic outlined is adequate, but the theme and argument remain unclear.	Topic is good, and suited to the exhibition. Ideas are obvious and basic.	Topic is very good and provides a new way to think about the objects on show.	Topic is sophisticated and compelling, providing an excellent way to engage with the exhibition that brings the works together as a whole.
Suitability of curatorial essay (LO 2)	curatorial essay is unclear and does not relate well to the theme of the exhibition.	curatorial essay is adequate but is more descriptive than synthetic. It does not provide a overview for the public to understand the exhibition.	curatorial essay is good, but does not fully provide an overview for the public to understand the exhibition. It lacks imagination and could be more compelling.	curatorial essay is good, and provides a sound overview of the exhibition suitable for the general public. Work remains to bring it up to a professional standard for publication.	curatorial essay is excellent. It provides and imaginative and compelling way to think about the way the exhibition provides a new way to look at the objects on show. It is at a professional standard for publication.
Organisation (LO 1)	Little or no structure Aimlessly rambles Completely off the exhibition theme.	Adequate arrangement of ideas Usually remains focused on the exhibition theme.	Clear organisation of ideas Good use of paragraphing Remains focused on the exhibition theme.	Strong organisation Effective use of paragraphing and topic sentences Logical paragraphs very focused on the exhibition theme.	Excellent organisation Extremely logical paragraphs with effective use of topic sentences. Excellent logical paragraph structure. Writing is entirely focused on the exhibition theme.
Writing (LO 1)	Poorly written with many spelling and grammatical errors.	Adequately written. Usually, correct grammar and spelling.	Well written. 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 in Chicago Manual Of Style format with footnotes and Bibliography (LO 1)	Inadequate referencing Images inadequately labelled. Incorrect referencing system.	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 quotes.	Meticulous referencing and image labelling Use of the Chicago Style Manual and footnotes Excellent and balanced use of quotes.

Assessment Task 4

Final Exhibition Proposal (3000 words) 35%

For the final assignment of the course, students are required to build on the preceding assignments #1 and #2 to present a final proposal plan for their independent project. The final plan should include a budget, public programming activities, reflect on potential avenues for content creation and include a communications roll-out plan. it should also reflect on potential extensions and afterlives of the project, including documentation and archiving. Please include Chicago Style Referencing and a Bibliography.

Rubric

criteria	fail	pass	credit	distinction	high distinction
Clarity of logistics (3)	Logistics outlined are unclear. Not well thought out logistical plan.	Adequate outlining of logistics and understanding of what the plan involves.	Clear utilising of logistics and understanding of what the plan involves with logical steps.	Strong utilising of logistics and understanding of what the plan involves with logical steps.	Sophisticated understanding of steps involved in logistics behind exhibition and other elements written with great clarity.
Suitability of curatorial essay (2)	Public program section is unclear and impractical to implement.	Adequate understanding of what is entailed in planning and enacting a public program.	Clear understanding of what is entailed in planning and enacting a public program.	Strong understanding of what is entailed in planning and enacting a public program with well conceived realisable activities presented.	Excellent understanding of what is entailed in planning and enacting a public program with imaginative and realisable activities presented.
Feasibility of plans for afterlife to the project (1,2)	Little thought put into the afterlife of the project in terms of documentation.	Adequate planning in terms of the afterlife of the project and outlining of the documentation this would involve.	Clear planning in terms of the afterlife of the project and outlining of the documentation this would involve.	Strong planning in terms of the afterlife of the project and outlining of the documentation this would involve.	Excellent planning in terms of the afterlife of the project and outlining of the documentation this would involve presented with clear, realisable steps.
Organisation (1)	Little or no structure Aimlessly rambles Completely off proposal/plan.	Adequate arrangement of ideas Usually remains focused on proposal/ plan.	Clear organisation of ideas Good use of paragraphing Remains focused on the proposal/ plan.	Strong organisation Effective use of paragraphing and topic sentences Logical paragraphs very focused on the proposal/plan clearly outlining the activities and steps involved.	Excellent organisation Extremely logical paragraphs with effective use of topic sentences. Excellent logical paragraph structure. Writing is entirely focused on the proposal/plan clearly outlining the activities and steps involved.
Writing (1)	Poorly written with many spelling and grammatical errors.	Adequately written. Usually, correct grammar and spelling.	Well written. 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 in Chicago Manual Of Style format with footnotes and Bibliography (LO 1)	Inadequate referencing Images inadequately labelled. Incorrect referencing system.	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 quotes.	Meticulous referencing and image labelling Use of the Chicago Style Manual and footnotes Excellent and balanced use of quotes.

Assessment Task 5

Participation to discussions in tutorials and critique of presentations 5%

As this is a hands-on practical course aimed at developing students’ individual curatorial practices, participation is an essential component of the course. Students are required to actively participate in group activities and discussions and come prepared for required presentation sessions and group critiques. (LO 1, 2, 3, 4)

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. 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.

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 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