This course provides outstanding field-based visual art engagement opportunities with environments in and around the Canberra region. It offers supervised camping-based field trips that provide primary research opportunities to inform the production of artwork, both on-site and in the studio. Representatives and artists from local First Nation communities and organisations contribute to this course to enhance student understanding of cultural relationships with Country and the ongoing impacts of colonisation.

A field work fee is attached to this course to cover the cost of travel, camping and other field-based expenses. Students will only be permitted to undertake field trips following participation in a field work briefing which includes a WHS Hazard Assessment, and completion of ANU travel documentation.

This course may be delivered as a semester length course or offered as an intensive.

Students may complete this course twice for a maximum credit value of 12 units, provided they enrol in a different topic in each instance/semester. Please note that the course content, assessment structure, and reading list will change depending on the topic and the expertise of the lecturer convening the course. Please refer to the class summary for the specific term in which you wish to enrol for a detailed description.

 

Topics may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Balawan: Field Program

This course provides outstanding field-based visual art engagement opportunities with environments in and around the Canberra region. It offers supervised camping-based field trips that provide primary research opportunities to inform the production of artwork, both on-site and in the studio. Representatives and artists from local First Nation communities and organisations contribute to the course to enhance student understanding of cultural relationships with Country and the ongoing impacts of colonisation.

• Buugang: Field Program

This course provides outstanding field-based visual art engagement opportunities with environments in and around the Canberra region. It offers supervised camping-based field trips that provide primary research opportunities to inform the production of artwork, both on-site and in the studio. Representatives and artists from local First Nation communities and organisations contribute to the course to enhance student understanding of cultural relationships with Country and the ongoing impacts of colonisation.

Disclaimer: Applicants are advised that due to circumstances beyond the University's control (for example, floods or bush fires) it may not be possible for students to commence or complete this course as advertised, in which case an alternative lesson plan will be arranged to fulfil the course requirements.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. develop a method for field-based enquiry based on observations made in the field and create a body of artwork that reflects this methodology;
2. demonstrate the capacity to apply creative processes in the field and studio to primary research materials collected;
3. reflect critically on their own work and articulate their key concerns and reference points; and
4. show awareness of the cultural, environmental and social issues informing field research and associated creative processes.

Research-Led Teaching

The Environment Studio engages students in inquiry-based learning with an emphasis on research processes. Student’s understanding and discovery of the concepts that inform their creative processes forms the basis from which further inquiries into relevant discourses, arts and non-arts related, are conducted. The Environment Studio encourages research and questioning of the social, economic and political structures that contextualize each Field Study about a specific environmental theme (field research locations and associated themes). Research is initiated through briefings about the theme supported by the reading list and associated discussions. Students will be exposed to varying viewpoints from external informants joining the group. The depth of such research is reflected in the final folio, supportive work, written material and tutorials. 

Field Trips

Field Trip 1: 28/02/25 - 01/03/25

Field Trip 2: 30/03/25 - 03/04/25

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

Field Trips: Students are required to cover any material costs incurred for visual art production, as well as food expenses during field trips, and associated camping fees/park access fees when necessary.

Studio fee associated with bus hire, camping fees (second trip) and field logistics $180

Required Resources

Commonwealth supported students and domestic full-fee paying students generally must be able to complete the requirements of their program of study without the imposition of fees that are additional to the student contribution amount or tuition fees.

Provided that its payment is in accordance with the Act, a fee is of a kind that is into any one or more of the following categories:

(a) It is a charge for a good or service that is not essential to the course of study.

(b) It is a charge for an alternative form, or alternative forms, of access to a good or service that is an essential component of the course of study but is otherwise made readily available at no additional fee by the higher education provider.

(c) It is a charge for an essential good or service that the student has the choice of acquiring from a supplier other than the higher education provider and is for:

(i) equipment or items which become the physical property of the student and are not consumed during the course of study; or

(ii) food, transport and accommodation costs associated with the provision of field trips that form part of the course of study.

(d) It is a fine or a penalty provided it is imposed principally as a disincentive and not in order to raise revenue or cover administrative costs.

Recommended Resources

See literature and reading list on Wattle site and as suggested

Staff Feedback

Feedback includes periodic critique in the form of Reviews, IWP session in the field and class tutorials and appointments as required. These provide ongoing input towards works in progress, in order to develop students’ technical, formal, theoretical and critical skills.

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.

Other Information

Assessment requirements:

• Commitment to the course as demonstrated by attendance, participation in fieldwork and regular tutorials.
• Extent to which the folio of artwork presented for assessment reconciles with the agreed production outcome as outlined in the student’s current Work Proposal.
• The conceptual aspects (thoughts, sensibilities, ideas, theoretical position) underpinning the creative process engaged during the Study, as postulated in the folio of artwork and as documented in the student’s reflective journal, and / or artist statement/s.
• The quality and rigour of research associated with the production of artwork as demonstrated by the final folio, supporting work, written text, tests and experiments with materials, techniques and methods.
• The technical competence demonstrated by the folio and supporting work
• An understanding of how the artwork relates to discourses in art, in other disciplines, in local or regional communities or society at large. 

Referencing requirements:

• http://soa.anu.edu.au/study-protocols/referencing-guidelines-text.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Welcome & IntroductionsCourse overview, thematic introduction , reading groupsProvide Draft Schedule for Field Trips & Camp ListTravel Approval formsHomework: Pulse Indigenous Cultural Awareness module
2	WHS Risk Assessment & Travel Approvals Talk through Schedule for Field Trip 1 Introduce Work Proposal Document (Draft) and Positionality StatementAllocate Preliminary Presentation & Tutorial Groups (A & B)	Field Trip:Friday: Depart morning, travel and set up camp; 3.5 hrs field workSaturday: 5.5 hours plus pack up and depart by 2.00pm - back by 6.00pm Saturday
3	Developing independent work proposals (IWP), post field trip discussion(work proposal / ideas / sketches / notes / documentation)Scheduled making/Visual Diary timeCollage Exercise/ trip to NPG (NB: 3 hour class to make up for PUBLIC HOLIDAY Week 4)	First independent work proposals (IWP) and positionality statement drafts due via email Friday 5.00pm to lecturers
4	Public Holiday
5	Cultural Competency
6	Talk through Schedule for Field Trip 2 Allocated time for working on Visual Diaries/Positionality Statement/IWP(NB 3 hour class)
7	Trip Debrief, follow on discussions and project developmentGroup A + B Tutorial presentations (all students to attend) - note 3 hour class	NB Field Trip during the break: Depart 12.00pm Sunday, return by 5.00pm Thursday Consultations with identified individuals/groups/specialists Individual field consultations with lecturers Individual field work / reading discussions / camp fire discussions
8	PUBLIC HOLIDAY
9	Group A + B Tutorial presentations (all students to attend) - note 3 hour class
10	Scheduled making time/project development
11	Developing artist statement and titles workshop (3 hour class)
12	Group folio discussion, finalise artist statement, titles etc	ASSESSMENT ITEM Artist Statement due via email to lecturers COB Friday, Week 12. ASSESSMENT 20 min per student due during examination period

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
Contextualised portfolio of work : 50% (Folio 35%; accompanying IWP + Positionality Statement 15%)	50 %	02/06/2025	21/03/2025	1,2,3,4
Artist Statement (100-200 words) - 10%	10 %	23/05/2025	26/06/2025	1,3,4
Documentation (e.g. visual diaries, field notes, preparatory sketches, photographs, video footage, etc.) Diary submission Weeks 1-6 (10%) by mid semester Break Review; Weeks 7-12 at assessment (15%)	25 %	28/03/2025	04/04/2025	1,3,4
Participation in both Field Trips, class tutorials, ongoing discussions & WIP presentation	15 %	19/05/2025	26/06/2025	1,3,4

* 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

Contextualised portfolio of work : 50% (Folio 35%; accompanying IWP + Positionality Statement 15%)

Demonstrate application of field based enquiry and methodology as identified in IWP that informs a resolved, identified body of work as opposed to test pieces/samples and documentation. Creation of Positionality Statement (PS) to support work. (IWP and PS draft due Week 6)

Rubric

Criteria	HD 80-100	D 70 - 79	CR 60 - 69	P 50 - 59	F 0-49
1.Demonstrate application of field-based research to art production (LO 1,2,3,4)	Demonstrates highly innovative, creative and skillful application of field- based research to visual art production.	Demonstrates high level application of field- based research to visual art production.	Demonstrates competent application of field- based research to visual art production.	Demonstrates basic application of field- based research to visual art production.	Insufficient application of field- based research to visual art production.
2.Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes (LO 1,2,3,4)	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a very high level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a high level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a competent level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a adequate level	Fails to demonstrate critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes
3.Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production (LO 1,2,3,4)	Demonstrates a very high level of awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates a high level of awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates an awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates some awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production.	Demonstrates limited awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production.

Assessment Task 2

Artist Statement (100-200 words) - 10%

Develop a concise artist statement and titles that reflect the conceptual underpinnings, themes, materiality and/or essence of the final work.

Rubric

CRITERIA	HD 80- 100	D 70 - 79	CR 60 - 69	P 50 - 59	F 0 - 49
1.Demonstrate application of field-based research to art production (LO 1,3,4)	Demonstrates highly creative and skillful application of field- based research to visual art production.	Demonstrates high level application of field- based research to visual art production.	Demonstrates competent application of field- based research to visual art production.	Demonstrates basic application of field- based research to visual art production.	Insufficient application of field- based research to visual art production.
2.Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes (LO 1,3,4)	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a very high level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a high level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a competent level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a adequate level	Fails to demonstrate critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes.
3.Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production (LO 1, 3,4)	Demonstrates a very high level of awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates high level of awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates an awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates some awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates limited awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.

Assessment Task 3

Documentation (e.g. visual diaries, field notes, preparatory sketches, photographs, video footage, etc.) Diary submission Weeks 1-6 (10%) by mid semester Break Review; Weeks 7-12 at assessment (15%)

Documentation of research associated with the development of the final folio, including: visual diaries, blogs of supporting work samples, sketches, recordings, video, images, written text, tests, experiments with materials, techniques, and methods.Demonstarted engagement with appropriate artists, analysis and contextualisation of work.

Rubric

CRITERIA	HD 80 - 100	D 70 - 79	CR 60 - 69	P 50 - 59	F 0 - 49
1.Demonstrate application of field-based research (LO 1,3,4)	Demonstrates extensive skill/s and innovative methods for field-based inquiry.	Demonstrates high level skill/s and innovative methods for field-based inquiry.	Demonstrates competent skill/s and innovative methods for field-based inquiry.	Demonstrates basic skill/s and innovative methods for field-based inquiry.	Demonstrates insufficient skill/s and innovative methods for field-based inquiry.
2.Demonstrate application of field-based research to art production (LO 1,3,4)	Demonstrates creative and skillful application of field- based research to visual art production.	Demonstrates high level application of field- based research to visual art production.	Demonstrates competent application of field- based research to visual art production.	Demonstrates basic application of field- based research to visual art production.	Demonstrates insufficient application of field- based research to visual art production.
3.Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes (LO 1,3,4)	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a very high level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a high level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a competent level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a adequate level	Fails to demonstrate critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a adequate level
4.Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production (LO 1,3,4)	Demonstrates a very high level of awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates a high level of awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates an awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates some awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates limited awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.

Assessment Task 4

Participation in both Field Trips, class tutorials, ongoing discussions & WIP presentation

Commitment to the course as demonstrated by attendance, participation in fieldwork, and regular tutorials. Capacity to present WIP for group critique.

Rubric

CRITERIA	HD 80 - 100	D 70 - 79	CR 60 - 69	P 50 - 59	F 0 - 49
1.Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes (LO 1,3,4)	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a very high level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a high level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a competent level	Demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes to a basic level	Fails to demonstrates critical reflective thinking and substantiates artistic research outcomes
2.Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production (LO 1,3,4)	Demonstrates a very high level of awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates a high level of awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates an awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates some awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.	Demonstrates limited awareness and understanding of the contexts for research and art production; can explain, evaluate and reflect on a range of concepts and methodologies.

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 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