In this course, students are introduced to the core skills, concepts and terminology fundamental to contemporary arts practices. Students will work both individually and collaboratively to experiment with materials and processes and learn to describe and analyse artworks through critical reflection. Students will be asked to consider First Nations and Indigenous perspectives and a range of social, cultural, ethical and environmental issues contributing to current debates in contemporary arts practice.
This course provides a common foundation for students undertaking the Bachelor of Visual Arts program by orienting students on how to navigate their program of study, the School of Art & Design, and institutional and external learning resources . Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) instruction is an integral part of this course.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- recognise and apply terminology, concepts and core skills fundamental to visual arts practices;
- work independently and collaboratively to acquire skills and knowledge for use in arts practices;
- recognise and reflect on Indigenous and First Nations perspectives and cultural contributions;
- demonstrate an awareness of current debates and relevant social, cultural, ethical and environmental issues in contemporary art;
- experiment with materials to take aesthetic and conceptual risks; and
- describe and discuss the studio-based outcomes and artworks by one’s self and others.
Research-Led Teaching
The lecturers in this course will incorporate their specific research interests into the lecture and activity content.
Field Trips
N/A
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
Required Resources
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for all studio classes, including closed footwear.
Notebook or sketchbook, pens and pencils. 4-8GB USB drive.
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, 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 | 9-10am: Seminar
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| 2 | 9-10am: Seminar
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Discussion forum post due before class. |
| 3 | 9-10am: Seminar
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Discussion forum post due before class. |
| 4 | 9-10am: Seminar
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Discussion forum post due before class. |
| 5 | 9-10am: Seminar
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Discussion forum post due before class.Studio Rotation assessment task due 11:55pm Friday. |
| 6 | 9-10am: Seminar
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Discussion forum post due before class. |
| 7 | 9-10am: Seminar
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Discussion forum post due before class. |
| 8 | 9-10am: Seminar
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Discussion forum post due before class.Studio Rotation assessment task due 11:55pm Thursday (due to Anzac Day). |
| 9 | 9-10am: Seminar
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Discussion forum post due before class. |
| 10 | 9-10am: Seminar
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Discussion forum post due before class. |
| 11 | 9-10am: Seminar
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Discussion forum post due before class. |
| 12 | 9-10am: Seminar
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Discussion forum post due before class.Studio Rotation assessment task due 11:55pm Friday. |
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 | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video & Screen | 30 % | 14/03/2025 | 1,2,4,5,6 |
| Print & Draw | 30 % | 24/04/2025 | 1,2,4,5,6 |
| Objects in Space | 30 % | 23/05/2025 | 1,2,4,5,6 |
| Discussion & Critique | 10 % | 20/05/2025 | 1, 3, 4, 6 |
* 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
Participation is an essential and required part of this course. This is an in-person, hands-on, seminar and studio-based course in which student learning and knowledge is actively constructed and extended through interactive discussions, group collaborations, and working with materials and processes in studio and workshop settings with supplies materials and supervised use of equipment adhering to WHS protocols. Students are expected to be prepared and ready to participate in every lesson, and to immediately contact the course convenor, lecturers and technical officers to swiftly make-up for any missed delivery. This is a fast-paced course that rotates through several studios and projects, so staying current is critical as each project is scaffolded and builds on the prior week.
Participation is measured quantitatively and qualitatively every week through participation activities as distinctly indicated in the assessment task rubrics, and are included in every assessment task.
Examination(s)
All of the assessment task submissions will be completed and submitted by the end of Week 12. There are no scheduled examinations or submissions due in the examination period.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,4,5,6
Video & Screen
Requirements: A video artwork (1-minute duration) and online project website, documenting work in progress and research of 6 relevant artworks.
Value: 30%
Rubric
| Criteria | Exceeds Expectations (100-70) | Meets Expectations (69-50) | Below Expectations (49-0) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
STUDIO ENGAGEMENT:? Demonstrate consistent and active engagement in studio sessions, including punctuality, preparedness, WHS adherence, clean ups, and cooperation with peers. (LOs 2)? | Always present and fully engaged throughout each studio session, showing initiative in discussions and activities. Consistently adheres to all safety protocols without reminder and actively contributes to a positive and productive lab environment.? | Attends and participates in studio sessions, comes prepared, and follows WHS protocols. Contributes to lab activities as expected and participates in clean-up.? | Sometimes late or unprepared for studio sessions, sporadic participation or disengaged. May need reminders to follow WHS protocols and clean-up efforts. Undependable or withdrawn in class.? | ||
TECHNICAL SKILLS & EXPERIMENTATION:?? Demonstrate an understanding of digital workflows and experiment with introduced technical skills in video editing software and online platforms. (LOs 1, 2, 5) | Project work incorporates advanced tools and techniques in Adobe Photoshop and Premiere.?Files are always correctly formatted and well organised. Extensive experimentation with a range of visual and audio?material informs the technical process, resulting in original outcomes.? | Project work incorporates standard tools and techniques in Adobe Photoshop and Premiere. Files are adequately formatted and organised. Experimentation with visual and audio?material informs the technical process, demonstrating competence with introduced workflow. | The project?is not complete. Files are incorrectly formatted or organisation. Limited evidence of experimentation and testing with visual and audio?material results in outcomes that do not demonstrate understanding of introduced techniques. | ||
CRITICAL EXPLORATION:?? Create a 60-second video that transforms original animation and video material through digital techniques of looping, layering, temporality and composition.? (LOs 1, 5, 6) | A sophisticated visual language is created through novel approaches to looping, layering, temporality and composition.? The choice of media is informed by material, contextual, and aesthetic associations that are transformed and expanded through original approaches to video. | Creative approaches to looping, layering, temporality and composition are consistently applied. Media is chosen with consideration to material, contextual, and aesthetic associations that are transformed through the video making process. | The video does not involve techniques of looping, layering, temporality and composition. The material, contextual, and aesthetic associations of the chosen materials, or their transformation, are not considered. | ||
CONTEXTUALISATION & CITATION:?? Evidence and articulate understanding of project-related themes through diverse, relevant sources and adherence to a standard citation style.? (LOs 1, 4, 6) | The project website demonstrates thorough independent research using a diverse range of sources to locate and evaluate more than six highly relevant artworks. Chosen references are discussed to explore current contexts of contemporary art. An appropriate style guide for citations is accurately and consistently adhered to. | The project website demonstrates sufficient independent research using a range of sources to locate and evaluate six relevant works. Chosen references relate to current contexts of contemporary art. The student attempts to apply an appropriate style guide for citations. | The project website includes fewer than six relevant reference artworks. References show limited engagement or research into contemporary art. Citations are absent and/or a style guide is not applied. |
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,4,5,6
Print & Draw
Requirements: Written response (450-500 words) reflecting on your studio work with drypoint, Tetrapaks, printing and sculpture, including 3-4 scholarly citations.
Value: 30%
Rubric
| Criteria | Exceeds Expectations (100-70) | Meets Expectations (69-50) | Below Expectations (49-0) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
STUDIO ENGAGEMENT:? Demonstrate consistent and active engagement in studio sessions, including punctuality, preparedness, WHS adherence, clean ups, and cooperation with peers. (LOs 2)? | Always present and fully engaged throughout each studio session, showing initiative in activities. Consistently adheres to all WHS protocols without reminder and actively contributes to a positive and productive studio environment.? | Attends and participates in studio sessions, comes prepared, and follows WHS protocols. Contributes to studio activities as expected and participates in clean-up.? | Sometimes late, absent, or unprepared for studio sessions, sporadic participation or disengaged. May need reminders to follow WHS protocols and clean-up efforts. Undependable or withdrawn in class.? | ||
TECHNICAL SKILLS & EXPERIMENTATION:?? Demonstrate an understanding of drawing and printmaking processes and experiment with introduced approaches to line, composition, form, and drypoint printing. (LOs 1, 2, 5) | Project work incorporates advanced approaches to line and composition in drawing.?Engages confidently with?drypoint printing through dynamic exploration of the Tetra Pak form.? Extensive experimentation informs the arrangement and rearrangement of prints.? | Project work shows consideration of approaches to line and composition in drawing.?Engages adequately with?drypoint printing through exploration of the Tetra Pak form.? Sufficient experimentation informs the arrangement and rearrangement of prints.? | Project work shows limited consideration of approaches to line and composition in drawing.?Minimal understanding of drypoint printing and/or minimal/no exploration of the Tetra Pak form.?Experimentation with the arrangement and rearrangement of prints is minimal or not evident. | ||
CRITICAL EXPLORATION:?? Create a critical narrative reflecting on the dual transformation of the material and concepts of the TetraPak, drawing connections between the process and broader cultural contexts. (LOs 1, 4, 6) | Articulates a sophisticated narrative that demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the dual transformation concept.? Written work insightfully connects the studio materials and process to broader cultural contexts and is well-supported by a range of relevant references.? | Provides a clear narrative that demonstrates understanding of the dual transformation concept. Written work effectively connects the studio materials and process to broader cultural contexts and includes appropriate references.? | The narrative is unclear, showing limited understanding of the concept of transformation. Written work does not effectively connect the studio materials and process to any cultural contexts and includes minimal or irrelevant references.? | ||
CONTEXTUALISATION & CITATION:?? Evidence and articulate understanding of project-related themes through diverse, relevant sources and adherence to a standard citation style.? (LOs 1, 4, 6) | The written response demonstrates thorough independent research using a diverse range of sources to locate and evaluate more than six highly relevant artworks. Chosen references are discussed to explore current contexts of contemporary art. An appropriate style guide for citations is accurately and consistently adhered to. | The written response demonstrates sufficient independent research using a range of sources to locate and evaluate six relevant works. Chosen references relate to current contexts of contemporary art. The student attempts to apply an appropriate style guide for citations.? | The written response includes fewer than six relevant reference artworks. References show limited engagement or research into contemporary art. Citations are absent and/or a style guide is not applied. |
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,4,5,6
Objects in Space
Requirements: An 8-10 page photo-essay using images and written responses to convey a narrative of your studio process and associated research.
Value: 30%
Rubric
| Criteria | Exceeds Expectations (100-70) | Meets Expectations (69-50) | Below Expectations (49-0) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
STUDIO ENGAGEMENT:? Demonstrate consistent and active engagement in studio sessions, including punctuality, preparedness, WHS adherence, clean ups, and cooperation with peers. (LOs 2)? | Always present and fully engaged throughout each studio session, showing initiative in activities. Consistently adheres to all WHS protocols without reminder and actively contributes to a positive and productive studio environment.? | Attends and participates in studio sessions, comes prepared, and follows WHS protocols. Contributes to studio activities as expected and participates in clean-up. | Sometimes late or unprepared for studio sessions, sporadic participation or disengaged. May need reminders to follow WHS protocols and clean-up efforts. Undependable or withdrawn in class.? | ||
TECHNICAL SKILLS & EXPERIMENTATION:?? Demonstrate an understanding of moulding and casting processes. Experiment with introduced approaches of deconstruction and reconfiguration with chosen to create hybrid objects. (LOs 1, 2, 5) | Project work incorporates advanced approaches to moulding and casting processes.?Works confidently with materials through detailed exploration.?Extensive experimentation informs the creation of original hybrid objects through an iterative process of deconstruction and reconfiguration. | Project work shows sound understanding of moulding and casting processes.?Works well with?materials through adequate exploration. ?Experimentation informs the creation of hybrid objects through a process of deconstruction and reconfiguration.? | Project work shows minimal understanding of moulding and casting processes.?Material work is incomplete or insufficient. There is little evidence of experimentation or engagement with the deconstruction and reconfiguration process to create hybrid objects. | ||
CRITICAL EXPLORATION:?? Create a photo essay using drawings, photographs, reference artworks and written reflections to document the process and analyse the physical and conceptual transformation of your object. (LOs 1, 4, 6) | The photo essay presents a sophisticated and coherent narrative of the process. Drawings, photographs, reference artworks and written reflections are combined effectively to document and analyse both the physical and conceptual elements of transformation. | The photo essay presents a clear narrative of the process. Drawings, photographs, reference artworks and written reflections are included to document the process. Analysis of physical and conceptual elements of transformation is evident. | The photo essay is disjointed and/or insufficient. Some drawings, photographs, reference artworks and written reflections are missing, demonstrating incomplete work and/or limited interpretation of the transformation process. | ||
CONTEXTUALISATION & CITATION:?? Evidence and articulate understanding of project-related themes through diverse, relevant sources and adherence to a standard citation style.? (LOs 1, 4, 6) | The photo essay demonstrates thorough independent research using a diverse range of sources to locate and evaluate more than six highly relevant artworks. Chosen references are discussed to explore current contexts of contemporary art. An appropriate style guide for citations is accurately and consistently adhered to. | The photo essay demonstrates sufficient independent research using a range of sources to locate and evaluate six relevant works. Chosen references relate to current contexts of contemporary art. The student attempts to apply an appropriate style guide for citations.? | The photo essay includes fewer than six relevant reference artworks. References show limited engagement or research into contemporary art. Citations are absent and/or a style guide is not applied. |
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1, 3, 4, 6
Discussion & Critique
Requirements: Complete 100-word posts on the online discussion forum in response to weekly prompts.
Due: Weekly, before class
Rubric
| Criteria | Exceeds Expectations (100-70) | Meets Expectations (69-50) | Below Expectations (49-0) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Consistently complete discussion forum posts (100 words per week) on relevant topics. (LOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6) | Completes more than 8 relevant weekly posts, incorporating citations drawn from class Zotero library. | Completes 6-8 weekly posts that address relevant topics. | Fewer than 8 relevant or complete weekly posts. |
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
Convener
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Research InterestsMedia art, interdisciplinary practice. |
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Dr Anna Madeleine Raupach
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
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Dr Anna Madeleine Raupach
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Instructor
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Research InterestsMedia art, interdisciplinary practice. |
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AsPr Lindsay Kelley
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Instructor
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Research InterestsMedia art, interdisciplinary practice. |
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Dr Sarah Rodigari
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