This unit will discuss objects and the relationship of people to objects. It will examine key moments in the history of objects over the past two centuries, with an emphasis on the post-war period and the current moment. Starting from motions of the object motivated by and motivating particular modern and contemporary art and craft practices, the unit will examine the production, consumption and distribution of objects, and the ways in which they have been collected, categorised and otherwise deployed to produce meaning.

Learning Outcomes

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

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of important theoretical and historical frameworks for interpreting objects in visual art discourse.
2. Apply relevant theoretical and historical frameworks for interpreting objects to contemporary visual art discourse.
3. Present written and oral arguments about theories of objects and their relationship with visual culture.

Field Trips

'Love and Desire: Pre-Raphaelite Masterpieces from Tate'

Additional Course Costs

Materials necessary for producing essays and tutorial presentations.

Required Resources

No resources additional to the student contribution amount or tuition fees.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course: written comments on essays, verbal comments in class and during individual consultations.

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). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Referencing requirements

Referencing Guidelines for essay writing and further information on how and why to cite your sources can be found at:

http://art-cass.anu.edu.au/current_students/referenceguide.php

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Statues, Casts, and the Pedagogical Object
2	'Objectivity'
3	Exhibitions / Collections / Collecting
4	Domesticating Objects
5	Ornamentation and the Aesthetic Interior	Object Biographies Due
6	Digital Humanities
7	Pre-Raphaelite Objects
8	Art and Objecthood / Objects Lost and Found
9	Fetishism (Woman as Object)	Gallery Assessments Due
10	Death, Memory and Sentimental Objects
11	Extreme Collectors
12	Revision and Consultations	Major Essays Due in exam period

Tutorial Registration

You are required to register for a tutorial via Wattle.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Short Essay: Object Biography	25 %	29/03/2019	31/05/2019	1,2,3
Gallery Assignment: Pre-Raphaelite Objects	20 %	17/05/2019	31/05/2019	1,2,3
Long Essay	45 %	07/06/2019	04/07/2019	1,2,3
Participation	10 %	08/03/2019	04/07/2019	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 Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

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 ANU Online website. Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

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

Short Essay: Object Biography

Between weeks 1 and 6 we will be analysing objects of different kinds (e.g. neoclassical sculptures, scientific atlases, objects in the Great Exhibition of 1851 etc.), with a focus on objects produced, circulated, and exhibited as part of the British Imperial project. Using Karin Dannehl’s essay, ‘Object Biographies: From Production to Consumption’ as a guide, write a 1,500-word Object Biography.

Select any object produced between 1700-1900 and tell its life story. It can be an object that you encountered in class or elsewhere. It can be big or small, humble or rare, but make sure that it is of interest to you. It is recommended that you consult with me during office hours about your object choice and available resources.

Your object biography should include information about the origin, creation and/or creator(s) of the object, the date of its production, its medium, form, purpose, decoration, and use. What happened to the object after its creation? (i.e. Did it travel? Was it exhibited? Was it reproduced? Was it destroyed?) Are there any descriptions of it? Where is it now? Then answer the following question: What does your object and its life story reveal about the significance of objects of its kind (e.g. blue-and-white china, Swiss army knives, tea sets) during the period of British colonialism?

 

Note: Assignments with bibliographies of less than four reputable sources will be penalised.

 

Word limit: 1,500 words

Value: 25%

Presentation requirements: upload to wattle.

Due: 29 March

Assessment Task 2

Gallery Assignment: Pre-Raphaelite Objects

Select a 2-dimensional artwork (painting, drawing, print, tapestry) on display in the 'Love and Desire: Pre-Raphaelite Masterpieces from the Tate' exhibition at the National Gallery of Art.

Visually analyse your selected artwork (medium, size, colour, composition, narrative and meaning). Then answer the following questions: What objects are depicted in your chosen artwork (e.g. books, vases, mirrors etc.)? Do these objects appear anywhere else in the exhibition? And, what is the role of objects—real and imagined—in Pre-Raphaelite Art?

Note: Assignments with bibliographies of less than four reputable sources will be penalised.

Word limit: 1,000 words

Value: 20%

Due: 17 May

Rubric

Criteria	Fail	Pass	Credit	Distinction	High Distinction
RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE	Does not include a bibliography (when required) Little knowledge of major themes	Adequate range of sources (when required) Relies mostly on internet sites Adequate understanding of the topic	Good range of references but missing significant sources (when required) Good understanding of the topic and major issues	Wide range of sources, including peer reviewed articles, but missing some authors (when required) Thorough knowledge of the major issues and perceptive analysis of major points	Thoroughly researched, consulting all the major sources, including peer reviewed journals (when required) Sophisticated understanding of the major issues and awareness of complexities
ARGUMENT	Lacks any argument and does not address the assessment criteria	Sound attempt to write an argument and adequately address the assessment criteria	Clearly stated argument which addresses the assessment criteria convincingly	Strong argument that presents a wide range of convincing points	Highly sophisticated and lucid argument that addresses the assessment criteria comprehensively and insightfully
VISUAL ANALYSIS	Does not discuss relevant images	Includes a suitable choice of images with a basic analysis Visual analysis integrated in a basic manner	Suitable choice of images with comprehensive visual analysis Visual analysis successfully integrated into the overall argument	Suitable choice of images with discerning visual analysis Visual analysis astutely integrated into the overall argument	Excellent choice of images, with highly perceptive visual analysis Visual analysis integrated into the overall argument in a compelling and seamless manner
ORGANISATION	Little or no structure Aimlessly rambles Completely off topic	Adequate arrangement of ideas Usually remains focused on the topic	Clear organisation of ideas Good use of paragraphing Good introduction and conclusion Remains focused on the topic	Strong organisation Effective use of paragraphing and topic sentences Logical paragraphs Effective introduction and conclusion	Excellent organisation Extremely logical paragraphs with highly effective use of topic sentences Engaging and highly effective introduction and conclusion
WRITING	Poorly written with many spelling and grammatical errors	Adequately written essay Usually correct grammar and spelling	Well written essay Usually correct grammar and spelling	Fluently written essay Minimal grammatical and spelling errors	Highly articulate and written in an eloquent style Comprehension enhanced by grammar and spelling
REFERENCING (when required)	Inadequate referencing Images inadequately labeled	Adequate referencing and image labeling but with some mistakes and inconsistencies Use of the Chicago Style Manual and footnotes	Good referencing and image labeling with few mistakes Use of the Chicago Style Manual and footnotes	Careful referencing and image labeling with almost no mistakes Use of the Chicago Style Manual and footnotes Effective use of quotes	Meticulous referencing and image labeling Use of the Chicago Style Manual and footnotes Excellent and balanced use of quotes

Assessment Task 3

Long Essay

Between weeks 7 and 12 we will be engaging with the history and theory of art objects from the early twentieth century until today. Building on the material we have encountered in class, you are required to produce a substantial research essay on the theme of ‘Objects of Art’ and / or ‘Art Objects.’

Essay questions will be circulated at the beginning of Week 7. You also have the option of designing your own research question in consultation with me.

Your essay should demonstrate your ability to research, observe, analyse, and construct arguments in relation to visual materials.

 

Note: Assignments with bibliographies of less than six reputable sources will be penalised.

 

Word limit: 2,500 words

Value: 45%

Presentation requirements: upload to Wattle.

Due: 7 June 2019

Assessment Task 4

Participation

Students will be expected to attend all lectures and tutorials and participate in them: participation includes reading the texts specified as weekly reading (loaded onto wattle), contributing to tutorial discussions, and completing unassessed tasks (e.g. presentations and reading questions).

Word limit: N/A

Value: 10%

Presentation requirements: participation in tutorials, and contributions to the class forum on Wattle.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

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) as 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

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.

Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Work submitted electronically will be responded to on Wattle.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. The Course Convener may grant extensions 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

Students who fail to score a pass, but are marked between 45% and 49% will have the opportunity to resubmit.

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 Diversity 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